Review: THE LION KING Stampedes into Omaha's Orpheum Theatre

Disney's The Lion King opened at Omaha's Orpheum Theatre this past week and is playing through April 7^th, 2013. The Lion King brings great entertainment to Omaha as it is a family favorite amongst the Disney Classics. This show brings such magic to the stage as it not only through the wonderful costumes, but through the music, the story and these fun filled characters. This show leaves you singing your favorite songs, repeating your favorite lines and smiling like you did when you first saw the classic Disney film.

Nteliseng Nkhela (Rafiki) opens the show with the crowd favorite "The Circle of Life"; this is truly one of the most magical scenes of the entire show. Nkhela brings such life to the stage that the moment she opens her mouth you will be captivated from the first note. Though at times I sat there comparing Nkhela to the infamous Tshidi Manye (Broadway's Rafiki) Nkhela held her own and really sold me on the part. Her performance was the most commendable out of the entire company.

One of my favorite things about Disney Theatrical Productions is the fact that in most all of their productions you have children involved. It always amazes me to see children perform on stage amongst all of these adults. These kids were phenomenal! Kailah McFadden (Young Nala) and Zavion J. Hill (Young Simba) were so fantastic; they lit up the stage with their youthful energy every time they were on it. One of my favorite numbers, "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" was performed by these two, and they performed it better than any I had seen prior!

Timothy Carter (Scar), the comic relief of the show and the villain of course was spot on! Carter played the part with such ease, which I suppose three years in this role might help with that, but he was a delight on stage. Of course, with Scar come the hyenas, Rashada Dawan (Shenzi), Keith Bennett (Banzai) and Robbie Swift (Ed) all of which were fantastic! Dawan and Bennett with their one liners and Swift with his head bobbing, laughter and unintended honesty will have you laughing the night away!

Mark David Caplan (Zazu) is such a fun character! Caplan has so much going on, from his puppetry to singing to being all over the stage! Caplan brought so much joy to the audience with his quick wit and comedic timing. He is the perfect Zazu!

Nick Cordileone (Timon) and Ben Lipitz (Pumbaa) are the perfect duo! We all know we loved these characters in the movie, but who knew you could love them just as much on stage, well you can! Cordileone and Lipitz are wonderful; they fill the audience with laughter each and every time they are on stage! Their performance of "Hakuna Matata" was perfect in every way and closes out Act I leaving you anxiously awaiting Act II.

Jelani Remy (Simba) and Syndee Winters (Nala) bring love to the stage. Their chemistry draws you in and makes you truly believe that they are in fact in love. Winters was one of my favorites, from the moment she started singing "Shadowland" you could feel the emotion pouring out on stage, leaving me with chills. Remy, another favorite of mine I knew I loved not only during "Hakuna Matata" but when he sang "Endless Night" (my favorite song from the show) he left me speechless. He sang every word of the song with such raw emotion that you couldn't help but tear up.

In most of my reviews, I wouldn't write about as many performers as I did, but I felt the need to commend each of them on a job well done. This cast has so many talented performers and I can promise you they won't leave you disappointed. Though, I didn't touch on every single performer, they are all phenomenal. This show is by far one of my absolute favorites, I've loved the movie forever and I've loved the musical since the first time I saw it in New York City. Not only do I love the story, but I love the creativity behind this show, the entire Creative Team deserves just as big of an applause as the cast for putting together by far one of the best musical productions of all time!

If you haven't already seen The Lion King, it is a MUST see! There are so few tickets left, that you better act fast if you want the chance to see this amazing show! For tickets and more information, visit www.LionKing.com or www.TicketOmaha.com or you can call 402-345-0606.

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