The Lion King begins with “The Circle of Life,” which celebrates the birth of King Mufasa’s son, Simba. (Photo by Matthew Murphy; photos courtesy of Disney)
By Richard Ades
It was almost exactly 20 years ago that I first saw the onstage version of The Lion King. After seeing it again last week, I looked up my review of that earlier production and realized it applies equally well to the current touring show.
That says a lot for the quality of the new production and for the timelessness of director Julie Taymor’s vision. The Lion King could have been just another Disney cartoon adapted for the stage, but Taymor employed African-inspired costumes, masks, puppetry and dance moves and turned it into a cultural phenomenon.
For her efforts, in 1998 Taymor became the first woman to win the Tony Award for best direction of a musical. In addition, the original Broadway production won well-deserved Tonys for scenic design (Richard Hudson), costume design (Taymor), lighting design (Donald Holder) and choreography (Garth Fagan) as well as the overall award for best musical.
Though the beautiful music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice (and others) did not win a Tony, they contribute to the show’s groundbreaking character, starting with the fact that some of the key lyrics are in Swahili.
Maybe it’s less surprising that the book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi was Tony-less, as the story is simple and predictable: A majestic lion rules wisely over his kingdom until a jealous brother engineers his demise, after which the monarch’s young son must decide whether to fight for justice and his position as the rightful heir.
It’s a tale as old as time—or at least as old as Hamlet. What makes it compelling is the show’s spirit and style, as delivered by a committed cast of fine actors, singers and dancers.
Cheetahs and giraffes are among the animals creatively portrayed with the help of life-size puppets. (Photo by Joan Marcus)
Major figures in the current touring show are Gerald Ramsey as the noble King Mufasa; Peter Hargrave as his villainous brother, Scar; Nick LaMedica as Mufasa’s hornbill steward, Zazu; Darian Sanders as the grownup version of the prince, Simba; and Khalifa White as Simba’s friend, Nala.
Appearing in alternate performances as the younger versions of the latter two characters are Bryce Christian Thompson and Julian Villela as Simba, and Ritisha Chakraborty and Leela Chopra as Nala.
Finally, special mention must be made of Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki, the all-seeing mandrill (or is she a baboon?) who serves as viewers’ guide and narrator. When she gets things started with her full-throated rendition of “The Circle of Life,” we know this iconic show is in good hands.
As it was from the beginning, thanks to Julie Taymor.
P.S. Danya Taymor followed in her aunt’s footsteps Sunday by winning the Tony Award for best direction of a musical (The Outsiders, which also won for best musical). Obviously, talent runs in the family.
CAPA and Broadway in Columbus will present The Lion King through July 7 at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays (except July 4), 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, plus 2 p.m. June 20, 7:30 p.m. July 1 and 1 p.m. July 4. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (including intermission). For ticket information, visit columbus.broadway.com. For information on future tour stops, visit lionking.com/tour/.
Reel Time With Richard Ades 