The Nederlander Organization & Disney's The Lion King

Over 10 million people have experienced the wonder and majesty of Africa by attending Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway now playing at the Minskoff Theatre, one of nine New York theatres owned by Nederlander. Since 1996, Nederlander and Disney Theatrical Productions have worked together to present Broadway theatergoers with the best in live entertainment including Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Aida, Tarzan and The Little Mermaid. As part of the Nederlander's 100th anniversary corporate social responsibility initiative, these two Broadway leaders are shining the spotlight on the United Nation Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to end Malaria in Africa -- a leading cause of death among children on the continent.

Beginning March 27, 2012 through World Malaria Day on Wednesday, April 25, Nederlander theatres in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Durham, will inform audiences about malaria, a disease spread by a single mosquito bite that kills a child every 60 seconds in Africa. The Lion King will also inform its audiences about malaria at select performances on its national tour starting in Orlando on World Malaria Day. Theatregoers will be encouraged to take action by making a donation of $10 to Nothing But Nets that will cover the cost of purchasing a bed net, distributing it and educating communities on its use.

About Nederlander
Nederlander is celebrating 100th years as owners of historic theatres and concert venues as well as presenters of the world’s best in live entertainment. Under the guidance of Chairman James M. Nederlander, and President James L. Nederlander, the company operates a network of theatres in New York, Chicago, Durham, Los Angeles, North Charleston, San Diego, San Jose, Tucson, and London. The company is also a prolific producer of Broadway shows including Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Evita, and the upcoming production of Annie.

About The Lion King
In 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 productions around the globe have been seen by more than 64 million people, grossed over $4.8 billion and, cumulatively, run a staggering 89 years. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King is the sixth 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 15 different countries on five continents. The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway, on stages across North America, on tour in Japan, and in Tokyo, London's West End, Hamburg and Madrid. A UK tour launches in August of this year.

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards(r):  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(r) 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(r)-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" to the haunting ballad "Shadowland."

About Nothing But Nets
Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria. Every year 200 million people are infected with malaria, and over one million of those infected die from the disease most of which are children. In Africa, a child dies every 60 seconds from malaria. Long lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs) can lower malaria transmission by up to 90 percent. A donation of $10 to Nothing But Nets covers the cost of purchasing a bed net, distributing it and educating communities on its use.

To learn more about The Nederlander Organization & Disney's The Lion King, visit http://www.nederlander.com/