Disneyland closing ‘Tale of the Lion King’ musical
Disneyland is dropping the curtain on “The Lion King” musical stage show that offered a new adaptation of the ancestral story of how a young lion cub becomes king of the jungle told with singers, dancers and drummers.
“Tale of the Lion King” will end its run at the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland with final performances on Jan. 7, according to Disneyland officials.
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A new show for the Fantasyland Theatre has not been announced. Disneyland continues to look for ways to bring fan-favorite stories and experiences to life, according to Disneyland officials.
Disney Live Entertainment first staged “Tale of the Lion King” in summer 2019 at Disney California Adventure on the banks of Paradise Bay in the “World of Color” viewing area.
The theme park production featured new musical arrangements of popular songs from the original 1994 film — which, at the time, was celebrating its 25th anniversary.
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The “Tale of the Lion King” show moved to the Fantasyland Theatre in May 2022 after the yearlong pandemic closure of Disney’s Anaheim theme parks in March 2020.
“We loved this little show with great music and high-energy dancing,” according to MiceChat. “Be sure to see it one last time if you can.”
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Set on the African plains, the story tells the tale of the battle for Pride Rock after the death of Mufasa the lion king. The exiled Simba the lion cub must figure out how to grow up and take back his rightful throne from Scar, Mufasa’s murderous brother.
The new score incorporates elements inspired by the original compositions. Vocal performances are paired with a percussive soundtrack provided by a troupe of drummers. An Earth mother character named Mwongozo — Swahili for “guide” — serves as the show’s narrator.
The recent closure of “Rogers: The Musical” at DCA’s Hyperion Theater will leave the Disneyland resort with two dark theaters once the Christmas holiday season comes to a close in early January.