Broadway lion king songs

The running time of The Lion King is 2hr 30min.

Much of that bold transition can be credited to Julie Taymor, whose vision shaped the production in extraordinary ways.

The pair comes face-to-face with hungry hyenas Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed, but luckily, Mufasa rescues the cubs before they get eaten.

"They Live in You"

In this song, Mufasa teaches Simba a lesson about obedience and discipline, reminding his son he needs these virtues to be a good king someday. As the famous opening number of the musical goes, that's the circle of life.

The Lion King's music — penned by Elton John, Tim Rice, and more — has proven especially timeless.

The Pride Lands unfold from fabrics, shadows, and light. She won two Tony Awards for her work, which included designing the show's unique puppets.

The Lion King musical is mostly the same as the movie. This song's title parallels that of a later song with a similar theme, "He Lives in You."

"Be Prepared"

"Be Prepared" is one of the most beloved Disney villain songs in history, so naturally, it becomes a major number in the musical.

While their moms are away, Simba and Nala see an opportunity to explore the forbidden parts of the Pride Lands.

"I Just Can't Wait to Be King"

On their journey, Simba boasts to Nala about growing up and ruling the land someday — with no one to tell him what to do. He certainly felt the love!

"He Lives in You"

Despite Nala's insistence, Simba is reluctant to go back to the Pride Lands, as he believes himself responsible for his father's death and is therefore unworthy of the throne.

In Zulu, she swears to avenge the king's death and affirms that peace and prosperity will still reign supreme in the Pride Lands.

"Hakuna Matata"

Devastated by Mufasa's death — and convinced he is to blame — Simba runs away from the Pride Lands. The Zulu lyrics foreshadow his future role as king, with phrases translating to "rule with love, rule the Earth."

Shadowland

Nala decides to leave the desolate Pride Lands in search of help, singing a poignant ballad about hope and determination.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing; many doubted whether such an unconventional spectacle could ever find a home on the Great White Way. But when the curtain finally rose in 1997, Taymor silenced the skeptics. Sunsets bleed.

History of Creation: From Film to Phenomenon.

The story of The Lion King began as a groundbreaking Disney film in 1994, and it didn’t take long for it to capture hearts around the world.

Learn more about all the songs in The Lion King on Broadway.

The Lion King is recommended for ages 6 and up. Multiple songs feature lyrics sung partly or entirely in African languages like Swahili and Zulu, a nod to the cultural traditions from which the story draws.

Learn more about all the songs in The Lion King, including fun facts about the fan-favorite tunes and the meanings behind the African lyrics.

Get The Lion King tickets now.

"Circle of Life"

This opening number is recognizable from its first notes.

The Zulu lyrics "ibabeni njalo bakithi, ninga dinwa, ninga phelelwa nga mandla" translate to, "Hold on tight, my people. "The Madness of King Scar" shows him rapidly shift between arrogance that he'll save the kingdom and paranoia that he'll lose everything.

"Shadowland"

When Simba left the Pride Lands, he left Nala alone, but she never stopped fighting for her friend.

The script is by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, who adapted it from the Disney film's screenplay by Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton.

The Lion King's songs include all the film favorites, such as "The Circle of Life," "Be Prepared," "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." There are also multiple songs written specifically for the musical.

Useful Information: Planning Your Visit.

• The Lion King runs at the Minskoff Theatre, New York City, centrally located in Times Square.
• Performance times typically include matinees on Wednesdays and weekends, convenient for families.
• Tickets range from $89 to over $200, varying by seating and availability.
• Booking ahead is crucial, especially during holiday seasons and school breaks.

A special note: arriving early is recommended.

Julie Taymor’s Vision: Bold, Unforgiving, Genius.

"Grasslands Chant"

The Lion King's action kicks off in earnest once Simba has grown up a little bit.