Disney's animated

classic "The Lion King" was recently re-released to IMAX theaters

across the nation. The film was one of Disney's more successful modern

animated classics and featured a soundtrack by Elton John and Tim Rice

that soared to the top of the pop charts during the film's initial theatrical

release. After Disney created a successful adaptation of "Beauty

and the Beast" on Broadway, they created "The Lion King."

The musical won six Tony Awards among a long list of others and has just

marked its sixth sold-out year at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York

City. Now, the show is coming to Atlanta from Jan. 31-March 16.

Atlanta audiences

taking in "The Lion King" will see a phenomenal cast with lots

of Broadway experience. Patrick Page, who played Lumiere in "Beauty

and the Beast" on Broadway will play the role of Scar, while Alton

F. White, who has performed in "Miss Saigon," "Ragtime"

and "The Who's Tommy" on Broadway will play Mufasa. Fredi Walker

Browne who created the role of JoAnne Jefferson in "Rent" will

play Rafiki. Atlanta will also be represented on the stage as Alexandria

Payne of Atlanta will share the role of Young Nala with Caji Fellows Johnson.

In addition

to experienced actors and actresses, "The Lion King" is known

for its use of hundreds of masks and puppets. Director Julie Taymor, the

first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director,

will direct this production. She, along with Michael Curry, created the

masks and puppets. Taymor also was the costume designer for "The

Lion King."

For those who

are unfamiliar with the story, Mufasa, the head lion, is murdered by his

brother, Scar. Scar makes sure that Mufasa's son, and heir, feels responsible

for his father's death. Simba runs away and spends some time away from

the other lions. Eventually, he returns to take his rightful place as

leader.

"The Lion

King" will be presented at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center

at 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays with matinees at

2 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices range from $21-$132

for VIP seating and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling

404-817-8700 or on-line at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

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