WALT DISNEY - DISNEY BRINGS THE LION KING TO SOUTH AFRICA

DISNEY BRINGS THE LION KING TO SOUTH AFRICA

For the first time, the Walt Disney Co. is bringing the theatrical version of its hit movie The Lion King "home." Tuesday night's opening in South Africa, in a new theater designed with the musical in mind, was attended by Disney CEO Robert Iger, Oprah Winfrey (with students of her South African Girls' Academy) and various South African dignitaries. In a statement, the company said, "The cast of the new production is entirely made up of South African performers, many of whom have been in other productions of The Lion King around the world and are now coming home to perform in their native country. To date, The Lion King has employed almost 100 South Africans in its productions worldwide." Iger said, It is particularly gratifying to bring The Lion King to South Africa -- the place that served as its inspiration."

06/06/2007