Broadway in Chicago presents Disney’s THE LION KING for a three week limited engagement.
The show starts with the iconic cry of Rafiki (played by Mukelisiwe Goba) gathering the herds to welcome the new lion cub, Simba. Throughout the theatre, elephants, giraffes, gazelles, birds and others parade onto stage to “Circle of Life.” This first 15 minutes is worth the price of admission. The stagecraft has humans and animals coexisting in an illusion of movement. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Between the puppet pageantry (Julie Taymor and Michael Curry) and the searing score (Elton John and Tim Rice), the show doesn’t merely start, it erupts in vibrant joy.
THE LION KING captured the 1998 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Director (Taymor). And Elton and Rice won the 1999 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. The show, particular under Taymor’s vision, designs and direction, is a timeless masterpiece. It’s rock solid in its production values and the ensemble always delights.
This touring production carries on that tradition of excellence. Bryce Christian Thompson (Young Simba) and David D’Lancy Wilson (Mufasa) endear as son and father. An impulsive Thompson and commanding Wilson give off this tight child-parental bond. Their strong chemistry makes the tragic end to a stunning stampede that more heart-wrenching. In the second half, the strong romantic pull between childhood friends captivates. The charming Gilbert Domally (Simba) and fierce Thembelihle Cele (Nala) reunite in a sweet, honest way. They have a shared past and a hesitant present. The relational uncertainty feels organic.
Along with dramatic moments unfolding, the show has plenty of humor. The deliciously evil Peter Hargrave (Scar) and his pack of hyenas (Martina Sykes, Forest VanDyke, Sam Linda) are hysterical in their murderous plotting. The wise-cracking comedy duo of Timon (played by Robert Creighton) and Pumbaa (played by Danny Grumich) playfully help Simba forget his problems with their “Hakuna Matata” lifestyle. And the droll Nick Lamedica (Zazu) zings the punchline in his guidance to King and Prince.
“Hakuna Matata” means ‘everything’s fine’ in Swahili! It’s a cute notion with a punch that resonates. THE LION KING is a spectacular escape from today’s oppressive political climate and into the sweeping majestic landscape of Africa. This show has wow-ed audiences across continents for a quarter of century. It’s truly a timeless showcase of “The Circle of Life.” This was my sixth time seeing THE LION KING. For novices and fanatics, this spectacular theatrical experience is a guaranteed unforgettable memory in the making. I LOVED it … again! The 8-year old with me LOVED it for the first time.
Running Time: 2 hours and thirty minutes include an intermission.
At Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
Adapted from the screenplay by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton
Book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi
Music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice
Directed by Julie Taymor
Choreography by Garth Fagan
Performances are:
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7PM
Wednesdays at 1 PM and 7 PM
Saturdays at 2 PM and 7:30 PM
Sundays at 1 PM and 6:30 PM
Thru October 19
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Matthew Murphy
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