THE LION KING's Pride Arrives in San Antonio

The national tour production of the long-running Disney musical The Lion King is settling into a month-long run in San Antonio's Majestic Theatre.  I had the pleasure of experiencing this eye-popping show for the first time this week.

Most people are familiar with the story of The Lion King, thanks to the massively successful 1994 Disney animated film, so while the show does not provide any "new" information, the thrill for this musical comes from the visual effects that bring the cartoon to life.

The brilliantly orchestrated opening sequence of the always-stirring "Circle of Life" is a wonderful introduction to what else is in store.  The staging of the scene is key to bringing the audience into the story, with several "animals" making their way down the aisles through the theater's auditorium before joining the rest of the cast on stage.

From the spectacular opening, the musical progresses following the film's plot, with only a few deviations to include new songs such as "The Morning Report" and "Chow Down."  Personally, I grew up with The Lion King and its music and did not appreciate these additions, though they were well-done regardless of my opinion.  In fact, the additions, likely meant to enrich the storyline, were the only portions of the production that I did not care for.  I'm pleased that such an issue is the only aspect I can attach any level of negativity to.

The costumes, originally designed by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry (who jointly won the Tony in 1998), were eye-popping and wildly creative.  My personal favorite designs were those the hyenas wore, especially while shown only in shadows.  Their profiles alone, without the details revealed in the light, were able to incite that twinge of fear I felt as a child when the up-to-no-good hyenas first appeared.

Just as in the original Disney film, the story is guided along by the often-scene stealing baboon, Rafiki, played by Phindile Mkhize, is our narrator, though rarely speaking English and often inciting laughter.  Young Simba and Young Nala, portrayed at my performance by Jerome Stephens, Jr. and Jamariana Tribble respectively, shined as promising future stage actors.  Nicholas Carriere, who stands by for an injured Brent Harris, portrayed a beautifully evil Scar.  André Jackson (Simba) and Marja Harmon (Nala) were a very lovable set of lead lions, though I felt the range might have been slightly out of Jackson's capabilities, he adapted quite well.

The Lion King is a wonderful and safe theatrical piece of entertainment for families with children of all ages, and is a great way to introduce anyone to the world of musical theater.  The Lion King is playing at The Majestic Theatre through January 3, 2010.  Limited tickets are still available by visiting Ticketmaster.com.

Photo credit: Joan Marcus

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