The Lion King
Disney animated musical
A triumphant tale of life, death, and destiny on the African savanna.
About This Theme
The Lion King combines stunning visuals, memorable music, and a powerful story that resonates with all ages. The African-inspired soundtrack by Elton John and Hans Zimmer gives choreographers rich material to work with, from the epic Circle of Life to the comedic Hakuna Matata. The Broadway production proved that creative costuming and movement can bring the African savanna to life on stage. Your recital can capture that same magic with thoughtful design choices and choreography that suggests animal movement.
Circle of Life is one of the most powerful opening numbers you can stage. The sunrise, the gathering of animals, the presentation of Simba - it gives your audience chills before anyone has danced a step. Hakuna Matata provides comic relief that younger dancers can really sink their teeth into, while Can You Feel the Love Tonight offers romantic duet opportunities for your older students.
Age Groups & Casting
Key Roles & Characters
Costume Ideas
The Broadway approach works brilliantly - suggestive costumes rather than full animal suits. Lions can wear earth tones with mane headdresses. Simba's transformation can be shown through costume changes from cub to adult.
Scar stands out in darker colours with a distinctive mane. Hyenas wear greys and blacks with spotted elements. Timon and Pumbaa are brown and rust coloured - the meerkat silhouette and warthog features can be suggested with headpieces.
The animal ensemble can incorporate African-inspired fabrics and movement props like grass bundles or fabric to suggest the savanna.
Staging & Set Ideas
Pride Rock is your key set piece - can be a platform, painted flat, or creative lighting suggesting the rock formation. The sunrise for Circle of Life is essential - whether projected or created with lighting, it needs to be impressive.
The elephant graveyard for the hyena scenes should feel dark and dangerous. The jungle where Simba grows up can be lush greens. Consider fabric grasses that dancers move through for savanna scenes.
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