Performances temporarily canceled for new Lion King show

The cancelation comes shortly after the new show debuted.

New show

At the heart of this new production is a traveling troupe known as The Storytellers of the Pride Lands. Together, they weave the tale of how a cub becomes a king through dialogue, song, dance and percussion. From the scenic and costume designs to the new original musical arrangements and choreography, every aspect of “Tale of the Lion King” honors and displays the cultural roots of this timeless story.

The show, titled “Tale of the Lion King”, debuted on May 28, 2022 at the Fantasyland Theatre. This original, story-theatre adaptation of Disney’s “The Lion King” stages an all-new presentation (as depicted in the artist rendering below).

Canceled showtimes

Unfortunately, the show is temporarily on pause. The OC Register shared that Disneyland has canceled all performances for today, June 2.

Disneyland has canceled a performance of a new “Lion King” musical stage show less than a week after opening at the Anaheim theme park after several members of the cast fell ill amid a surge in COVID-19 cases across the United States.

The performance of the “Tale of the Lion King” in the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland planned for Thursday, June 2 has been canceled out of an abundance of caution after several Disneyland cast members called in sick, according to Disneyland officials.

While Disneyland officials did not specify what illness it was, the OC Register seemed to imply it was covid related. At this time Disney canceled only performances for today. This closure may extend several more days depending on how the Cast is feeling.

Media previews

The timing could not have been worse. Disney invited members of the media to come and watch the new show. Thursday’s “Tale of the Lion King” performance was planned as part of a summer kickoff media event while Disneyland hosts national and international news outlets.

The Disneyland website lists “no performances today” for the “Tale of the Lion King” show on Thursday — the first day of the two-day media event. The Disneyland calendar still shows five daily performances on Friday, June 3 and for future dates.

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