Party atmosphere to rule as individual ‘Lion King’ tickets go on sale May 5

So far, tickets to the much-awaited Broadway show “The Lion King,” coming to Wichita in September, have been available only to people buying season tickets to Theater League shows. But on May 5, individual tickets will go on sale at 8 a.m. in what will be a party atmosphere of radio-station DJs, giveaways and breakfast at Century II.

For the first two hours that Saturday, tickets will be available only at the WichitaTIX box office at 225 W. Douglas. Then beginning at 10 a.m., remaining tickets also will be available for purchase online at wichitatix.com or by calling 316-219-4849.

Ticket prices range from $35 to $135 for the show, which will have a four-week run Sept. 4 to 30 at Century II Concert Hall.

Creating a buzz around the sale of individual tickets on May 5 at Century II will be radio remotes by DJs from Clear Channel radio stations B-98 FM, Kissin’ 102.1-FM and Channel 963 from 7 to 11 a.m. The stations will serve breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. Each station will have games, including a prize wheel, a cash machine and participatory PA systems and prizes including “Lion King” merchandise and tickets.

The first person in line will receive an autographed copy of “How Does the Show Go On?” by “Lion King” producer Thomas Schumacher. The first 100 ticket-buyers will receive a “Lion King” CD. While supplies last, other ticket-buyers on the scene will receive a “Lion King” T-shirt (one per order).

Officials announced in February 2011 that Theater League — the organization that brought 2009’s run of “Wicked” to Wichita for a three-week run — would be bringing “Lion King” to town for a similar extended run. “Wicked” offered Wichita audiences 24 performances. “Lion King” has 32 scheduled, said Bethany Nesbitt, Theater League’s marketing/communications account manager.

The Disney production of “The Lion King” — known for its elaborate costuming and lively music — has played in more than 70 cities in North America and been seen by more than 13.9 million people. The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from the 1994 animated film — including the beloved songs “The Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” — along with three new songs by them and other music that fuses Western popular music with the sounds and rhythms of Africa.

While the Wichita performances begin Sept. 4, official opening night will be Sept. 7. Premium ticket packages for center orchestra seats will be available for $135 and include a commemorative program and a merchandise item. Groups of 15 or more can buy discounted tickets for some performances by calling 866-314-7687.

For more information and for a link to tickets, visit theaterleague.com.

This story was originally published April 22, 2012 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Party atmosphere to rule as individual ‘Lion King’ tickets go on sale May 5."