MANILA – Disney’s “The Lion King” musical is set to go on an international tour.

On Tuesday, Michael Cassel Group in association with Disney Theatrical Productions announced that the musical will be brought to Manila in March 2018, with the venue yet to be confirmed.

Tickets will go on sale in October 2017.

Shows will also be held in Singapore in June 2018, South Korea in October 2018, Taiwan in 2019 and South Africa in 2020.

The international tour marks the 20th anniversary of “The Lion King” on stage and the title’s 25th global production.

“We’re proud to partner with our long-time friend Michael Cassel to bring the world-renowned stage production of ‘The Lion King’ to these vibrant cities,” Thomas Schumacher, president and producer of Disney Theatrical Productions, said in a statement.

“Julie Taymor and her extraordinary creative team have realized a production of enormous scale, beauty and heart,” Schumacher added, referring to the show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer.

“I cannot wait for new audiences to join us in the Philippines, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan and South Africa, the show’s creative birthplace.”

Taymor, on the other hand, said: “It is wonderful that these countries in Asia will be able to experience this new South African cast of ‘The Lion King.’ They’re in for a tremendous treat as the soul of this music will come through these extraordinary performers. Asia is a big part of my life, having spent four years in Indonesia and traveled throughout many countries in the region. It is thrilling to bring this production back to a part of the world that has been a major inspiration in my life.”

Auditions for the international tour, which will be performed in English, will start this month in South Africa.

Since its Broadway premiere in 1997, “The Lion King” musical has been seen by more than 90 million people.

It has been staged in 100 cities in 19 countries and translated into eight languages: Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese.