The Lion King is a spectacular night at the theatre, and it is fun for the whole family! Adapted from Disney’s classic animated film, The Lion King is both familiar, to those who have seen the movie, and wonderfully surprising. With its breathtaking opening number, the audience is transported to the Serengeti and mingle with the beautiful animals. The show is a marvelous feast of songs, colours, and a moving story. There are wonderful performances of African song and dance. The whole package is a great example of all that theatre can be.
The Lion King opens with the classic “Circle of Life” as the animals gather from all over Place des Arts, down the aisles and the balconies, to attend the presentation of the lion cub Simba, heir to the kingdom of Prideland. The Lion King Mufasa tries to teach his son Simba the meaning of nature and how all life has its place. However, Mufasa’s jealous brother Scar, resents losing his place in the succession and plots with the hyenas to eliminate his competition. After a terrible tragedy, Simba escapes to a land far from Prideland. There, he meets Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the flatulent warthog. As this comedy trio enjoy the fruits of the land, Simba grows up and tries to forget the past. While Simba is gone, Scar takes over Prideland and lets the hyenas destroy the resources. The land and the animals are dying. Simba’s friends Nala and Rafiki find him and remind him of who he is so he can take his place as the rightful king, restoring balance to the land. Simba and Scar meet in an explosive climax that determines their fates and the animals of Prideland.
The action moves smoothly and beautifully; giving the audience the pleasure of enjoying the kaleidoscope of colours, and the grand variety of animals, small and enormous, running around the land. The animals are depicted through masks and puppetry (even shadow puppets). The performers are not completely hidden either. They are parts of the character adding more depth to the role.
The whole cast is talented and the musical performances are stirring. Rafiki and Zazu are standouts. Mufasa is indeed majestic, and Scar is especially wicked and sneaky. Timon and Pumbaa and the hyenas are hilarious. Simba, both young and older, is so endearing. The lionesses show themselves as the Queens they truly are.
The costumes are magnificent. The sets and visual effects are stunning. The production’s use of the Place des Arts is exciting. It gives the audience a sense of belonging to the show.
We are indeed part of the great Circle of Life.
Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy
The Lion King presented by evenko and Broadway Across Canada. Show runs until September 6, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts, 175 Ste.-Catherine Street West, Montreal. For tickets call the box office at 514-842-2112 (or 1-866-842-2112) or go to www.placedesarts.com
