I'd like to say that the production values, and the design of the original production were incredible. The only thing that we would have had close by that point would have been Cats, which is people in a leotard and a boa with face paint. They also could have gone the route of the theme park show which is costumed characters. The Lion King design is completely different, and very show specific.
I'm a HUGE fan of the original production design and show. The most recent tour was a little too bright and fun for me, as was the design by Paul Gallo that played internationally. The new cruise line show I'm not overly crazy about. I like the idea of puppets, but how does a life size teapot play to the back row of the balcony. Regional theatres even seem to be having a tough time making the design look "Broadway". Yes, I know the budgets are much lower, but still. Some of the bigger ones make it look a little off.
I'm sure something will come up, especially if it seems like they aren't just slapping it together.