*Finally, a production of Julie Taymor’s Broadway sensation “The Lion King” has come home to South Africa, the country that anchors the Tony-winning musical’s storyline, choreography and score.
"There would be no 'Lion King' without South Africa. This is where the umbilical cord was first cut," said talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who took all 149 of her Academy for Girls students to the opening on Wednesday.
"There are going to be a lot of girls coming out tonight wanting to be in theater," she said. "So much for forensic science."
An actor dressed in a Zulu warrior costume welcomed Winfrey at the 1,900-seat Montecasino Teatro venue by dancing, singing and playing the drums, according to the Associated Press. The $14.5 million theater is the first of its kind on the continent.
Also attending the gala opening were director Taymor, lyricist Tim Rice, Walt Disney Co. president Robert Iger and Thomas Schumacher, head of Walt Disney Theatrical Productions.