The Las Vegas King...

The Walt Disney Company, specifically Walt Disney Theatrical Productions is moving into interesting and risky territory by bringing its hit musical "The Lion King" to the Las Vegas strip next spring. The box office hit will play for crowds at the Mandalay Bay in May.

Unlike most Broadway musicals that play in Vegas, "King" will be seen in its full-length, original version rather than a 90-minute cut. Show is set to occupy the Madalay Bay's theater as soon as vacated by "Mamma Mia!" ends its run on January 4, 2009.

It'll be interesting seeing how the family production will play in a decidedly "Adult" city... remember the old saying that: "Vegas is Disneyland for adults".

We'll soon know if it's also for families...

Mary Poppins Seen In London...

The Bristol Hippodrome opens up with previews of the musical "Mary Poppins" three years ago today. This production, by Disney and Cameron Macintosh has since come to America to play on Broadway. It's a jolly day with Mary...

Life Under The Sea...

The stage version of "The Little Mermaid" which will open in November in New York at the Lunt-Fontanne(former home of "Beauty & the Beast") has got theater insiders wondering if Disney can still create its magic on Broadway. Expectations are high for this production directed by Francesca Zambello, which bows with previews in Denver starting July 26th. With the disappointment of "Tarzan" and the closing of "Beauty & the Beast", many say that Walt Disney Theatrical Productions needs to create a good deal of buzz for this stage version of the Disney classic. Next week, Denver audiences will get their first chance to see what the Mouse has in store for them. Keep in mind that these are essentially rehersals and what happens in Denver may not be what winds up in New York.