To see one of Disney's most beloved movies come to life may just be a dream come true for kids and adults alike. When Disney's stage adaptation of the hit movie The Lion King made its debut in 1997 — first at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, then on Broadway later that year — no one could ever have guessed its impact on the world of musicals. Based on the 1994 film, the theatrical production is directed by Julie Taymor and features much of the original music by Elton John and Tim Rice. But this is no simple rehashing of the animated classic — instead, the audience is transported straight to Pride Rock with the help of larger-than-life puppets, stunning costume design, and the mighty chants of "Circle of Life" that opens the first act.

Over the course of two acts and two and a half hours, you'll find yourself entranced, not only by the powerful performances but the exceptional music and stunning visuals, too. Throughout, audiences will be taken right into the heartwarming story of Simba as he mourns the death of his father and fights for his freedom and well-deserved throne with help from some entertaining friends — and foes — along the way. You'll also be treated to a few additional scenes, adding a bit of a twist from the original film.

It's no surprise that The Lion King has become Broadway's third-longest-running show in history, and the highest-grossing Broadway production of all time. It's earned an unprecedented number of awards, including six Tony Awards in 1998 for Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography, and Best Direction of a Musical (Taymor was the first woman to win this award). The Disney production continues to leave crowds spellbound around the U.S. and much of the globe with its touring shows, all of which remain faithful to the original Broadway production.