The Lion King: The Roar of Success

The Lion King is now in its ninth sold-out year on Broadway and has won over 40 major awards including six 1998 Tony Awards and a host of others. Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to receive the Tony Award for Best Director of a musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for The Lion King.

So what's the attraction? Is it the costumes, masks, and puppets? As Taymor tells us "As an audience member at The Lion King, you have an important job; with your imagination, you are invited to "mix" the animal with the human into a magical whole. When the human spirit visibly animates an object, we experience a special almost life giving connection. We become engaged in both the method of storytelling as well as the story itself ."

This concept achieves its goal in grand fashion. There are more than 200 puppets, 25 kinds of animals, birds, fish and insects, including 39 hyenas and 52 wildebeests. Disney's animated characters are so expressive- "they're animals, but they're very human animals," according to Taymor.

The music is also a major factor to this show's enduring popularity. The animated Lion King film incorporates songs by composer Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice; "The Circle of Life," "Can You Feel The Love Tonight," and "Hakuna Matata". For the stage version, more songs were added. The creative team turned to South African songwriter Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin and Hanz Zimmer. The score is a blend of American popular music with the complexity of African rhythms into a seamless and completely new concept that works for this production.

The plot, while played out entirely by animals is very human indeed. The Prideland is thriving well as a new life and heir to King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi is born. An inheritance that is coveted by the King's brother Scar as he plots the death of his brother by using the young heir Simba as part of the bait to execute a planned accident. Devastated and convinced that he is responsible for his fathers death, Simba leaves the Pridelands. When Scar believes Simba is also killed in the accident he takes over the pride ruling with arrogance and injustice...until Simba returns.

The cast for this touring company consists of several Philadelphians including Cody Ryan Wise and Zuri Reed who alternate with the other actors to play Young Simba and Young Nala. Cherry Hill native Ben Lipitz stars as Pumba, the warthog. Wayne Pyle from Chester/Selinsgrove PA is playing Ed the hyena. University of Delaware graduate John Plumpis plays Timon, the meerkat. Chauntee Schuler, whose credits include the recent Prince Music theater's production of Dreamgirls will play the lioness-Nala.

Joining the principal cast is L. Steven Taylor as King Mufasa and direct from the Broadway production playing Scar is Derek Smith. Also in this production, a native of South Africa is Phindile Mkhize playing the wise Rafiki. S.J. Hannah plays the adult Simba and Mark Cameron Pow plays Zazu, the king's daffy bird reporter.

Most of the principal leads in this touring production deliver their roles with great ability and talent. Taylor is a dignified and sincere Mufasa while Smith plays his brother Scar more of whiny, greedy scoundrel than evil. Schuler's vocals as Nala are well executed. Plumpis and Lipitz certainly delight the audience with their over the top comedy act as Timon and Pumba.

Hannah's Simba is less than impressive as the mighty young lion and his vocals are weak. The duet with Nala is over shadowed by Schuler's strength. It must be noted that it appeared that some of sound equipment was not up to par at the Saturday press night performance and this was apparent with many of the characters delivery of lines as well as vocals.

However, there is no question that our smiling bubbly Rafiki commands the stage and engages the audience at her every appearance. Mkhize's voice echoes throughout this huge theater and she was a delight to enjoy. The company is made up of 53 cast members and between the costumes, the dazzling Disney sets and the glorious music and impressive chorus numbers, it's no wonder that The Lion King is one of the most spectacular shows to grace a stage.

Music by Elton John, Tim Rice, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer. Book by: Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, Scenic design by: Richard Hudson, Costumes by:Julie Taymor, Lighting by: Donald Holder, Masks and puppet Designby: Julie Taymor and Michael Curry, Choreography by: Garth Fagan, Producers: Peter Schneider and Thomas Schumacher and Directed by: Julie Taymor

The Lion King plays at The Academy of Music in Philadelphia from June 10 through Sept.10, 2006

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