Elton John, Julie Andrews, Rosie O’Donnell, and Mary Tyler Moore were among the attendees on this day in 1997 to celebrate the official opening of The Lion King at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway. The show that would go on to win six Tony® Awards, started out with a roar, complete with searchlights beaming into the sky and celebrities emerging from stretch limos.
Much of the show’s success can be attributed to director Julie Taymor, who co-designed more than 100 costumes and animal masks. Through stellar performances, Disney storytelling and unparalleled visual tapestry, The Lion King quickly became the “mane” event on Broadway.
