Lines at both merchandise stands at the Buell Theatre were long before the Oct. 24 performance of “The Lion King.” Dozens of theater-goers — adults and children alike — were excitedly clamoring over the tote bags, T-shirts and gold-embossed sweatshirts.

And this is for a show that’s nearly 30 years old, one that had been at the Buell five times before, starting in 2002.

When “The Lion King” — based on the 1994 Disney film — premiered at New York’s New Amsterdam Theatre in 1997, it wowed viewers with its artistry, music, costumes and imagination.

Twenty-eight years later, it is the No. 1 Broadway musical of all time, raking in $1.5 billion (with a “b”) and attracting 112 million viewers.

So now we should ask: Is it still awe-inspiring? Yes. And here are five reasons for that:

No. 5: Th

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