Las Vegas Sun

March 30, 2024

The Lion King

Scenes from The Lion King

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Jay Alger, who conducts "The Lion King," is a veteran of the orchestra pit.
Leading the lion’s den
Stage Production: The man who orchestrates the music of ‘The Lion King’
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The orchestra pit beneath “The Lion King’s” stage is a dark, cramped space where 21 musicians sit shoulder to shoulder, hip to hip, performing for a show they can’t see.
Lion King orchestra members
Music:
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The orchestra for the Las Vegas production of Disney's "The Lion King"

Buyi Zama performs as Rafiki, the mandrill griot and Greek chorus, clicking and popping and whooping her comments during a media run-through last week of scenes from the new production of "The Lion King" at Mandalay Bay. The show's colorful scenery evokes jungles, rivers and deserts.
‘The Lion King’ brought to life
Review: Stage version of the Disney film wows with sound and motion, color and characters
Monday, May 18, 2009
Before even taking measure of the uncompromised quality of “The Lion King” as a theatrical experience, it’s worth noting that the arrival of this Disney-produced musical on the Strip is significant.

Costumes and masks from "The Lion King" are displayed during a media preview of the new production at Mandalay Bay. Various puppetry techniques were used to create the show's effects.
Mane Attraction
the strip: ‘The Lion King’ promises to be an emotionally gripping theatrical, technical triumph
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The strange musical sound flows out of Buyl Zamma’s throat and chokes me with emotion. My eyes water as I sit awed by the opening number of “The Lion King.”
Young Simba's Duane Ervin, left,  and Elijah Johnson, center, along with Young Nala's Ruby Crawford, far right, and Jade Nelson, middle. They will perform in the new Las Vegas production of The Lion King, which opens with a preview performance May 5, 2009, at the Mandalay Bay Theatre. The 80-member cast and crew began preparing for the show Monday, March 9, 2009, at the rehearsal hall in a fittingly named place --  the Safari Business Park, 7850 Dean Martin Dr.
'The Lion King' announces international cast
musical:
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
An international cast - from South Carolina to South Africa - will be featured in the upcoming production of Disney's "The Lion King."
Masks from "The Lion King" are on display during a recent sneak peak at preparations for Disney's full-length production at Mandalay Bay. Previews begin April 22, and opening day is May 2. Disney could bring other productions here if this classic succeeds.
‘Lion King’ stalking the Strip
Disney bringing full-length favorite into Cirque du Soleil-dominant den
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Maybe Disney can challenge Cirque du Soleil for entertainment supremacy in Las Vegas. Disney plans to dip its paw in the water with “The Lion King.” The Broadway hit roars into town with previews beginning April 22 at Mandalay Bay and the premiere planned for May 2.