In the jungle, the mighty jungle, these lions definitely aren’t sleeping. Singing, dancing and performing Disney’s “The Lion King,” one of the most successful, critically-acclaimed Broadway shows of the past decade, is more like it.

Next week, the Pridelands will be coming to the plains when “The Lion King” begins its 54-show run at the Music Hall Kansas City from Oct. 2 through Nov. 16.

When Nathan McCommon, business manager of convention and entertainment facilities in Kansas City, was talking contract negotiations with Live Nation’s subsidiary theater organization, Broadway Across America, he found out the group would give people a chance to see the “King.” They couldn’t pass it up.

“One of the big selling points that Live Nation had was that they could bring us ‘The Lion King,’ and that brought them over the top,” McCommon says.

The Tony Award-winning musical, based on the 1994 Disney-animated film of the same name, tells the story of royalty and family betrayal through the prism of a pride of lions in the African jungle. As King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi raise their young cub, Simba, to be king, Mufasa’s jealous brother Scar plots the murder of his brother and the banishment of Simba to claim the throne for himself. Only after finding strength and encouragement in a few wildlife friends (in the form of a meerkat and a warthog) does Simba return to Pride Rock to attempt to reclaim his throne.

Similar to the Broadway production of the animated classic “Beauty And The Beast,” “The Lion King’s” cast of 53 will portray all the non-human roles. But “The Lion King’s” national tour manager Alan Kosher says that unique costumes and the actors help the audience find a balance between human and animal characteristics.

“We’re going to be the essence of a lion or the essence of a giraffe or the essence of an animal and allow the audience to enjoy both,” Kosher says. “That’s why Julie (Taymor, Tony Award-winning director of the Broadway production) won the trophy, because she found that magic line.”

Many of the hit Elton John and Tim Rice songs from animated movie are in the musical, including “Circle Of Life” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.” Other music was added that incorporated authentic African dances, rhythms and chants. Combined with wild costumes and set pieces, it can easily transport the audience to a faraway land.

“One of the things that it does is it attacks all of your senses,” Kosher says. “She (Taymor) wanted something that would take you to Africa and surround you with the essence of being in Africa.”

For tickets and times of “The Lion King,” go to www.ticketmaster.com.