NEW ‘LION KING’ DATES ANNOUNCED

Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ will begin previews May 5, with the official opening May 15.

Tickets will go on sale to the public March 14.

The new dates will provide "additional time for the transformation of Mandalay Bay Theatre to accommodate" work on the set, the press release said.

On March 14, fans will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets during a special on-sale event at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.; purchasing guests will receive commemorative gifts during the event, while supplies last. All other outlets, phone and online sales will launch at 10 a.m.

The first guest in line at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office will receive complimentary autographed copies of “The Lion King: Pride Rock on Broadway,” and “How Does the Show Go On?” by Thomas Schumacher, president of Disney Theatrical Productions.

The first 100 guests will receive a full-length CD of the musical. All purchasing guests at the box office during the event will receive a gift while supplies last, and enjoy same-day promotions including buy one-get one half-off tickets to Shark Reef, specials on merchandise and restaurant offers.

Tickets will be available at the box office starting as low as $53, continuing up to $86 and $113.50. VIP packages, which include premium seating, a complimentary souvenir program and a complimentary VIP show merchandise item, will be available for $168.50. Tax and service fees are included in all prices.

Beginning March 14 after 10 a.m., tickets will go on sale at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall and Ritmo Latino); via phone (with major credit card) through the box office at (702) 632-7580 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000; and online via www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Reservations for groups of 15 or more can be purchased now by calling (877) 632-7505 or e-mail LionKingSales@mandalaybay.com.

The performance schedule is as follows:

• May 5, 6, 7, 8: 8 p.m.*
• May 9: 4 p.m. & 8 p.m.*
• May 10, 11: 8 p.m.*
• May 12: Dark
• May 13, 14: 8 p.m.*
• May 15, 16: 8 p.m.
• May 17: 4 p.m. & 8 p.m.
• May 18, 19, 20, 21: 8 p.m.
• May 22: Dark
• May 23, 24: 4 p.m. & 8 p.m.
• May 25, 26, 27, 28: 8 p.m.
• May 29: Dark
• May 30, 31: 4 p.m. & 8 p.m.
• * Preview performances