'Lion King' ticket sales come in like a lion
By Michael Janairo Arts And Entertainment Editor
Published: 12:00 a.m., Thursday, November 11, 2010

Proctors' biggest event of the 2010-11 Broadway season, the monthlong run of Disney's "The Lion King," will shift into higher gear at 7 a.m. Saturday, when individual tickets go on sale to the public.

From 7 to 10 a.m., tickets to the production that opens on Feb. 22 will be available only to people who show up at the box office at 432 State St. in Schenectady. At 10 a.m., tickets will be offered over the phone at 346-6204 or online at http://www.proctors.org.

Why would anyone want to get up so early on a Saturday?

"The Lion King" opened on Broadway in 1997 and won six Tony awards. The show is still going strong on Broadway and with touring shows, and more than 50 million people have experienced the imaginative direction of Julie Taymor and the heartfelt musical score, which includes songs by Elton John and Tim Rice.

To entice fans, Proctors' promotion includes giving the first 100 ticket buyers in line the original Broadway cast recording CD. All other ticket buyers receive a "Lion King" winter hat. Also, the first person in line will receive a "Lion King" souvenir coffee table book signed by the president of Disney Theatricals. Games, prizes and breakfast treats will also be available.

"The Lion King" opens at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, and runs through 1 p.m. Sunday, March 20.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays.

Ticket prices vary by time and date of show from $20 to $130 (the top ticket price includes a souvenir program and a merchandise item).