Hakuna Matata! Have no worries, The Lion King is returning to Playhouse Sq.

Disney musical returns to Cleveland for 5th run 

By: Abigail Jarvis

This past Monday, Disney Theatre Productions- in collaboration with Playhouse Square- announced the Tony award-winning musical “The Lion King” will return to Cleveland in the fall 2021. 

This play “will make its triumphant return to Cleveland at a time when families will be seeking ways to reconnect and create new memories, and what better way to do that than by experiencing this stunning and joyful show together,” said Playhouse Square President & CEO Gina Vernaci in a press release email. “We are  preparing all of Playhouse Square for the safe and healthy return of audiences and performers this fall.”

The show will run for two weeks- 16 performances in total- at the Keybank State Theatre in Playhouse Square. In doing so, Cleveland will become the first city to host the North American Tour of The Lion King on five separate occasions. 

“We are thrilled to gather our Lion King family again after so many months apart,” said Vice President, Domestic, Disney Theatrical Productions, Jack Eldon. “It will be very emotional when we reunite in Cleveland, a city which has greeted us so warmly for the past two decades.  We couldn’t think of a better partner than Playhouse Square to relaunch our beloved tour of ‘The Lion King.’” 

This marks the second Disney musical set to run in Playhouse Square’s 2021-2022 season. Recently, in the Keybank Broadway Series Announcement, it was announced that the Disney phenomenon “Frozen” will be coming to Playhouse square in August of 2022.

“The Lion King” has won six Tonys, including Best Musical. The show features the beloved soundtrack by Elton John and Tim Rice, with additional songs by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer. With stunning costuming and choreography, this musical is sure to earn a roar of approval from audience members of all ages. 
Tickets go on sale on Monday, June 21, 2021. For more information on tickets and “The Lion King,” visit Playhouse Square’s Website here.