Nearly three decades in, the reason to see The Lion King is still the first four minutes: Circle of Life, with a full menagerie of puppets and stilt-walkers processing through the audience while Rafiki calls from the stage. Taymor's design deliberately leaves the puppeteers visible, so children watch the trick and believe it anyway. If you are taking a family to one Broadway show this December, this is the one that works from age six to sixty.
What to expect
Two acts with an interval, staged with masks, puppets and heavy percussion positioned in the boxes on either side of the house. The aisle processions mean seats on the ends of rows get a close pass from the puppets. Expect a family-dominant crowd and an audible reaction the moment the elephant comes up the aisle.
Good to know
- The Minskoff is at Broadway and 45th; nearly every subway line stops at Times Sq-42 St below it
- Aisle seats in the orchestra put you within reach of the opening animal procession
- It runs about two and a half hours, which is long for very young children
- Times Square is at its most crowded in December, so leave extra time to reach the door
- The lobby is one flight up from street level; lifts are available
- Assistive listening and wheelchair seating are available on request
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Common questions
What is the minimum age?
Disney recommends it for roughly six and up; children under four are generally not admitted to Broadway houses.
Is it the same story as the film?
Broadly yes, with additional songs and expanded African-language choral material written for the stage.
Where do the puppets come through?
The opening procession uses the orchestra aisles, so end-of-row seats give the closest view.
More this weekend
