If you haven’t heard, I recently moved to Pittsburgh, PA! Don’t fret – the majority of the GenPink team is still in Dallas, and I’ll be making some frequent visits back home. :)
As I’m continuing to explore my new city, I’m so excited to learn about Pittsburgh’s famous Cultural District. The area includes the venues for Broadway shows/theatre, ballet, the symphony and more arts and entertainment.
One of the biggest Broadway shows coming to the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in the Cultural District is Disney’s THE LION KING! The show just kicked off and runs through Sunday, Sept. 29. Did you know more than 20 million theatergoers have seen THE LION KING’s North American touring production??
I joined other local bloggers and members of the press on day two of the show.
The can’t-miss production features Spencer Plachy as “Scar,” Gerald Ramsey as “Mufasa,” Buyi Zama as “Rafiki,” Nick Cordileone as “Timon,” Greg Jackson as “Zazu,” Ben Lipitz as “Pumbaa,” Jared Dixon as “Simba,” Nia Holloway as “Nala,” Keith Bennett as “Banzai,” Martina Sykes as “Shenzi,” and Robbie Swift as “Ed.”
The role of “Young Simba” is alternated between Richard Phillips, Jr. and Walter Russell III. The role of “Young Nala” is alternated between Brilyn Johnston and Celina Smith. Let me tell you that the children in the show are so adorable and can definitely belt out a tune!
The show is great for all ages. It’s a great date night idea too! The story follows the original Lion King plot and took me back to my childhood days of being obsessed with Disney books and films. So you can probably tell I appreciate the classic story in the form of a musical as well! The beautiful costumes, larger-than-life puppetry and props, plus the colorful sets, enhanced the theatricality of my experience. The cast was stellar with their singing and acting. They kept the crowd engaged all throughout the show even though we’re all familiar with the story line and spoilers. This visual journey is not to miss for any Lion King fan.
Run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission.
Don’t forget to check out all the cute merch before or after the show!
Tickets
Tickets start at $38 and are available at TrustArts.org, in-person at the Box Office at Theater Square and by phone at 412-456-6666. VIP Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program, and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available. Groups of 10 or more may reserve seating by calling 412-471-6930.
Ticket buyers are reminded that the outlets listed above are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performance.
About Pittsburgh’s Cultural District
The District includes Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh Symphony and August Wilson Center for African American Culture, among hundreds of other arts groups and artists. The Cultural District is also home to the city’s High School for Creative and Performing Arts.
Pittsburgh’s Cultural District comprises 14 blocks that were holistically developed with the creation of multiple theaters, art galleries, public art projects, urban parks and riverfront recreation spaces.
Learn more about upcoming shows here.
(Disclaimer: I was provided with a media pass to see the show, and all opinions are my own.)