The Lion King is an unforgettable Broadway musical experience, having run for 18 years and still captivating audiences young and old alike. The cast is truly phenomenal - from Rafiki's call-to-order shriek (Gugwana Diamini) to powerful African choral singing and propulsive rhythms from its ensemble members; The Lion King will leave an indelible mark.
Few musicals have the power to transform even the most disillusioned 12-year-old into awestruck viewers when seeing giraffes and elephants galumphing across a theater aisle, like Broadway in Chicago's epic production of Disney's "The Lion King" at Cadillac Palace Theatre does every time it opens for performances.
This adaptation of the popular 1994 Walt Disney Animation Studios movie centers around a young lion cub named Simba who must come to accept his destiny as King of the Pride Lands. Elton John and Tim Rice provide emotive music and lyrics which drive home this powerful message.
Exciting costumes and sets bring Africa's Serengeti to life, while impressive mask and puppet work makes this show truly mesmerizing. The cast members are engaging, seeming to truly enjoy what they're doing which adds another level of enjoyment for both audience members and cast alike - it truly showcases what great theatre is all about!
While some of the film's key moments (such as Mufasa's death and Sarabi's lionesses roaring) may lose some intensity onstage, its amazing visuals, impeccable puppetry, gorgeous costuming and music make this production an amazing night at the theater.
Julie Taymor's staging of The Lion King is an unparalleled display of visual artistry and theatrical ingenuity, transcending even its celluloid source material to become one of Broadway's best-known and beloved shows in history.
Longtime fans of The Lion King may be delighted to discover its continued relevance today. The ensemble cast is fantastic, from Gerald Ramsey's powerful yet graceful performance as King Mufasa to Nick LaMedica's comic characterisation of Zazu and John E. Brady's warthog antics as Pumbaa; Brenda Mhlongo truly stands out as Rafiki with powerful vocals and complete authority as its wise narrator.
Simba the Lion Cub is played by an impressive young actor accompanied by an exceptional ensemble cast of singers, dancers, and puppeteers - as well as sets and costumes created by director/designer Julie Taymor (who should get her own show!). Additionally there are gorgeous sets designed by Taymor that create an ingenious visualization of an African animal kingdom conceived by director/designer Taymor (which should receive its own show!).
Since 1997, over 112 million people have witnessed The Lion King on stage worldwide - but it still feels fresh thanks to its talented ensemble cast.
Even simple images such as the rising sun send ripples of wonder through audiences, while Brenda Mhlongo as Rafiki the Baboon Narrator and Jason Samuel Marable as Mufasa deliver superb performances, owning Simba's anger while singing about his grief and guilt over his father's death - with grace and power! These fantastic actors make every moment count; such as when Cheetah pouncing on Gazelle with graceful ease!
Experience The Lion King live at Cadillac Palace! Director Julie Taymor's innovative use of puppetry and masks pushes the limits of what was possible on Broadway stage productions, providing audiences with an unforgettable performance experience.
She enhanced every element of the celluloid source material, from visual artistry and Lebo M's African-infused musical additions, to Elton John and Tim Rice's pop anthems, while maintaining an overarching story resembling Hamlet that can't help but seem familiar. Still, this show offers enough charm and heart for families of all ages.
Peter Hargrave as Scar is captivating as Mufasa's jealous brother Scar. Balancing fear with charm, and making audiences laugh out loud. Jaylen Lyndon Hunter (young Simba) and Darian Sanders (adult Simba) deliver dynamic performances while Nick Cordileone and John E. Brady make Timon and Pumbaa into memorable characters with their comedic exchanges and flatulence.
