THE LION KING Confirmed for a Multiple-Week Limited Return Engagement at the Bushnell in Hartford from Wednesday, January 27, 2010 to Sunday, February 14, 2010

Broadway’s Award-Winning Best Musical Disney’s THE LION KING Confirmed for a Multiple-Week Limited Return Engagement at The Bushnell in Hartford From Wednesday, January 27, 2010 To Sunday, February 14, 2010

Disney’s THE LION KING has been confirmed for a multiple-week limited return engagement at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford beginning January 27, 2010. This North American National Tour is currently one of eight productions running worldwide along with New York, London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Paris, Fukuoka and Las Vegas. Opening night in Hartford is set for Friday, January 29, 2010 with preview performances starting Wednesday, January 27, 2010.

By popular demand, THE LION KING will return to Hartford for the first time since its triumphant premiere engagement in April of 2006. It will be presented by arrangement with The Hartford Financial Services Group. Tickets to THE LION KING are in addition to the full Broadway Series package.

Now in its second sold-out decade in New York, THE LION KING is the winner of six Tonyâ Awards including Best Musical, eight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, the New York Drama Critics award for Best Musical, the Evening Standard Award for the Theatrical Event of the Year, two Olivier Awards, a Theatre World Award, the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography, two Drama League Awards and a Grammyâ Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony® Award for Best Director of a Musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for THE LION KING. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design is by Richard Hudson, costume design is by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay for THE LION KING. The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the 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.

THE LION KING will begin performances on Wednesday, January 27, 2010. Beginning Wednesday, July 15, 2009, subscribers to The Hartford Financial Services Group Broadway Series will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets to the production. Subscribers to all series will see THE LION KING in a designated week of the engagement. Tickets will go on sale to the general public in October 2009. Reservations for groups of fifteen (15) or more are now being accepted by calling David Rodriguez @ 987- 6096 or Audrey Aitken @ 987-5959. Ticket prices start as low as $20.50 (does not include applicable fees). Additionally, Premium Ticket Packages are available which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item.

David Rodriguez Sales Manager The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06106 860.987.6096 860.987.6070 [email protected]