A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
"The breathtakingly staged Broadway adaptation of Disney's king of the cartoon jungle is an instant theater classic."
Entertainment Weekly
Chris Willman
"Awe-inspiring! Broadway theater is alive again. [Julie] Taymor's imaginative ideas seem limitless. it's a gorgeous, gasp-inducing spectacle. Most important - against all odds - it has innocence. The show appeals to our primal, childlike excitement in the power of theater to make us see things afresh."
Time Magazine
Richard Zoglin
"Seen purely as a visual tapestry, there is simply nothing else like it. Suddenly, you're 4 years old again, and you've been taken to the circus for the first time. You can only marvel at the exotic procession of animals before you: the giraffes and the elephants and the hippopotamuses and all those birds in balletic flight. Such is the transporting magic wrought by the opening 10 minutes of The Lion King, [director Julie] Taymor has introduced a whole new vocabulary of images to the Broadway blockbuster."
The New York Times
Ben Brantley
"A jaw-dropping magnificent spectacle. The show and the playhouse are enchanting. The unprecedented production is worth every penny. If this is Disney's idea of a theme park, we are delighted to report that the theme is quality."
Newsday
Linda Winer
"Julie Taymor's staging of Disney's The Lion King is a marvel, a theatrical achievement unrivaled in its beauty, brains and ingenuity. Leaping far beyond its celluloid inspiration, the stage version improves upon nearly every aspect of the hit 1994 animated film, from visual artistry and storytelling to Lebo M's score and the newly African-ized pop songs of Elton John and Tim Rice."
"Great for all ages. My 6-year-old and 17-year-old daughters both enjoyed it very much, which is a rare occurrence."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 19, 2026
Amazing!
"This was my first broadway show and being someone who doesn’t usually choose to go to plays I was unsure how I would enjoy it. Being in NYC for the week - going to broadway seemed like a necessity! I was blown away by the show and the actors. I would 100% go again and would recommend it to anyone. Amazing cast of actors with very talented singers. You can tell just how much passion goes into each play they perform! I will definitely be going again! "
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Elizabeth S from Chepachet on Jan 18, 2026
Amazing first experience
"Everyone told me it’s a great performance, so I had very high expectations. But it was far greater than I imagined. One of the top highlights of my first trip to NYC. Hope it continues for years to come. Will definitely return and see it again !!! Tops off to amazing talented performers. "
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Carolyn V from Kiln on Jan 12, 2026
Magical experience
"I'm glad I finally made it to see this magnificent play. Everything was magical and technically excellent. I will definitely come back and see it again with my entire family."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 12, 2026
My Favorite Show
"The costumes, the set, the music; incredible! Everything about this show is amazing from start to finish. I have seen this show multiple times and it never fails to move me. I am so inspired by the actors dedication to bringing this show to life. Great for all ages. I would recommend this to anyone! A must see show. "
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Colleen S from Garwood on Jan 12, 2026
The best show artistically!
"This is the third time I have seen this show. I brought my children when it first opened and have now brought all four of my grandchildren. If I had more grandchildren I would come again. Artistically it is the best! Booster seats for the kids is also a really nice perk."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 11, 2026
Must See!
"Incredible show. It is 2.5hrs long so make sure that your child has the capability to sit that long. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 5, 2026
Above and beyond
"Phenomenal choreography, smooth scenes, and a wonderful story told for all ages!"
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Zachary K from Coraopolis on Jan 4, 2026
Amazing experience 😍
"Truly magical and emotional experience … enjoyed every bit of it…❤️"
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Prerit S from Katy on Dec 31, 2025
Always new additions to an absolute classic and must-experience musical
"The way producers knows how to smoothly integrate new scenes without disturbing the core of the story is heartwarming "
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Hans v from Wesepe on Dec 31, 2025
An absolute must see!
"My daughter and I made a trip to NYC to see the Christmas lights and to take in a Broadway play as a graduation gift for her doctorate. We decided on The Lion King for a number of reasons, and we were not disappointed. Of all the things we did while in the city, this was by far the best and most enjoyable. The talent of the actors, the detail in the costumes and stage setting, the story itself, and the orchestra were all phenomenal! Would give it a 11/10 rating! My daughter grew up on the Lion King (she's 27!). To see it live was just icing on the cake. Thank you for making the experience worthwhile.
