‘Lion King’ costumes headed to Smithsonian

WASHINGTON — Producers of Disney’s “The Lion King” are donating two of the Broadway musical’s elaborate costume pieces to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Museum officials will announce Thursday that Simba’s mask and the costume for tribal shaman Rafiki will be placed in the entertainment history collection. They’ll be among about 50 objects from Broadway, including costumes from “Hello, Dolly!,“ ‘'Rent” and “Cats.“

Producer Thomas Schumacher says the pieces represent the artistry and soul of the hit show now seen by 50 million people worldwide. Designer Julie Taymor created the costumes, puppetry and scenic design that brought the 1994 animated movie to life on stage.

Curator Dwight Blocker Bowers says the show represents an evolution in Broadway design.