The award-winning musical “The Lion King” will make a roaring 25-show return to Taiwan from June, following a successful 2019 run at Taipei Arena, according to live entertainment company Michael Cassel Group (MCG) Monday.
The international touring production of the award-winning Broadway hit will return to Taipei Arena in June 2022, the MCG said in a statement.
The show, performed in English, will then head to the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) in July 2022 for the first time.
One show will be available per day from June 11 to 12, and from June 14 to 17, while there will be two shows each on June 18 and 19 at Taipei Arena, according to performing arts agency Kham Inc.
Meanwhile, at Weiwuying, one show per day will be performed from July 13 to 15, and from July 19 to 22, with two shows per day over the weekends of July 16 to 17, and July 23 to 24, according to Kham Inc.’s website.
Known as one of the world’s most popular stage musicals, with runs in over 100 cities across 21 countries, “The Lion King’s” return to Taiwan this year follows its box-office-breaking 2019 season at Taipei Arena.
Producer Michael Cassel said Taiwanese audiences could look forward to a truly authentic Broadway experience, delivered by an international cast.
“To be able to share the joy of Julie Taymor’s spectacular production with Taiwanese audiences once again is wonderful. We are thrilled to return to Taipei and play our first engagement in Kaohsiung,” Cassel said.
American writer and director Taymor is best known for her 1997 stage adaptation of the 1994 animated film “The Lion King,” which has garnered her Tony Awards for direction and costume design.
Felipe Gamba, vice president for international strategy and licensed partnerships at Disney Theatrical Productions, said Taymor and her creative team had brought “The Lion King” to thrilling theatrical life.
“This is a production of great beauty and sophistication, as well as tremendous heart. It’s a joy to bring this show to Taiwan again — we cannot wait for new audiences to join us here,” Gamba said.
According to Broadway.org, “The Lion King” has been seen by nearly 110 million people worldwide and is still running on Broadway, where it premiered on Nov. 13, 1997.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel