‘Tale of the Lion King’ Fact Sheet

‘Tale of the Lion King’ Fact Sheet

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Beginning May 28, 2022, Disneyland Resort will present a new staging of “Tale of the Lion King” – a unique theatrical adaption of Disney’s “The Lion King” – at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park. This live stage production introduces all-new set pieces, original musical arrangements and choreography, with every aspect of the show honoring and drawing inspiration from the cultural roots of this timeless story. “Tale of the Lion King” is one of the ways guests can Celebrate Soulfully at Disneyland Resort.

An instant hit with guests of all ages when it debuted in 2019 at Disney California Adventure Park, the show is narrated by a traveling troupe known as The Storytellers of the Pride Lands, who re-enact the tale of how a lion cub became a king through dialogue, song, dance and percussion. As guests rediscover Simba’s journey, they’ll enjoy unique arrangements of treasured songs, including “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

From May 28 to July 4, families and kids can unleash their roaring creativity with a coloring craft activity before each performance at the Fantasyland Theatre – and they can dance along to the “Hakuna Matata” musical number with their creations.

The show will run Thursdays through Mondays at the Fantasyland Theatre. Guests can check Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app for show times.

A closer look at ‘Tale of the Lion King’

· The show is brought to life by an expanded cast of 20 actors, singers, dancers and drummers. Together, they form an ensemble called The Storytellers of the Pride Lands.

· “Tale of the Lion King” is a story-theatre adaption of the beloved animated film. As the lead narrator Mwongozo recounts Simba’s journey, Storytellers embody the roles of King Mufasa and his brother Scar; young Simba and Nala; and jokesters Pumbaa and Timon.

· Disney Live Entertainment designed new costumes and hairstyles for the ensemble dancers. The new costumes are elaborately designed with inspiration from the story, with details including vibrant colors, layering fabrics and African-styled headwear.

· At the back of the stage is a large screen that sets the mood for each scene with original media created specifically for “Tale of the Lion King.” The screen serves as an additional storytelling device that supports the tale being shared on stage by the ensemble of Storytellers.

· Choreographed by brothers Kevin and Marcel Wilson, this all-new staging of “Tale of the Lion King” incorporates exciting styles of dance such as African, house, stepping, jazz funk and contemporary.

· Among the show’s musical arrangements is an innovative mashup of Simba’s energetic song “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and Scar’s stirring warning “Be Prepared.”

· With Swahili as the most popular language of Sub-Saharan Africa and spoken by approximately 50 million people, select Swahili dialogue and lyrics are interweaved into this theatrical production.

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