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Disney’s The Lion King North American Tour Wins Denver Post Ovation Award

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NILES
FITCH HONORED AS "BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR"


New
York, NY –
The North American tour of Disney's THE
LION KING was
honored with a Denver
Post
Ovation Award, which recognizes the best in Colorado theatre.  Niles Fitch, one
of the actors currently playing "Young Simba", was named "Best Supporting
Actor."  The Denver return engagement of the landmark musical also received a
nomination for "Best Touring Production" and Syndee Winters was nominated in the
"Best Supporting Actress" category for her portrayal of "Nala."
  

The
Denver return engagement of THE
LION KING,
which played for five weeks at the Buell Theatre from November 2 – December 4,
2011, celebrated a sold-out, record-breaking run, entertaining nearly 110,000
people and grossing over $8.5 million at the box office.  The award-winning
musical grossed over $2 million during the week of November 21, making it the
highest-grossing week of any theatrical production in the venue's history.
 

The
North American tour is currently playing in Baltimore, MD at the Hippodrome
Theatre through January 8, 2012.  Tickets are still available for each
performance and can be purchased online at Broadwayacrossamerica.com.
 

The
North American touring production of THE
LION KING
has been seen by over 13.5 million theatergoers and grossed over $875 million to
date.  Enjoying its ninth year on the road, THE
LION KING
continues to celebrate unparalleled achievements and delight new audiences
throughout North America.  The current schedule is listed below.

 

ABOUT
THE LION KING

As
it approaches its 15th
year, THE
LION KING
remains ascendant, continuing to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the
most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its Broadway premiere on
November 13, 1997, 19 global productions have been seen by more than 63 million
people, and grossed over $4.7 billion to date.  Produced by Disney Theatrical
Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE
LION KING
is the seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only six
productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more, both on Broadway
and in the West End.  Translated into seven different languages (Japanese,
German, Korean, French, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish), the show has been performed
in 14 different countries on five continents.  THE
LION KING
can currently be seen on Broadway, on stages across North America, and in Las
Vegas, London's West End, Hamburg, Madrid and Tokyo.  

THE
LION KING
won six 1998 Tony® Awards:  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson),
Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best
Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical, making Taymor the
first woman in theatrical history bestowed with the honor.  THE
LION KING
has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama
Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show
Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the
1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. 

On
stage, Taymor's creative vision blends elements of African art and Broadway
artisanship to depict anthropomorphic animal characters.  Taymor, along with
designer Michael Curry, has created hundreds of masks and puppets for
THE
LION KING.
 The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The
Lion King
animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film's screenplay.  Other
members of the creative team include:  Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design),
Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director),
Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor).
 Anne Quart serves as associate producer.

The
Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from The
Lion King
animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical
material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and
Hans Zimmer; and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by
the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans
Zimmer.  The resulting sound of THE
LION KING
is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of
Africa, ranging from the Academy® Award-winning song "Can You Feel The Love
Tonight" to the haunting ballad "Shadowland."  

For
more information worldwide, visit, LionKing.com          

 

NORTH
AMERICAN TOUR SCHEDULE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2012:

Baltimore
– Hippodrome Theatre

December
7 – January 8, 2012

 

Minneapolis
– Orpheum Theatre

January
11 – February 12, 2012

 

Richmond
– Landmark Theatre

February
15 – March 11, 2012

 

New
Orleans – Mahalia Jackson Theatre

March
14 – April 15, 2012

 

Orlando
– Bob Carr Performing Arts Center

April
17 – May 13, 2012

 

Miami
– Adrienne Arsht Center

May
17 – June 10, 2012

 

Greenville
– Peace Center for Performing Arts

June
12 – July 8, 2012

 

Houston
– Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

July
10 – August 12, 2012

 

St.
Louis – Fox Theatre

August
15 – September 2, 2012

 

#
# #

 

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

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News & Press Releases

New Updates and Exclusive Content from Jim Hill Media: Disney, Universal, and More

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Boy oh boy, do I have some exciting news to share with all of you.

If you’ve been following our journey at Jim Hill Media, you know we’re all about peeling back the curtain to reveal behind the scenes insights, news, and history that surround the world of entertainment and theme parks.

And today, I’ve got a treasure trove of updates to share. So, grab your popcorn, and let’s get into it.

A New Chapter on Patreon

As many of you know, we recently made the big leap over to Patreon, and let me tell you, it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride. This move was driven by your requests for more exclusive content (and the easy to use RSS feed and app is a BIG bonus).

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm and engagement have been the driving force behind our passion for delivering the best of Disney and Universal content.

Moving to Patreon has opened new avenues for us to connect more deeply with our listeners, offering exciting perks and benefits that allow us to tailor our content more closely to your interests and preferences. It’s been an incredible journey of crafting special content, such as the launch of our video podcast series, [Disney Unpacked].

[Disney Unpacked] – A Video Podcast Series Like No Other

Imagine sitting down for a chat with a Disney Imagineer who’s helped shape your Disney experiences for over three decades. That’s what we’re bringing to the table with [Disney Unpacked]. Alongside the legendary Jim Shull and my partner in crime Len Testa, we explore Disney’s storytelling, sharing how beloved rides and attractions were created, through the eyes of an Imagineer like Jim Shull who personally contributed to these projects.

It’s a rare opportunity to host a video show with Jim Shull, a Disney Imagineer who’s worked on projects like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Toontown for over 33 years. If you’re curious about Jim and his work, check out our “Meet Jim Shull” video.

