Disney's "The Lion King" ROARS into Atlanta's Fox Theatre!

Wow.  What more can be said besides, "WOW?"  ...and ALL CAPS at that.

By now, almost all of us have seen (or surely heard of) Disney's once most-successful animated feature, "The Lion King."  (The Lion King was recently toppled as Disney's most-successful animated film by the blockbuster Frozen.)

This stage adaptation of the famous movie has been going strong and shows no signs of slowing down as it approaches its 20-year Anniversary.  You may remember this little 15th Anniversary celebration on Good Morning America a few years ago.  It is, arguably, one of the most well-known and popular musical numbers from the show, "Circle of Life:"

Nothing stirs a Disney fan's heart more than the first uttering of song from Rafiki, where our primate friend calls out to the Prideland, summoning one and all to come and gather at Pride Rock for a presentation of the newest cub to the pride's royal family.  It has been said this first song creates such a rich African tapestry that it immediately transports us into the beauty and awesomeness of the African savannah.

I was more than blessed last night to receive media tickets for this event.  Lucky for me, the media tickets this go 'round (you never know where they might be located) where Orchestra level, left center.  As a true Disney and Lion King fan, I was elated when Brave PR handed me the ticket envelope and I opened it up to see the location.  I felt like Charlie when he had been given that last candy bar, and he slowly unwrapped it to see the golden ticket inside.

I quickly made my way to my seat and buckled in.  The last time I saw this performance was at Atlanta's Civic Center, and my family was high in the balcony.  All I could do was look down.  Tonight, I was going to be seated right in the middle of the action!

In case you are unfamiliar with The Lion King musical play, let me clue you in on a little secret -- the play begins from the BACK of house.  The animals make their way to the stage (Pride Rock) from the back of the theatre, down through the aisles, and up two sets of staircases to the Savannah -- elephants, wildebeests, birds, antelopes, and more.  It is a sight to behold.  Imagine hearing children and adults alike gasping, cheering, and clapping when they realized what was going on all around them. 

I said this last night, and I'll say it again now -- any play that is put on by Broadway ATL is top notch, but when you combine that with the level of quality that only Disney can provide - well, there is just too much musical magic for any one person.

As the play continued, it was all I expected it to be, and I could not have been happier.  I have heard about this play for years, and the Atlanta Fox Theatre production did not disappoint.  The Lion King is rich and abundant in African scenery, deep colors, and flavored music.  Music we have all listened to and loved for 20 years still sounds as fresh and as fun as it did in the 90s.  The theatrical production is a mirror image of the animated film, with a few more songs (written by Tim Rice and Elton John) added in.

The play runs two and a half hours long, with one 15-minute intermission, so make sure all bathroom breaks and concessions are secured before the show starts.  Also, the theatre has a 10-minute seating hold, so keep that in mind if you are running late.  You will not be permitted to enter the theatre until after the opening number since the cast and crew are actually making their way to the stage thru the house.

The actors and actresses in this play are nothing less than amazing - strong talent - from acting and singing to the puppetry arts (including two SUPERB younger talents - 10-year olds Jordan Hall as Simba and Nya Carter as Nala).

I was amazed at how many of the people around me shouted out, cheered, and gave standing ovations.  I love when adults, not just children, get wrapped up in Disney and the arts.

The Lion King will be having a long run here in Atlanta -- three weeks, playing now through April 27th.  The show plays Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30PM, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00PM, and Sunday evenings at 6:30PM, as well as matinees on Saturday at 2:00PM and Sundays at 1:00PM.  (A special weekday matinee will take place on Thursday, April 17 at 2:00PM.) 

Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre Box Office (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308), online at www.foxtheatre.org, or by calling 1-855-ATL-TIXX.  Orders for groups of twenty (20) or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

I highly recommend you go see The Lion King while you have an opportunity.  It is always a special time for the arts in Atlanta when Disney comes to town.

I leave you with this "rousing" number by Scar (the villain of our show), just posted by The Lion King's facebook page, along a few astonishing facts.

Interesting facts about The Lion King:

• Ten times a day, all over the world, the cry in the African language of Zulu rings out in a darkened theater:  "Nants ingonyama bagithi baba!  Sithi uhhmm ingonyama!"  ("Here comes a lion, Father.  Oh yes, it's a lion.")
  
  
• The North American travel company travels in 18 trucks (14 are tractor-trailers that haul duplicates of everything)!
  
  
• Each city The Lion King travels to needs one week of set up before the show arrives and opens.
  
  
• The Lion King is the highest-grossing show in Broadway history!
  
  
• The Lion King still fills it's Broadway home to capacity, 17 years later!
  
  
• The Lion King uses six African native languages, and all companies include native South African performers (the Atlanta show has six).
  
  
• The original Broadway recording of The Lion King can be listened to for **FREE** on Spotify!

Atlanta Audiences to Experience Blockbuster Broadway Shows in 2013-2014!!

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Theatre fans will once again have the opportunity to experience some of the most acclaimed shows offered on Broadway without leaving Atlanta.

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta is set to bring another season of the hottest musicals and first-rate Broadway performances to the historic Fox Theatre.

The 2013-2014 Season will also feature fan favorites GHOST The Musical, Once, Green Day’s American Idiot, and Evita.

