Lion King’s first int’l tour to kick off in Manila in 2018

MANILA, Philippines -  The Lion King is coming to Manila in March 2018.

The “short but sweet” announcement at exactly 12 noon on Concertus Manila’s Facebook page last Tuesday sent a flutter of excitement through social media, earning over 3K shares and more than a thousand comments two hours after.

According to a media release, the Michael Cassel Group in association with Disney Theatrical Productions will mount the first international tour of the musical Disney’s The Lion King. First stop: Manila. No explanation though why Manila was chosen as the “launchpad” of the pioneering international run of the enduring musical. But it’s safe to say that given the success of past international musical productions here, Disney’s The Lion King is assured of audience patronage. Philippine presenter is Concertus Manila.

After Manila, Disney’s The Lion King will subsequently roll into Singapore, Korea, Taiwan and South Africa. The tour coincides with The Lion King’s 20th year since debuting on Broadway in November 1997. It will also be the title’s 25th global production. The musical won six Tonys, including Best Musical in 1998.

In a statement issued to the media, Thomas Schumacher, president and producer of Disney Theatrical Productions, said:  “We’re proud to partner with our long-time friend Michael Cassel to bring the world renowned stage production of The Lion King to these vibrant cities. Julie Taymor and her extraordinary creative team have realized a production of enormous scale, beauty and heart. I cannot wait for new audiences to join us in the Philippines, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan and South Africa, the show’s creative birthplace.”

The show will feature a South African cast, confirmed its Tony award-winning director and costume designer Julie Taymor in a media release, just like The Phantom of the Opera production here in 2012. She said: “It is wonderful that these countries in Asia will be able to experience this new South African cast of The Lion King. They’re in for a tremendous treat as the soul of this music will come through these extraordinary performers.

“Asia is a big part of my life, having spent four years in Indonesia and travelled throughout many countries in the region. It is thrilling to bring this production back to a part of the world that has been a major inspiration in my life.”

Based on the 1994 Disney animated blockbuster of the same title, The Lion King musical is about the young lion Simba, heir to the King of the Pride Lands Mufasa, who gets exiled after being blamed for his father’s death, but eventually reclaims what’s rightfully his. Tickets to the Manila run will go on-sale in October.

Meanwhile, two other international productions are set to premiere this year. With the ongoing Wicked now down to its last two weeks, the Romeo and Juliet-inspired dance musical West Side Story and the family favorite The Sound of Music will come up next on Aug. 10 and Sept. 27, respectively, also at The Theatre of Solaire. UK-based live entertainment producer Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is behind the shows with Concertus Manila, a tandem that has been responsible for bringing to the country international tours of The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Les Miserablés and the repeat run of Wicked. For inquiries, call 403-8646 or 403-8678.