As Disney’s biggest theme park outside North America and first in mainland China, Shanghai Disneyland formally opened with a bang and shower on Thursday, June 16. To ensure that there would be a touch of China on its opening musical, the operators of the resort staged “The Lion King” in Mandarin language.
It was a first for “The Lion King” Broadway-style show – viewed in 22 nation by 85 million people – to be performed in Mandarin, reported China Daily. The curtains raised for the musical on Tuesday, June 14, at the Walt Disney Grand Theater in Disneytown.
Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, disclosed to the preview audience at the red carpet event that the musical is on its 19th year being presented Broadway-style. Among those who watched the musical were Disney key officials such as Bog Iger, Andy Bird and Bill Ernest.
Also joining them for the musical’s premiere as well as other social events prior to the formal opening are animation expert John Lasseter, Chinese basketball star Yao Ming, actor Sun Honglei and top producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
Besides the use of the Mandarin language, which made “Lion King” local and relevant to its majority Chinese viewers, a mischievous monkey character was introduced in the musical which made it one of the best “Lion King” shows anywhere in the world. The entry of the animal was fitting since it is, after all the year of monkey.
It is the 23rd global production of the Broadway musical, and the ninth language. The musical debuted on Nov. 13, 1997. Disney auditioned for the Mandarin production in over a dozen cities in China and Asia to come up with a cast of over 50 performers made up of fresh talents and veterans, according to Broadwayworld.