Disney and the Nederlanders have always had a close working relationship. The Pantages was built as a movie palace in 1930 and became a contender for big musicals in 1977, when the Nederlander organization took it over. Once she finishes directing the imminent London production, she will turn her energies to L.A. She has not been available until now, having been committed to other theatrical projects. It has aisles that lead into the orchestra from the rear, allowing for the parade of characters that distinguishes the Julie Taymor-directed show.

Also, the Pantages has a configuration much like that of the New Amsterdam in New York, where the musical is ensconced. The latter was eliminated because it runs a subscription season under the aegis of the Center Theatre Group, the former because it has an extremely shallow stage. 'We like it here.' Other contenders for L.A.'s Lion King included the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills and the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown L.A. 'Hollywood is very accessible for everyone,' Schumacher said.

A new subway station was just opened and last year Disney refurbished the historic El Capitan movie theatre to good effect. In recent years, the once-seedy Hollywood and Vine area has undergone an upgrading. Instead, Disney's theatrical producers Peter Schneider and Thomas Schumacher have opted for Hollywood over Century City, and not only because the Pantages can seat 2700 people. Most knowledgable local theatre folk had expected the musical would end up at the 2100-seat Shubert, home to such recent hit shows as Cats, Evita and Les Miserables. Tickets will not go on sale until April 29. The projected opening date is Oct.19, 2000. production of the hit musical - the first is now in its second year on Broadway - will be seen at the venerable Pantages Theatre on Hollywood and Vine. Barring last-minute snafus, the second U.S.

production of The Lion King will not set up house in the Shubert Theatre next year but will go to the Pantages Theatre instead.

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