Disney's The Lion King Celebrations Gala Opening in South Africa
Disney's The Lion King
Celebrations Gala Opening in South Africa
Charitable
Partnerships with Disney and Sponsors also Announced
Disney’s THE LION
KING opens tonight in South Africa at the new Montecasino Teatro in
Johannesburg. Preview performances have so far been welcomed by cheering
and standing ovations from capacity crowds. Guests tonight
include Deputy President, Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Oprah Winfrey with
students of her Girls’ Academy, and Robert A. Iger, President and CEO, The
Walt Disney Company. The South African premiere celebrates and kicks-off the
10th Anniversary of the opening of THE LION KING on Broadway,
which will be celebrated Sunday, November 11.
Produced by Thomas Schumacher, President, Disney
Theatrical Productions, along with South African co-producers Lebo M,
international recording artist and co-composer of THE LION KING, and
Pieter Toerien, veteran theatre producer, THE LION KING is
directed by Tony Award® winning director, Julie Taymor. The
production is supported by principal sponsor Telkom (SA Ltd) and media sponsor
South African Broadcasting Corporation.
The cast of the new production is entirely made up
of South African performers, many of whom have been in other productions of
THE LION KING around the world and are now coming home to perform in
their native country. To date, THE LION KING has employed almost
100 South Africans in its productions worldwide. Also tonight, Deputy
President Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will
dedicate the beautiful theatre built by Tsogo Sun. The
remarkable 1850-seat Teatro Montecasino was designed specially with THE LION
KING in mind and now
“For
10 years, THE LION KING has transformed the lives of people around the
world – not only the over 40 million audience members, but also the countless
cast, stage crew, musicians and others that have played a part in making THE
LION KING such an enormous success,� said Thomas Schumacher, President,
Disney Theatrical Productions. “Lebo M’s vision and desire to bring this
production to his country has been extraordinary, as has the commitment of
co-producer Pieter Toerien. We’ve assembled an amazing, talented cast of
native South Africans for this production and can’t wait to share this worldwide
phenomenon with the people of
“In
the ten years I’ve been working on THE LION KING, it has been my dream to
bring the show to
Telkom, the principal sponsor of
the production, is also joining with The Walt Disney Company, The Lebo M
Foundation and local producers to make it possible for 38,000 children and
teenagers the opportunity to see the show at no charge. Twenty matinee
performances will be performed exclusively for students from 40 schools in the
townships and communities around
“For 10 years The Lion King has delighted
audiences worldwide and we are excited to share it with children who wouldn’t
otherwise have had an opportunity to experience this classic Disney tale on
stage,� said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company.
“It is particularly gratifying to bring The Lion King to
In addition, The Walt Disney Company is working with two initiatives that give back to local communities through a series of related education and training programs. Together with the Market Theatre and Liberty Lab Theatre, Disney is developing a programme where cast members and staff of THE LION KING will work with students by leading workshops in dance, voice, costume and scenic design. Disney is also supporting TBWA South Africa, Business & Arts South Africa and The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund on their “Room 13� initiative. This project hosts art studios within schools with the goal of enhancing creative expression and entrepreneurial skills in students in disadvantaged areas. The Walt Disney Company will make an initial investment in an effort to expand the number of “Room 13� schools in the country.
-- Posted June 5, 2007