To many, staging The Lion King seemed impossible. The epic conflict between lions worked beautifully in animated film - but on stage? But Julie Taymor, a director and designer well known for mythical staging inspired by international theatrical forms, was excited by the challenge.

The Lion King is unique in that audiences see how the magic works on stage. There's no attempt to cover up the wheels and cogs that make it all happen. The human beings that control the puppets and wear the animal masks are fully seen. As an audience member at The Lion King you have an important job: With your imagination, you are invited to mix the "animal" with the human into a magical whole.

To create the masks and puppets in The Lion King, Taymor worked with Michael Curry, one of the country's leading puppet experts. With background in engineering as well as puppetry, he created the technical design of the characters.

Working with Julie Taymor, set designer Richard Hudson used the essential concepts of The Lion King's story to create the scenic design for the show.

The Lion King includes favorite songs from the original Elton John/Tim Rice movie score, plus new songs by Lebo M and Mark Mancina.

The Broadway cast includes Tony-nominated and Obie-award-winning Derek Smith as Scar. Nathaniel Stampley reprises his role as Mufasa from the London production of The Lion King. Tshidi Manye is amazing as Rafiki.

The Lion King opened on Broadway on November 13, 1997 and is currently running at the Minskoff Theatre.

Mike and I saw The Lion King on Broadway in 2007 and found it sophisticated enough to be totally enjoyable for adults, while still enthralling for children. You can read my husband Mike's review on his blog. Scroll down - it's the second review in the article.

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