The Timon character is described by Taymor as one of the hardest roles to master because the movement of the puppet's head and arms puts a strain on the actor's arms, back, and neck.

Other characters, such as the hyenas, Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa, are portrayed by actors in life-sized puppets or costumes. For principal characters such as Mufasa and Scar, the costumes feature mechanical headpieces that can be raised and lowered to foster the illusion of a cat 'lunging' at another. For example, the giraffes are portrayed by actors carefully walking on stilts.

Many of the animals portrayed in the production are actors in costume using extra tools to move their costumes. Exiled, Simba must regain his courage and face the difficulties of his past to defeat Scar and reclaim his role in the Circle of Life. While Mufasa is murdered, Simba survives the attack and is blamed, by Scar, for his father's demise. Mufasa's evil brother, Scar, desires power over the kingdom and conspired with a legion of hyenas to kill Mufasa and Simba, and take over the land in their place. The story follows a young lion cub named Simba, born into royalty as heir to his father, Mufasa's, throne. The cast of the West End production were invited to perform at the Royal Variety Performance 2008 at the London Palladium on December 11, in the presence of senior members of the British Royal Family. The show debuted in the West End's Lyceum Theatre on Octoand is still running. As of April 2012, it is the highest grossing Broadway show of all time, having grossed $1,091,440,972. It is now Broadway's third longest-running show in history.

On June 13, 2006, the Broadway production moved to the Minskoff Theatre to make way for the musical version of Mary Poppins, where it is still running after more than 5,350 performances. The musical debuted July 8, 1997, in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Orpheum Theatre, and was an instant success before premiering on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theater on Octoin previews with the official opening on November 13, 1997. The show is produced by Disney Theatrical. Directed by Julie Taymor, the musical features actors in animal costumes as well as giant, hollow puppets.

1998 Tony Award for Best Musical Source The Lion King is a musical based on the 1994 Disney animated feature film of the same name with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice along with the musical score created by Hans Zimmer with choral arrangements by Lebo M.

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