Lion King San Francisco

A Must-See: Lion King, San Francisco!

Broadway and Disney combine forces in this musical that has opened to rave reviews: the Lion King. San Francisco, the City by the Bay, hosts this wonderful show, featuring music by Elton John, and all of the terrific characters and story-telling that made the movie such a great hit. Lion King San Francisco has all the allure, magic and music of the Broadway show.

The Plot: Lion King San Francisco

The story, for the two of you out there who don’t know, centers around a young lion cub who “just can’t wait to be King”, until the untimely death of his Lion King father. Guilt poured on him by his evil Uncle Scar forces him to leave town, paving the way for unique friendships with a warthog named Pumba and a funny meerkat named Timon. Growing up with no worries, living off the grubs of the land, Simba begins to miss his home.

Eventually, Simba’s old friend, Nala shows up and fills Simba in on the state of Pride Rock. After Simba’s Uncle Scar became King, the Pridelands have been virtually destroyed. She convinces Simba to return to Pride Rock and take his rightful place as King.

Of course, a great fight ensues between Simba and Scar, and the righteous one wins (I won’t spoil the ending for you).

Many of the songs from the animated film are in this great musical, and a few new songs are added to the stage version of the Lion King.

For more on this fantastic stage version of the Lion King, see http://disney.go.com/disneytheatrical/thelionking/about.html

Test your knowledge—a little Lion King trivia….before or after you see Lion King San Francisco. Answers are found at the bottom of the page.

1. What is Simba’s father’s name?
2. How does Simba’s father die?
3. What is the name of the classic song by Timon and Pumba that means “no worries?”
4. What Tony award did the musical version of the Lion King win?
5. In the movie, what is the name of the Lion King’s faithful servant?
6. Which song in the movie version of the Lion King won an Academy Award?
7. What is Simba’s mother’s name?
8. What kind of animals are sent by Scar to kill Simba?
9. What is the name of the kingdom ruled by the Lions?
10. Where do Simba and Nala first encounter danger?
    

San Francisco is always a little different. For example, during the Fall months of the run, newspapers advertised that kids will receive free gifts for wearing their Halloween costumes to the matinee performance.

In addition to the Lion King, San Francisco has played host to many hits directly from Broadway, including Movin’ Out, based on the songs of Billy Joel, A Chorus Line and Rent. The theatre district of San Francisco is just a few blocks away from Union Square, the famous shopping district. If you’re visiting, see Lion King San Francisco, but spend some time in this fabulous city.

Answers to trivia questions:

1. Mufasa

2. Scar set up a stampede, then caused Mufasa to fall into it

3. Hakuna Matata

4. Best Musical 1998

5. Zasu

6. Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

7. Sarabi

8. Hyenas

9. Pridelands

10. Elephant graveyard

Shari Bookstaff is a biology professor in northern California, where she lives with her two children. Shari is an avid nature lover, sports fan and photographer.