Review: Broadway San Jose's THE LION KING is Magical!

Broadway San Jose at the Center for the Performing Arts plays host to Disney's The Lion King now through October 4, 2015. That's the most important thing you need to know because if you're one for keeping a bucket list of must-see things to do and see before you 'exit stage left,' then this show is surely one for the list. Directed into being by Julie Taymor, who infuses her creation with rich cultural beauty, soul-stirring African harmonies and life-sized almost living, breathing animal puppets, The Lion King will capture your heart as it surrounds your senses with laughter, magic and wonder.

From the moment we walked in, Hodges & Hodges felt the excited energy of the young and young-at-heart theatre-goers. It seemed like this was going to be a night to remember and we weren't wrong.

Linda: There is simply nothing more moving in modern musical theatre than the opening movements of Disney's The Lion King. All is quiet as the African Pride Land animals await news of the new lion cub's birth. Th

Nick: There is darkness before the dawn until a single spotlight suddenly shines on Rafiki the Mandrill. Mukelisiwe Goba beautifully brings this role to life in a way that I have never seen. Her voice sent chills down my spine as she chanted her call to the animal kingdom - a summons to the presentation of the new born future king, lion cub Simba (BJ Covington on opening night in a role shared by Tre'Jones).

Linda: The beautiful orange-gold sun rising on a new day in the African Pride Lands set the tone for King Mufasa (beautiful song by Gerald Ramsey) and Queen Sarabi's (a delicate, yet bold Tryphena Wade) rein from Pride Rock.

What follows is breathtaking theater and stunning stagecraft at its best, guaranteed to make your chest swell at the beauty of it all. Audible gasps of joy and wonder greet the appearance of the first animals - stately giraffes, part puppet, and part human; wholly magical. And it just keeps building from there.

Nick: As the stage and aisles began to teem with life, it was hard to decide where to look first! With African drum sounds on either side of the stage aiding Rafiki, a herd of bounding gazelle leap across the stage as a leopard makes its way around them. Flocks of birds, antelope, and even a full-sized elephant head down from the back of the theatre. The large rhino with its requisite bird companion sitting atop her horn, makes her way forth. All are intent on being there for Simba's presentation. The rising sun looked like it was actually shimmering in the African heat. If you saw nothing else but that, it would be enough but of course I couldn't wait for the rest of the show.

Linda: All of this takes place on Richard Hudson's stunning set. Pride Rock, the elephant graveyard, sweeping grasslands and a far-off jungle are all majestically displayed - and in Donald Holder's beautiful lighting design they take on at turns splendor, sinister fear or hakuna-matatda ease. Dancer/puppeteers leap, swirl, dip and sway in Garth Fagan's hypnotic choreography. It's easy to see why each of these artists received Tony Awards for their work.

Nick: I could not believe how gorgeous the dancing was. It was absolutely some of the most mesmerizing choreography that I have ever seen in any show. And you are totally right. With the stunning lighting design to back them up, every bit of dancing was just magical. And that was just the opening!

Linda: A truly stunning beginning beautifully executed by this gifted ensemble. When Rafiki lifts up the wiggling cub Simba and the drum strikes at that same moment - well, it just takes your breath away. But noticeably missing from the assembled animals is King Mufasa's brother Scar - played by a deliciously evil Patrick R. Brown. He soon devises a plot to kill Mufasa in a stampede and then convinces Simba that he's to blame for his own father's death. Encouraged by his uncle to leave, Simba heads out, guilt and grief-stricken.

Nick: Hudson's wildebeest stampede during this tragedy (triggered by Scar) through the gorge is ingenious.

Linda: I have never really understood the canyon wall design. Its angular lines give it almost an art deco feel that is not in keeping with the rest of the shows earthy design.

Nick: That part didn't bother me too much, but when Mufasa finally meets his end at his brother's hand I felt his death was a little lackluster. He was on his own two feet clinging to a side of a wall. It wasn't as epic of a death as I thought it was going to be.

Linda: In any case Simba buys his uncle lies and leaves without telling a soul, not even his father's British valet Zazu (a hornbill played with glib perfection by Josh Landay standing in for Drew Hirshfield) or his best friend Nala (played by Savanna Fleisher on opening night in a role shared by Mikari Tarpley).

Nick: Landay's Zazu was hilarious, as was the comedy team of the wisecracking meerkat, Timon (Nick Cordileone) and the giant, flatulent warthog, Pumbaa (Ben Lipitz). Simba is lost and alone after wandering in the desert. He's close to dying from lack of food and water when he's befriended by Timon and Pumbaa.

Linda: They're always a crowd favorite. They provide much of the comic relief with their New York accents and their infectious vaudeville-esque comedy stylings. They are really just a pair of delightful characters.

Nick: Simba grows up with this comedic duo (the adult Simba is played sublimely by Aaron Nelson) while his childhood lioness friend, Nala grows up without him. And, of course, Scar becomes the king.

Linda: Time goes by and the now adult Nala (Nia Holloway) soon finds herself fighting off advances from Scar who, along with his hyena henchmen (played marvelously by Tiffany Denise Hobbs, Keith Bennett, and Robby Swift) are destroying the Pride Lands ecosystem.

Nick: I loved the hootin' and hollerin' hyenas. The adult Nala had a beautiful singing voice that had a deep earthiness, but in the song "Shadowland" (which does not appear in the movie) I couldn't understand the words she was singing. I've never seen the show so it would have been nice to know the words although I have to say that the intent of the song was quite clear by her inspired characterization.

Linda: Led by Rafiki, Nala finds that Simba has grown up, but guilt and self-doubt have bruised him. It is Nala's strength and determination that finally convinces him to go home. Together they return to battle Scar and company and bring peace to the Pridelands. They win and slowly the land recovers. Soon the circle of life continues with the birth of Simba and Nala's newborn cub.

Nick: The Lion King is rich with themes of good versus evil, the delicate balance of nature and of course the circle of life of which we are all a part. The story stands alone, but it doesn't hurt to have music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice.

Linda: And their work is complemented beautifully with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Hans Zimmer and the clearly multi-talented Julie Taymor. With a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, the theatrical version of Disney's The Lion King garnered 11 Tony nominations and six wins and ranks as the highest grossing musical of all time.

Nick: Hodges & Hodges implore you to add this show to your bucket list and then go online and get your tickets now. You have until October 4th to see Broadway at its best at Broadway San Jose!

The Lion King
Music and lyrics by Elton John, Tim Rice
Book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi
Additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Hans Zimmer and Julie Taymor.
Directed by Julie Taymor
Play now through October 4, 2015
Broadway San Jose

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