‘Tale of the Lion King’ debuts at Disney California Adventure

The new original outdoor musical theater production, “Tale of the Lion King,” debuted recently Disney California Adventure Park.

This new stage show celebrates the characters and music of “The Lion King.”

“The approach that we’ve taken with ‘Tale of the Lion King’ is that this is a story that was passed on from generation to generation, and now it’s come here to Disney California Adventure park,” Susana Tubert, Creative Director, Disney Parks Live Entertainment, said.

The lead narrator, Mwongozo –Swahili for “guide”— leads a troupe of 18 performers called the Storytellers of the Pride Lands in this adaptation, which is presented in a contemporary story-theater style that retells the tale through language, song and dance.

“The Storytellers of the Pride Lands have come to share this ancestral story of how a cub became a king,” Tubert said.

There are new musical arrangements of “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Hakuna Matata,” among others. The live drumming and singing, along with the set and costumes all celebrate the cultural roots of this story.

“Tale of the Lion King” will be performed several times daily at the Palisades Stage in Disney California Adventure.