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Marc T from Cadiz on Dec 24, 2025
Most amazing show!
"The choreography, music, flow and suspense kept my whole family watching! Our 1st Broadway show was the best experience we could of ever asked for!! "
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Jillian T from Wamego on Dec 23, 2025
A Magical Experience
"The Lion King was a magical, transformative experience. From the first scene, the love and care put into this show by all parties was evident. This was my first Broadway show and I will be happily raving about it to my friends and family. Thank you for putting together such an incredible experience!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 21, 2025
Kept the audience engaged throughout
"The show was grand and colorful. The depiction of the scenes and the interesting storyline kept us all fully engaged. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 21, 2025
Spectacular!
"Amazing performances all around!! Growing up, I could never watch the movie without crying and the play was no exception. Several of the musical numbers had me near sobs they were so beautiful, and the comic relief was just right as well. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 18, 2025
Second time as an adult is still amazing!
"I saw this once about 25 years ago when I was in fourth grade and it was still as magical as an adult! Fun for any ages. I like that there is some deviation from the movie script as well as songs that are not featured as well. Very worth seeing. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 15, 2025
Awesome stage production
"Actors and set design were great. Staff and ushers were welcoming and friendly. Audience was attentive, respectful and highly responsive. My wife and me enjoyed to the fullest. I highly recommend! "
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Christopher L from Brooklyn on Dec 15, 2025
An awesome experience!!
"The whole process, from booking the tickets, entering the theatre (the line seems too long but the entering process moves efficiently), until the end of the performance and exiting the place was definitely exceeded my expectations. The whole performance was captivating and you felt like living in the area of Pride Rock together with all these animals. From the costumes, the voices, the acting and of course orchestra, you enjoy every moment! Really worth it and recommend it to the fullest. Musical on the Broadway is once in a lifetime experience and Lion King definitely is excellent.
If you can afford it, I highly recommend the seats near the stage… you will feel it more, believe me!! The magic is waiting for you!!
Joanna & Alex (from Cyprus) :)"
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Ioanna M from Nicosia on Dec 13, 2025
ALL JUST PERFECT
"I took my mum who only speaks Spanish and she understood everything, we loved the music, the script, the acting, the clothing and animation.
We sat very close to the stage and we didn't miss anything, make sure to grab a sit close to the isle because there are some performances made in the isles on the way to the stage.
Stop hesitating and buy the tickets.
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PAMELA O from LIMA on Dec 9, 2025
An absolute amazing show
"Great Music, awesome actors, besutiful costumes. And a very good service to order your drinks for the intermission before the show. A night to remember. "
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Dirk R from Frankfurt am Main on Dec 6, 2025
Out of this world!
"The show exceeded my best expectations and delivered an incredible production! I will see it again if I ever visit Broadway."
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 5, 2025
Great way to start out long weekend in NYC
"The Lion King is a classic show filled with unbelievable costuming! This was our first time seeing The Lion King on Broadway, and it did not disappoint!! This show is magical and would highly recommend seeing it!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 1, 2025
Fantastic
"I liked the music, costume and overall performance of the show. It was such a great show, incredible talent. Seeing it in London before I know sort of what to expect however it was in fact unique to broadway!
Lovely choice of merchandise on offer to suit all budgets! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 30, 2025
The best show ever
"Everything in this show feels like a waking dream. The actors are excellent, the staging is flawless, and the acoustics of the room immerse you completely in the atmosphere. An experience everyone should have at least once in their life.”"
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Dimitri B from L’Ancienne-Lorette on Nov 29, 2025
4th time seeing Lion King on Broadway.
"Loved the show. Actors were excellent. Took my granddaughter and she loved it. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 26, 2025
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About
The Lion King
A lively stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney film, The Lion King is the story of a young lion prince living in the flourishing African Pride Lands.
When an unthinkable tragedy, orchestrated by Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar, takes his father’s life, Simba flees the Pride Lands, leaving his loss and the life he knew behind. Eventually companioned by two hilarious and unlikely friends, Simba starts anew. But when weight of responsibility and a desperate plea from the now ravaged Pride Lands come to find the adult prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy, and fulfill his destiny to be king.
