The Lion King

The Lion King
National Touring Company
Buell Theater
Denver, CO
November 2 - December 4, 2011

I saw the first tour of The Lion King nine years ago. The show was so outstanding I knew I wanted to see it again.

I arrived only a few minutes before curtain and was dismayed to learn that I would not be seated until after the show began. The ushers informed me that Disney sets a seating cut off which cannot be violated. Due to this policy, I missed the stunning opening number, "The Circle of Life." Very disappointing!

Despite missing the opening, it was easy to get engrossed in the show. The audience is familiar with the characters and situations from the movie version. In the theatrical context, the Tim Rice/Elton John songs soar to new heights. Hearing "Be Prepared" sung live by a trained voice breathes new life into a song many tend to overlook. And "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" becomes a gorgeous ballad in the show.

The songs that have been added only improve the story. Nala's "Shadowland" reinforces the desperation of the pride. "Endless Night" performed by the adult Simba lets us into his mixed emotions when faced with his past. "They Live In You" and it's reprise "He Lives In  You" are sweeping spiritual songs which tie the whole story together.

The costumes and the staging share the spotlight with the music.Transforming a human into an animal is not an easy feat and the results are astonishing. Birds sweep overhead during the production numbers and you are lost in the savannah. The staging of the wildebeest stampede is magnificent. The shared use of puppets and live actors clearly show the increasing danger.

The Lion King is not an ordinary musical. Even those who are not Disney fans will appreciate the ingenuity which brought this movie onto the stage.