Review: Academy's LION KING Still Roars!

The LION KING is now in its 18th 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 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. The King's brother Scar plots the death of his brother by using the young heir Simba as part of the bait to execute a planned accident in a cowardly attempt to steal the throne as King of Prideland. Devastated and convinced that he is responsible for his father's death, Simba leaves the Prideland. When Scar believes Simba is also killed in the accident he takes over the pride ruling with arrogance and injustice...until Simba returns.

Heading the principal cast and "King" of the Pride is L. Steven Taylor as King Mufasa. From the Broadway and Singapore production playing Scar is Patrick R. Brown. Playing the wise Rafiki is Tshidi Manye. Jelani Remy plays the adult Simba and Nia Holloway plays Nala. Cameron Pow plays Zazu, the king's daffy bird reporter.The principal leads in this touring production deliver their roles with great ability and talent. Taylor is a dignified and sincere Mufasa while Brown plays his brother Scar more of an indifferent scoundrel than evil. Nick Cordileone and Ben Lipitz certainly delight the audience with their over the top comedy act as Timon and Pumba, respectively.

Young Simba (Tre' Jones) and Young Nala (Alexandra Underwood) are two energetic cubs. Underwood's shows some very graceful movement. Remy's adult Simba is glorious in every way. His vocals are commanding and meaningful and he is perfectly matched with an equally talented sweet voiced Nala played by Nia Holloway and their vocal paring is enchanting.

Our smiling bubbly Rafiki commands the stage and engages the audience at her every appearance. Manye's voice echoes throughout this huge theater and she was a delight to enjoy. 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 Design by: 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 until June 14. 2015. For information or tickets: www.kimmlecenter.org/broadway or call 215.790.5883 or 866.276.2947

Photos: Tsidi Maneye (Rafiki) - Jelani Remy (Simba & ensemble) - Nia Holloway (Nala & Lionesses)

Photo Credits: Joan Marcus

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