The Grove in Los Angeles Celebrates 'THE LION KING Day' with Special Cast Performance by the Las Vegas Company

Actors will host special free performances Friday, July 9 at 5 & 7 p.m.

LAS VEGAS, June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Cast members from Disney's THE LION KING (at Mandalay Bay) will be performing in Los Angeles at The Grove outdoor shopping and entertainment district during a free event on Friday, July 9 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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Performers will include Kissy Simmons, who joined the Las Vegas company after appearing as "Nala" on Broadway; Buyi Zama, a native of South Africa, who has performed as "Rafiki" in seven productions of THE LION KING around the world; and Jelani Remy as "Simba," previously seen in the theatrical touring production of High School Musical.  Join the cast as they celebrate "THE LION KING Day" at The Grove, performing iconic songs from the Broadway phenomenon such as "Circle of Life," "Shadowland," "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "Endless Night" alongside the FAME Church Choir, Los Angeles.

As part of the celebration, guests can also join in the festivities by creating their own LION KING themed mask made from recycled products with Ann Closs-Farley Designs from 3-7 PM.

For Las Vegas, Disney hand-selected an acclaimed, international cast of performers from productions of THE LION KING across the globe including Broadway, Taipei, South Africa, London, Los Angeles, Australia, Toronto, Shanghai, Paris and Holland.

The Las Vegas production of THE LION KING is virtually identical to the other companies seen around the globe and is staged with all of the same spectacular music, sets, and costumes that have made it a worldwide phenomenon.  The show is performed at Mandalay Bay Monday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. with weekend shows at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.  For additional information, visit: www.LionKingLasVegas.com

ABOUT THE LION KING

THE LION KING began as a 1994 animated feature-length film developed and produced by the Walt Disney Company.  On stage, Director Julie Taymor's creative vision blends elements of African art and Broadway artisanship to depict anthropomorphic animal characters.  The story, a coming of age parable set among animals indigenous to the African savanna, tells the tale of Simba, the lion cub who rises to be the King of the jungle. 

THE LION KING continues to reign as one of the most popular shows on Broadway and around the world.  THE LION KING can also be seen on stage across North America and in Las Vegas, London, Hamburg, Paris and Tokyo.  Now in its 13th year, THE LION KING is the eighth longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only five musical productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more on both Broadway and the West End.

THE LION KING has been seen by more than 50 million people in 13 different countries and translated into five different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch). 

THE LION KING made history in September 2009 when two of its signature costumes were inducted into the permanent collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

The global phenomenon is the winner of more than 70 major awards worldwide, including the 1998 Tony Award® and NY Drama Critics Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. 

Julie Taymor was the first woman in theatrical history to win the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical.  She is also the winner of the 1998 Tony Award for Best Costume Design. 

Taymor, along with designer Michael Curry, has created hundreds of masks and puppets for THE LION KING.  Scenic design is by Richard Hudson; costume design is by Julie Taymor; lighting design is by Donald Holder.  Choreography is by Garth Fagan.  The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film's screenplay. 

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 "Shadowlands."     

About Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning destination resort set on 60 lush acres and offers 3,635 newly remodeled rooms and suites, including 424 accommodations managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Mandalay Bay Beach, an 11-acre tropical pool environment, features real California sand, a wave pool and the only climate-controlled poolside gaming in the city. The property also features the 12,000-seat Mandalay Bay Events Center, award-winning restaurants, Shark Reef Aquarium and the 1.5-million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center – the largest convention center on the Las Vegas Strip. Mandalay Bay's brands include THEhotel, an all-suite hotel featuring 1,117 luxurious one-bedroom suites, the BATHHOUSE Spa, and Mandalay Place, a collection of unique boutiques and restaurants. Mandalay Bay is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International™ (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit the Web site at www.mandalaybay.com, or call toll free at (877) 632-7000.

About The Grove

The Grove, developed by Caruso Affiliated, is one of Los Angeles' most popular shopping, dining and entertainment destinations.  Since opening in 2002, The Grove, located in the Fairfax district in the heart of the city, has become a destination for residents and visitors attracting more than 18 million people each year.  Caruso Affiliated is nationally recognized for creating innovative open-air retail environments that serve as local gathering places such as The Grove. 

SOURCE Mandalay Bay