The Lion King is finally roaring back to the Stranahan Theater. 

The American Theatre Guild announced the long-awaited musical as part of its upcoming Broadway in Toledo season on Thursday. Three years after the coronavirus pandemic forced its postponement in 2020, The Lion King arrives in Toledo in mid-April and runs through early May.

But before audiences are treated to the fan-favorite story of a lion cub that claws his way to king of Pride Rock, they’ll enjoy the return of a different king in Jesus Christ Superstar, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in a new production of the iconic musical phenomenon. 

Jesus Christ Superstar kicks off the 2022-2023 season in October.

Next up are two blasts from the past from the 1980s: Tootsie in early December and 9 To 5: The Musical  in late March.

The Stranahan caps the season in June, 2023, just as it planned to do three years ago with the Tony Award-winner Dear Evan Hansen.

Amy Hamm, executive director of the American Theatre Guild, which books shows for the Stranahan, said she is excited about the lineup that has been in the works since the pandemic struck. She added it was important to her staff that this season’s offerings are light, fun, and enjoyable to all.

And of course, it had to include The Lion King. 

“Obviously The Lion King has been a top priority to reschedule since we unfortunately had to postpone our series in 2020,” she said. “I was actually just talking to our programming director, and he said this might have been the fourth date that we've had on the calendar since we had to cancel it due to the pandemic. So it just feels like a huge accomplishment to get this title back on the schedule, and so we're just so thrilled to finally have it back on the season.

“But one of our big focuses also coming off of a pandemic was we really wanted to give people an escape and an opportunity to go out and have a lot of fun,” she continued. “The time and place will come when we probably start bringing more serious titles to the stage, but it just feels like we all need some relief; we all need to take a breath, have some fun, get out, and enjoy the nights out.”

Season ticket start at $213 and are available now at broadwayintoledo.com.

‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ Oct. 13-16

Jesus Christ Superstar is the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera following Jesus’ last seven days through the eyes of Judas. 

But more than the story, Hamm said, it’s the iconic music and lavish production that typically draws fans to this classic.

And what better way to start a Broadway season than with a big 50th anniversary tour?

“That music is just so iconic, and I also think a lot of times people don't remember that it's Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber,” she said. “It's really just that iconic music that so many people loved. This title has been out for a couple of seasons, and it's a big, beautiful, lavish show and definitely with the 50th anniversary it made it feel like the timing was really great.”

‘Tootsie,’ Dec. 1-4  

A musical comedy based on the 1982 Dustin Hoffman movie, Tootsie tells the tale of hard-to-work-with actor Michael, who in desperation for work dons a dress and manages to get a role in a production as “Dorothy.” But his secret double life only gets more complicated when Michael falls for another actress in the production, and people start liking “Dorothy” more than they like Michael.

‘9 to 5: The Musical,’ March 23-26

Another musical based on a 1980s film — this one co-starring Dolly Parton, who also wrote the music and lyrics — 9 to 5: The Musical tells the story of Violet, Judy, and Doralee, who unite in their shared hatred for their terrible male boss. When he tries to blackmail all three of them, they turn the tables by tying him up and imprisoning him in his own house while his wife is away. Meanwhile, with no horrible boss, Violet, Judy, and Doralee proceed to run the office to the betterment of the company. 

“We felt like 9 to 5 really is timely in the landscape of inclusion, and a very female-driven show,” Hamm said. “Also in addition to being family friendly, Dolly Parton has quite possibly never been more beloved than she is now, and keeping her in the spotlight and getting her show out there seems really timely as well.”

‘Lion King,’ April 19 to May 7, 2023

Disney’s The Lion King, which opened on Broadway in 1997, is the winner of six Tony Awards, including best musical. It is the story of Simba, a lion cub who is to someday be king of the Pride Lands in Africa. But when Simba’s father is killed by his scheming brother, Scar, who had been next in line to be king, the cub is told that his father’s death is his fault.

The Stranahan is thrilled to have this show back in its lineup, representatives said in a written statement. 

“Although it has not been easy to get Lion King rescheduled, we are positive those who come to see it will agree it was well worth the wait! Our box office has worked tirelessly to inform all our ticket holders and season subscribers of all the date changes over the last two years. To have The Lion King, a major theatrical production, confirmed and back on the books after many announced reschedule dates is such a victory.”

‘Dear Evan Hansen,’ June 13-18, 2023

Dear Evan Hansen focuses on a teen suffering from anxiety, who falls into a series of lies after a letter his therapist told him to write falls into the wrong hands. The show features a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson, and a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), who won Grammy, Tony, and Academy awards. It’s directed by Michael Greif, whose works include Rent, and Next To Normal.

First Published April 14, 2022, 7:00 p.m.