Lion King

Vegas does things in a big way. So it’s no surprise that Disney’s “The Lion King” is just a little bit larger and more lavish than perhaps any other production in the show’s long theatrical life.

The Mandalay Bay stage is bigger, the cast more numerous, Pride Rock a little larger. A rarity in Las Vegas, where most shows are pared down to 90 minutes, “The Lion King” runs a full 2.5 hours, including intermission.

Since opening in 2009, “The Lion King” at Mandalay Bay has been seen by more than 500,000 people and has won a “Best Show” award from the staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal in its annual “Best of Las Vegas” awards. The Vegas production joins the productions of seven other highly successful companies currently running worldwide.

Based on the 1994 Academy Award-winning animated film, the show features songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, whose pop tunes purposely collide with African rhythms to create a sound entirely new to the musical stage.

A dinner/show package includes a prix fixe meal at a top Mandalay Bay restaurant, a “Lion King” ticket and seat upgrade. Participating restaurants are Rick Moonen’s RM Seafood, Charlie Palmer’s Aureole, Michael Mina’s STRIPSTEAK and Hubert Keller’s Fleur de Lys.

—Anne Burke, Custom Publishing Writer

DISNEY’S “THE LION KING”
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
877.632.7400
$64, $86 and $113.50; VIP, $168.50; dinner/show packages start at $99.
www.lionkinglasvegas.com

December: Tuesday through Friday and Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 8, 22, 23, 29 and 30, 2 p.m.; Dec. 4, 5, 11, 25 and 26, 4 p.m. Dark Dec. 13-19, 24 and 31.

January and February: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 4 and 8 p.m. Dark Fridays; dark Jan. 31 through Feb. 6.