The Lion King will come to the South African stage in 2007 as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations.
Co-producers Lebo M and Pieter Toerien said on Wednesday the Disney Production will be performed in the Teatro, a 1 900-seat theatre, the largest in South Africa, currently being built at Montecasino in Johannesburg.
South African performers have been in every single production of The Lion King, from the first show in New York to China, Britain, Canada, Japan, Australia, Germany and Holland. It is soon to open in South Korea.
”Audiences have seen and felt the extraordinary talent, warmth and spirit that these performers and the South African music bring to the show. We are all extremely proud that South Africa will host the 10th anniversary production of The Lion King,” said Thomas Schumacher, president of Disney Theatrical Productions.
The South African production will feature a purely South African cast of 53 artists. Countrywide casting is scheduled to begin in September and end early in 2007.
The technical team of 40 will consist of about half South Africans and half foreigners.
The 20-member orchestra will be South Africa as far as possible.
The Lion King is an extension of the award-winning animated film of the same name, which screened in South Africa in 1995.
The story follows the life and adventures of young Simba, a lion cub driven into exile after his father’s death, and his return to his kingdom to overthrow his wicked uncle and take up his rightful role as king.
The Lion King will open at the Teatro at Montecasino on June 6 2007. Booking for the show will open at Computicket on October 29 2006, and prices will range from R150 to R425. — Sapa