The production's own proscenium arch and stage deck, hallmarks that help frame the musical, are among the move-in segments today.

More than 60 pallets of production equipment — from puppets to costumes — are set to arrive today on two 747 jets. Some show requirements — like the Pride Rock icon and the large-as-life elephant puppet — have been disassembled from the show's last stop, Cleveland, and will be reassembled upon arrival in Honolulu.

This follows the removal earlier this week of about 100 seats from both left and right aisles, to widen traffic space for the musical's riveting "Circle of Life" opening number, when puppets of all sizes and species migrate from audience to stage.

For most folks in the Cheetah company, one of two national touring companies sanctioned by Disney, the Hawai'i visit will be the first by cast and crew. The production players and staff will receive their first orientation Thursday evening and will get a taste of island culture when keiki from Blaine Kia's Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie perform at the session.

The cast and crew will witness a ceremonial Hawaiian blessing by Kahu Danny Akaka Sunday afternoon with the traditional untying of a maile lei, signifying the launch of the residency and a measure to ceremonially ensure a safe and successful engagement, through Dec. 9.

The highly anticipated mega-musical, winner of six Tony Awards, opens with a pair of preview shows — at 8 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday. The formal opening performance will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets — priced from $35.50 to $88.50 for the previews, from $33 to $91 for the rest of the run — are available at the box office and at Ticketmaster locations, including Times Supermarket outlets.