All About The Lion King in Seattle

Seattle has a reputable live theater scene, and frequently welcomes first-rate Broadway shows as they tour. This winter it will get to enjoy one of the greatest Broadway productions in history, The Lion King, which will play in Seattle at The Paramount Theater from December 13 – January 6th. Here’s what visitors and locals alike need to know about The Lion King in Seattle—especially if you have kids in tow.

The Lion King Production

The Lion King opened on Broadway in 1998, bringing the widely loved story from the animated Disney film to the stage. Since then, it’s vaulted to become Broadway’s highest grossing show ever, surging past $1 billion in revenue after nearly 7,000 performances. It’s a Tony-winning phenomenon with fabolous set decoration and costuming that recreates the African Serengeti.

The Music

The brilliant songwriting minds of Elton John and Tim Rice worked some serious magic when they concocted the music to The Lion King, both the film and the stage production, which features additional songs that add more depth to key characters. You’ll fall in love again with the epic “Circle of Life,” and find new meaning to the show in Rafiki’s powerful “He Lives in You.”

The Story

It’s sometimes difficult to imagine that there are people out there unfamiliar with The Lion King story, but for those of you are, it’s wonderful for the whole family. It follows a royal family of lions, most specifically a young cub named Simba who gets separated in a terrible stampede early in the tale. From there on, it becomes a tale of redemption, family and inclusivity that tugs at the heartstrings and inspires hope.

The Latest Lion King Buzz

This is a particularly exciting time for The Lion King universe, as the original hit animated film is being remade by acclaimed filmmaker Jon Favreau. Stars performing in this new edition include Beyonce, Donald Glover, and James Earl Jones, who will reprise his iconic role as the voice of Mufasa.

The Paramount Theater

In addition to all of the excitement surrounding the show itself, we are also excited for the venue at which it will show. The Paramount Theater has been open in Downtown Seattle since 1928, and its auditorium as both towering and regal in its design.

Exploring Seattle with Children: Pacific Kids

The Lion King is not a musical “for children.” It truly is for anyone who enjoys a great story and a great show. That said, it does open up the magical world of musical theater to a younger audience. If you’re attending The Lion King in Seattle with children, Pan Pacific Seattle’s Pacific Kids program is here to help make your stay even more special. Enjoy kid-friendly turndown treats, as well as family-minded Seattle recommendation guides plus a collection of games, toys and books from one of our favorite local children’s boutiques.

Discover More of Seattle

Explore the Emerald City with our insider’s guide online. Find our recommendations for the best Seattle experiences on the Pan Pacific blog!