But that’s not all – as a patron, you’ll gain access to even more exclusive content. Our “Carry On” podcast, where Jim Shull and I explore stories that didn’t quite make it into the main episodes, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind [Disney Unpacked]. Plus, our regular Q&A sessions give you the chance to get answers to all your burning questions about the show.

Beyond the Podcast: Photos and Artifacts from an Imagineers Personal Collection

And if that wasn’t exciting enough, let me introduce you to our brand-new monthly video show, “Picture This.” Hosted by yours truly alongside Jim Shull and moderated by Lauren Hersey, “Picture This” offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jim Shull’s personal collection of over 60,000 photos and artifacts from his 33-year career at Disney. From rare behind-the-scenes shots to exclusive glimpses of Disney history, this show is a must-watch for any serious Disney fan.

Jim Shull opens up his vault and shares some never-before-seen photos and the stories about them.

The History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Recently, it was announced that Disneyland’s Paradise Pier hotel would be reopening as the Pixar Place Hotel.

Curious about the backstory behind this decision? Join Jim Shull and me as we delve into the history of the Pixar Place hotel. Explore its fascinating origins and gain insights into the inspirations drawn from Jim’s leadership on the Toy Story Hotel project at Shanghai Disney.

This YouTube documentary-style video offers a look into the creative process behind one of Disney’s iconic hotel projects.

Debut of “I Want That Too” Video Podcast

Introducing our newest podcast addition, “I Want That Too,” where Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the fascinating world of Disney products. From toys and collectibles to apparel and home goods, we’re here to unpack it all.

But we’re not just about the merchandise – join us as we explore the rich history and untold stories behind your favorite Disney goodies. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your Disney journey, there’s something for everyone on “I Want That Too.”

This show drops bi-weekly as a Podcast and a Video over on the Jim Hill Media YouTube Channel.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today.

Welcoming Universal Fans with “Epic Universal” Podcast

And for all you Universal enthusiasts (or Universal Curious) out there, we’ve got you covered too! Introducing “Epic Universal,” a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Eric Hersey and yours truly.

Join us as we dive into the latest news, interviews, and trip planning tips from the Universal universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about what’s happening at Universal Studios, we invite you to join the conversation and stay updated with “Epic Universal.”

A Look Ahead: The Future of Jim Hill Media

Phew! It’s been an exhilarating few months at Jim Hill Media, with our Patreon move and new show launches, all dedicated to bringing you top-notch theme park news, insights, and history. Your support and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our efforts, and we’re incredibly thankful for it.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future, with more content and partnerships on the horizon. Whether you’re into Disney, Universal, Marvel, or Merch, we invite you to stay engaged and subscribe for more updates.

A huge thank you for being part of our journey.

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

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News & Press Releases

Disney Will Bring D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to Anaheim, California in August 2024

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Expanded Disney Fan Experience Will Feature New and Exciting Events Across Multiple Locations, Including a D23 Takeover of the Happiest Place On Earth, Evening Entertainment at the Honda Center, D23 Day at Angel Stadium, and Much More

Fan Favorites Including Exhibits, Panels, Shows, and Shopping Will Dazzle Disney Enthusiasts at the Anaheim Convention Center

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a one-of-a-kind fan experience like never before with spectacular shows, new venues, and multiple days of entertainment that will bring together the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more!

Highlightswill include:

  • Sunday, August 4: D23 Day at Angel Stadium, where D23 fans are invited to attend the Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Mets game. 
  • Thursday, August 8: D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort.
  • Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11: Shopping, exhibits, panels, and presentations will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center, the bigger home to marquee shows.

Tickets for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will go on sale in Spring 2024, with ticketing options to be announced later for access to the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Admission for D23 Day at Angel Stadium and the D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort will be available as separate ticketed events. Additional details for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be announced in early 2024.

You can get updates by staying connected to D23 via social media (@DisneyD23 on FacebookInstagramX), D23.com, and our weekly D23 FanFare email (sign up for free as a D23 General Member at JoinD23.com).

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the latest news and stories on D23.com; member-exclusive offers and discounts; the popular D23 Inside Disney podcast; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99/year), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99/year), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

Nancy Stadler

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News & Press Releases

Star Wars Spoof: Space Robots in Outer Space Ep X: Battle for the Halcyon: The Last Starcruiser

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Sure, Star Wars is cool and all. But let’s not forget about that other multi-part sci-fi cinematic spectacular, “Space Robots in Outer Space.” In fact, Hank Lonely (Hollywood’s ultimate hyphenate — actor / producer / director / writer / guy who makes sure the Porto Potties are kept squeaky-clean) just announced that there’ll soon be a 10th installment of this … Well, not exactly beloved. How about we say “admired from afar” instead? … series coming to a theater near you. In fact, here’s the highly anticipated teaser trailer for that project. Which is supposed to be titled “Space Robots in Outer Space X — Battle for the Halycon: The Last Starcruiser.”

Okay. Now the real story … In honor of Star Wars Day (i.e., May 4th. As in “May the Fourth Be With You”), Len Testa and I are sharing something that we produced with the help of all the nice folks who joined us last month aboard the Halycon.

We turned the Galactic Starcruiser as well as Black Spire Outpost into the backdrop for an affectionate send-up of all things Stars Wars. We hope that you (more importantly, the legal team at Lucasfilm) take this faux trailer in the spirit with which it was intended. Special thanks to Aaron Adams for so skillfully stitching all of this footage together. Also thanks to the team at Storybook Destinations, Touring Plans and the talented cast & crew aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” for making this “Disney Dish” fan event so memorable.

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

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