Have tickets for Disney’s The Lion King, now playing at the Benedum through September 29th? With wicked delight I tell you, “Be Prepared!” in my very best (Patrick R. Brown) Scar ‘esque voice.
This show is a ride like no other, no matter what version you see. From the NYC Broadway production to the Touring Production-- The Lion King on stage in any form, is candy for the senses! Long story short, get your tickets now while there are still some left!
The award-winning musical will celebrate a new milestone in December 2013 when it returns to Australia, making it the tenth concurrent worldwide production of THE LION KING, the highest number of productions running at any one time in the show’s history. It’s stop in Pittsburgh is a true opportunity for you and your family.
From the moment the house lights darken,your senses await what will be a memorable night. The air chills while everyone anticipates what will be. The first heart piercing chant of (Brown Lindiwe Mkhize), Rafiki in “Circle Of Life” sets the tone as chills race up your arms. She is simply amazing at every moment she steps on the stage.
Brown Lindiwe Mkhize as “Rafiki” in the opening number “The Circle of Life” from Disney's THE LION KING National Tour. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
As the music begins your senses are assaulted left and right as the production POURS into the theater. They are literally EVERYWHERE and you won’t know where to look first, last, next or now. You’ll set your sites on the amazing giraffes towering almost near to the edge of the balcony only to be startled by what is a magnificently enormous african elephant ambling down the aisle. What!? You’re watching the soaring puppetry of birds only to look left as an ensemble cast member is singing “Circle Of Life.” You can literally reach out and touch the entire production!
The electricity in the air is heavy as every audience member amazes at the costuming genius of Julie Taymor, the show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer. Julie Taymor is the first woman to win a Tony® Award for Direction of a Musical and after seeing The Lion King last night, it is no wonder why.
There is no end to the assortment of african animals heading towards what will be the center of the productions scenic design, Pride Rock. An amazing piece of machinery (Richard Hudson, Scenic Design) that gracefully moves off and on the stage like a ballerina.
The production continues through the night telling the story of young Simba (Jordan A. Hall) , heir to the Pride Lands Of Africa Lion Kingdom, ruled by Simba’s father, Mufasa,(L. Steven Taylor.)
L. Steven Taylor as “Mufasa” in Disney's THE LION KING National Tour. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.
Sleek and sinewy Uncle Scar (Patrick R. Brown) steals the show with an alarming ability to slither into your heart. How can I like the antagonist your brain cries?! His charisma I say. Sickening, slick and smart. Rowwl! The dynamics between Mufasa and Scar are simply chilling. Some of the very best parts of the production. Scar is so easy to cheer for, in secret of course.
(Ahem.)
Patrick R. Brown as “Scar” and L. Steven Taylor as “Mufasa” face off in Disney's THE LION KING National Tour. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.
Patrick R. Brown was no longer human last night, he WAS scar. Oh his voice was to DIE for. It was so wicked to watch! Scar designs a plan to overtake pride rock, murder his brother & cast young Simba out of the Pride Lands.
Many of these scenes are scenically stunning and inventive. The death of Mufasa is indeed clever, visually. The score is legendary of course, featuring Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with new songs inspired by the original music in the film such as the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”
Nia Holloway as “Nala” and “The Lionesses” in “Shadowland.” Photo: Joan Marcus; ©Disney
Nia Holloway along with Rafiki and the ensemble, nail the haunting ballad “Shadowland” which was one of my favorites from the incredible lineup. My heart just ached for the entire pride. How am I aching for lions thought I? Simple, because of the way Nia Holloway sang it and the way the lionesses moved. Perfection.
The story twists and turns and runs every emotion through song and dance. One of the most visually amazing portions was the reprise, scene 6 “He Lives In You.”
Jelani Remy as “Simba” and the ensemble in “He Lives in You” from THE LION KING National Tour. Disney. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.
This was Jelani’s moment and he shared it with all of us. It was thrilling both to our ears and visually. Absolutely amazing scenically. My very favorite visual portion.
As the story continues we see Simba assume the role of rightful King as the balance in the Pride Lands is restored. Simba (Jelani Remy) does well as the grown Simba navigating his past while securing his future.
His voice is beautiful and we all cheer as he assumes his role on Pride Rock.
Jelani Remy as “Simba” from Disney's THE LION KING National Tour. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.
Special mentions for sidekicks Timon (Nick Cordileone) and Pumbaa (Ben Lipitz). They brought the house down with laughs and one liners. Why they don’t have their own sidekick cabaret show after all this time, beyond me.
My personal favorite? Zazu the bird!
Zazu, Mufasa’s right hand “hornbill” is a dry witty soul whose sense of humor provided many laughs. Andrew Gorell nailed the nervous nelly, easily rattled temperament. He was fabulous!
The Lion King, while an incredible Broadway production and story has more to offer to our families that you might not expect. It is a cultural explosion right out of Africa and I left feeling as if I had seen something more than The Lion King. It’s only here through September 29th, so grab your tickets today. There are still performances left as well as the notable Autism Friendly Performance, September 21st.
Autism Friendly Performance: Click here for information.
Ticketing Information: Click here for more information.
Mac Kid Tips: As a family publication I must forewarn a bit for those taking young children. “Be Prepared” for the following but don’t be scared, I took 2 young children ages 7 and 9. Both said that they were not frightened and certainly we’ve seen the movie enough times to know the content. It is however, more human in this story despite puppetry so I’ve listed some tips for you below.
BE PREPARED:
What will I have to explain later?
Prepare your young children for the death of Mufasa and a young Simba who witnesses it. It’s heartbreaking. Prepare for the mourning of the Lionesses, a visually dramatically costuming that tells the story in one fail sweep of their arms as ribbons of tears stream out of their mask. It’s amazing.
Scary?
A bit frightening visually for little ones. The bones of an elephant graveyard that house the Hyenas.
Noises and Lights?
Strobe lights are used, thundering drums at times and blowholes of steam burst out of the stage at times.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust invited Macaroni Kid of Pittsburgh LLC to review The Lion King. All opinions expressed are honest and of our own.
