BWW Reviews: THE LION KING National Tour in Denver - a Mighty Roar!

Having already played more than 60 cities across North America, THE LION KING now proudly makes its Denver return at The Buell Theatre. Disney's THE LION KING plays at the Buell Theatre for a limited five-week run. This will be THE LION KING's third time to play Denver. The musical has been seen by over 13.2 million theatergoers and grossed over $867 million to date. THE LION KING began as a 1994 animated feature-length film developed and produced by the Walt Disney Company. The story, a coming of age parable set among animals indigenous to its setting, the African savanna, tells the tale of Simba, the lion cub who rises to be the King of the jungle. And seriously, if you don't know the plot from THE LION KING by now....then Hakuna Matata to you!

While the show was thoroughly enjoyable, I got the strange sense that the cast was a little tired and sluggish while Act I seemed to drag for a bit. When the curtain opened on Act II however, the company found their footing again and things took off like a lioness hunting in the savanna!

The cast really was quite wonderful! Buyi Zama as Rafiki was sensational and really brought a comical and heartfelt element to the show. Dionne Randolph as very commanding as Mufasa as his voice very much reminded me of James Earl Jones and J. Anthony Crane was quite menacing as Scar. The other actors that brought the funny to the stage were Mark David Kaplan as Zazu, Nick Cordileone as Timon, and Ben Lipitz as Pumbaa. The other remarkable talents were Jelani Remy as Simba and Sydnee Winters as Nala that had such amazing voices.

To say that Julie Taymor is a genius would be repeating what every critic has said before me, but it is so damn true. Her artistry through puppetry, fabulous masks, ingenious costumes, and elaborate set design that were all meticulously thought out and even the use of shadow art and marionettes is a thing to behold and it is no wonder that this production is the most successful musical that Disney has ever put on. Also Elton John, Tim Rice and company's additional touches of the rich and vibrant African music were downright spiritual! Highlight songs included Circle of Life, He Lives in You, One by One, Shadowland, and Endless Night.

THE LION KING is playing until December 4th at the Denver Center's Buell Theatre. For tickets or more information contact the box office at 303-893-4100 or online at www.denvercenter.org.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Joan Marcus

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