Three fans stand in front of The Minskoff Theatre and The Lion King on Broadway posters. All three fans are wearing Minnie Mouse ears themed to The Lion King. The ears are yellow with The Lion King text and image logo on each side with a black bow in the middle. The guest on the left has long brown hair, a black and white dress, and a black raincoat. The guest in the middle has long blond hair, a blue jacket, and jeans. The guest on the right has long brown hair with a yellow shirt, black jacket, and blue jeans.

D23 Members Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Lion King on Broadway in New York!

By Emma Zomerman

D23 Gold Members experienced the “Circle of Life” on Friday, November 11, while celebrating the 25th anniversary of Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City.

The night started with guests receiving a D23 Exclusive limited-edition The Lion King 25th anniversary pin to commemorate this important milestone, along with a drink and snack for the show. When guests took their seats, they had an incredible vantage point for this roaring, sold-out performance of the Broadway phenomenon, which features over 232 puppets!

A variety of performers bow on stage. The back of the stage is lit in bright blue. The audience is giving a standing ovation.

After Simba’s epic tale concluded, our Members stayed behind to hear from some of the amazing cast and creative team that developed this story. As a special surprise to our D23 Members, Roger Allers, who co-directed the original 1994 animated film, and Irene Mecchi, screenwriter of the film, were interviewed by Anthony Lyn, Disney Theatrical’s Associate Director of Global Productions. They related the tale of taking the animated film to the Broadway stage, a first for both of them, and how they translated the tale for 25 global productions and over 100 million audience members worldwide!

In addition to an exclusive conversation, Disney Theatrical allowed our Members to participate in after-hours shopping to purchase exclusive 25th anniversary merchandise! Members also were surprised to receive a gift with purchase from Disney Theatrical to enhance their shopping experience.

A shelf holds The Lion King 25th Anniversary merchandise. On top of the black shelf are three shirts on mannekins. The shirt on the right is black with The Lion King written in yellow. The shirt in the middle is yellow with The Lion King text and image logo. The shirt on the left is black with “Feel the Love Tonight” written in yellow, blue, and red. Surrounding the shirts are multiple small items. The black shelf has multiple merchandise selections folded and stored.

After a night of Hakuna Matata, we were thrilled help celebrate with our Members on this momentous occasion! On behalf of the D23 Team, we hope the memories made that night helped you reignite your love for The Lion King. We know that we felt the love that night, based on all the wild fans we got to celebrate with!

Seven fans stand in front of The Minskoff Theatre and The Lion King on Broadway posters. The fan on the left is wearing a blue shirt, tan slacks, and a black jacket. The next fan to the right is wearing a green shirt with black pants. The next fan to the right has a black baseball cap, black shirt with The Lion King and Simba on it, and black jeans. The fan in the middle is wearing a baseball cap, blue and gray jacket, and gray pants. The next fan to the right has a gray jacket and blue jeans. The next fan to the right has a jean jacket, black shirt, and blue jeans. The fan on the far right has a green jacket, black shirt, and blue jeans.

The Lion King currently plays eight times a week at the Minskoff Theatre and is touring North America in select locations through 2023. D23 Members have the opportunity to purchase select premium seats for the opening weekend of The Lion King in Los Angeles. Buy tickets here!