When did the Lion King become a play?

"The Lion King" was adapted into a stage musical that premiered on July 8, 1997, at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. The musical, based on the animated film released in 1994, features music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, along with additional songs and a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. It has since become one of the most successful and longest-running Broadway shows.