The Orpheum Theater in Omaha presents the cultural and theatrical phenomenon that is Disney’s The Lion King. The sensational Tony Award®-winning Broadway live theater adaptation of the 1994 animated motion picture, also from Disney, began its run at the Orpheum on March 12 and is scheduled to continue through April 7. Visit Ticket Omaha for showtimes and to purchase tickets.

The live theater production of The Lion King is a musical, featuring amazing, unforgettable music from Elton John, with lyrics written by Tim Rice. The legendary Hans Zimmer composed the production's musical score, containing choral arrangements from Grammy Award winner Lebo M. The score pulsates with the mesmerizing rhythms of the Pride Lands of Africa, as well as Rice and John's Oscar-winning song, "Can You Feel The Love Tonight", several other familiar songs from the big screen version and some new original tunes composed specifically for the theatrical production.

Produced by Disney Theatrical, The Lion King's breathtaking visuals involved in bringing African animals to life via costumed actors and actresses and enormous, hollowed out puppets is directed by Julie Taymor.

Enduring Success of Timeless Story

The very first opening night for the live stage musical version of The Lion King was July 8, 1997. It took place at another Orpheum Theatre, this one is in Minneapolis, and by anyone's reckoning was an instant hit. This was even prior to its Oct. 15, 1997, debut at the New Amsterdam Theater on Broadway for previews, with its official premier taking the stage on Nov. 13, 1997.

Moving to the Minskoff Theatre on June 13, 2006, the Broadway production of The Lion King remains a popular attraction after more than 5,350 total performances. According to an article in the April 10, 2012, edition of the Guardian, The Lion King has become the fifth longest-running show in Broadway's storied history. The Guardian goes on to say that its $853.8 million gross makes it the legendary theater district's highest grossing show of all time.