Proactiv Entertainment, a producer and promoter of large-scale shows, international exhibitions and music concerts, has announced that the award-winning musical, The Lion King, will debut in The Middle East as part of celebrations for the show’s 25-year anniversary.
The show will make its first appearance in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, in November at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena.
The world-famous production will entertain theatregoers in the region for a four-week run, with previews taking place on 16-17 November, followed by an official opening night on 18 November 2022.
Bringing a vision to life
As one of the world’s most popular musicals, The Lion King continues to garner huge acclaim worldwide.
The show has had residences in London, Madrid, New York and Tokyo, as well as touring success internationally in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.
The show in Abu Dhabi represents a key milestone for Broadway’s highest-grossing production in history.
Thomas Schumacher, president and producer for Disney Theatrical Productions, says: “Director Julie Taymor and her extraordinary creative team first brought The Lion King to the stage in a stunning production twenty-five years ago, and this production brings that vision to thrilling life at every performance.
“It is a joy to bring The Lion King to the Middle East for the first time in the show’s history. We cannot wait for you to join us in Abu Dhabi.”
A first for the region
Proactiv is bringing the musical to the UAE by collaborating with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, one of the region’s leading creators of destinations and experiences. The musical is a the long-running adaptation of Disney’s animated 1994 classic, a coming-of-age tale of a youthful lion prince.
The Walt Disney Company says that it is excited to finally share its award-winning musical with UAE audiences. Its Senior Vice President for Middle East and North Africa, Chafic Najia comments:
“We are so excited to finally share Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King with our fans in the UAE. Brought to us by visionary director Julie Taymor, and following the story of Disney’s beloved film, the musical offers an amazing experience, stunning effects, and, of course, unforgettable music. There is something for everyone in the family and we cannot wait to share it with you.”
“A global hit”
The show is a winner of over than seventy theatrical awards worldwide, including six Tony Awards, a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, and Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Costume Design.
Miral CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, says: “This truly is an exciting event, and we cannot wait to host the wonderful and award-winning The Lion King here on Yas Island for the first time in the region. The musical will not only move the audience with its emotional story, but it will also boost the ever-evolving entertainment offering available at Yas Island and will reinforce its position as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure.”
Proactiv Entertainment managing director Nicolas Renna, adds: “It does not get any bigger in the world of theatre than The Lion King, a global hit that transcends audiences and demographics. So, to be able to bring it to the Middle East for the first time, here in Abu Dhabi, is extremely exciting – fans are in for a real treat.”
The Etihad Arena will be specially configured to ensure a premium theatre-like experience, with ticket prices starting from Dh200. Admission can be reserved exclusively through Platinum List and etihadarena.ae, with Royal and VIP tickets available offering the best view and a highly intimate experience from the floor.
Headline photo: Matthew Murphy. Photos copyright of Disney.