Returning to Atlanta after six years, Disney’s The Lion King will be on stage at the Fox Theatre for the first time ever.  Audiences are in for a treat as a number of Broadway’s premier shows make their Atlanta debuts at the Fox Theatre.

“This is undeniably one of our most anticipated seasons in recent years,” said Russ Belin, vice president of Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta.  “We’re thrilled to continue offering such a strong line-up for our patrons, and the 2013-2014 Season is sure to exceed expectations. This series is packed with a mix of Tony Award-winning shows and some of the most recognized musicals in recent years. Atlanta will truly have the opportunity to get plugged in to the best of Broadway.”

GHOST The Musical

November 5-10, 2013

Relive the iconic and magical moments from the Oscar-winning movie “Ghost” in a brand-new Broadway musical.  GHOST The Musical breathes glorious new life into a timeless love story.  The musical features an original pop score from multiple Grammy Award-winners Dave Stewart, one half of the 80s pop duo the Eurythmics, and Glen Ballard, co-writer with Alanis Morissette on the multi-platinum album Jagged Little Pill, among many other notable credits and collaborations.  The musical’s tale of everlasting love is thrilling entertainment for audiences of all ages.

Adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, GHOST The Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death.  Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger.  Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

The Book of Mormon

January 28-February 9, 2014

Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” Entertainment Weekly says it’s “the funniest musical of all time.”  From South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it’s The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony Awards® including Best Musical. Jon Stewart of The Daily Show calls it “a crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry.” Contains explicit language.

Once

March 4-9, 2014

Winner of eight 2012 Tony® Awards including BEST MUSICAL, Once is a truly original Broadway experience.  Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs.

As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.  Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, Once draws you in from the very first note and never lets go.  It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams... not living in fear... and the power of music to connect all of us.

Disney’s The Lion King

April 10–27, 2014

Experience the phenomenon.  The most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the stage of the historic Fox Theatre for the first time.  Visually stunning, technically astounding and with a musical score like none other you’ve ever heard.

Giraffes strut, birds swoop, gazelles leap.  The entire savannah comes to life and as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. See the Tony® Award-winning Broadway sensation that Newsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment.”  The New York Times says, “There is simply nothing else like it.”  Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by a cast of more than 40 actors.  Wonder at the inspiration of award-winning director Julie Taymor, who created visual images for this show that you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar®-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”

Green Day’s American Idiot

Week of April 28 

Winner of two Tony Awards, the smash-hit musical American Idiot tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Based on Green Day’s Grammy Award®-winning multi-platinum album and featuring the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday,” and the blockbuster title track, American Idiot boldly takes the American musical where it’s never gone before.

With direction by Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), choreography by Steven Hoggett (Once, Black Watch) and orchestrations and arrangements by Tom Kitt (Bring It On, Next to Normal), the result is an experience Charles Isherwood of The New York Times declares “thrilling, emotionally charged, and as moving as any Broadway musical I’ve seen this year!” Contains explicit language.

Evita

June 3-8, 2014

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award®-winning musical returns at last!  Eva Perón used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady.

Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world — while her greed, out-sized ambition, and fragile health made her one of the most tragic.  Evita tells Eva’s passionate and unforgettable true story and features some of theater’s most beautiful songs, including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Another Suitcase in Another Hall,” and “High Flying, Adored.”

Don’t miss the stunning new production of Evita, directed by Michael Grandage and choreographed by Rob Ashford, that NBC New York calls “THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN!” 

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta’s 2013-2014 season packages are on sale now with prices ranging from $199—$559 for all six shows.

Season ticket prices will vary depending on the number of shows chosen, the number of performances, show time, day of the week, and seating location.

New subscriptions may be ordered on-line at BroadwayinAtlanta.com, via phone by calling 1-800-278-4447 Monday through Friday, 10AM-5PM.

Subscriber benefits include access to the best seats available, discounts of up to 30% on day-of-show pricing, free ticket exchanges, and ticket reprinting.

For current season subscribers, Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta will send renewal invoices via mail.  For ease and convenience, Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta will also send renewal information via e-mail and encourages patrons to subscribe online for the new season.

Current season ticket holders who wish to guarantee their same seats must renew by February 28.

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta is also offering a three -part installment payment plan this year to help ticket buyers with season purchases.

Tickets to individual shows in the 2013-2014 Season are not available for purchase at this time.   Single-show tickets typically go on sale to the general public 8-12 weeks prior to opening night.  However, season ticket holders have the unique opportunity to purchase additional tickets before they go on sale to the public.  For more information on the 2013-2014 Season, or to order online, please visit BroadwayinAtlanta.com.

Group reservations for individual shows for parties of 10 or more can be made at this time by calling 404-881-2000.  Applicable group minimum may vary depending on the show.

Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30PM, Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM, and Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM.  (All times are subject to change.)

An audio-described performance for the visually impaired and an American Sign Language-interpreted performance for the deaf are available for each pre-determined Saturday matinee of each presentation.

Broadway Across America:  Owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman), Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities.  Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world.  Broadway Across America most recently produced Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS on Broadway, while current and upcoming productions include WEST SIDE STORY, BLITHE SPIRIT, MINSKY’S, and the DeafWest production of PIPPIN.  Broadway tours include DORA THE EXPLORER, FROST/NIXON, SPAMALOT, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent, please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.