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REVIEW: BROADWAY'S THE LION KING

April 18, 2014
I was recently invited to see the Broadway Musical, Disney's "The Lion King", and I couldn't have been more ecstatic. Of ALL the Broadway shows, this is the one I've always wanted to see. I love the featured animated film that came out in 1994, love the Lion King Show at Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, and loved re-watching the Lion King Movie in 3D in 2011 (was it really that long ago!?). Although the Musical debuted in 1997 (wow, 17 years ago!) and I lived in NYC, I never got to see it. Now it's here in Atlanta and I was not going to miss it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pgZtzDj_7o

Since I was so excited, I made sure to arrive early, and boy, was I glad I did. As my daughter and her friend stood in front of a Lion King Musical Sign in front of the Fox Theatre, holding a plush Simba, we were approached by Nya Cymone Carter, who plays Young Nala in the show. The girls got to speak to her, her mom, and her brother. She is currently 11, originally from NJ and has been on the tour since May 2013. She loves the travelling, and loves being in the show. As she spoke to us, the actor that plays Scar passed by, and you could see the love and sense of family that the cast have for each other. 

In addition to that highlight, we were fortunate to be in the 3rd and 4th seats from the aisle which was amazing because some of the cast enter from the back of the theatre, and down the aisles, onto the stage. It was an amazing experience to see them so up close and personal and feel like you are in the show. Every seat is a great seat though, and I would have even gladly taken one of the few "obstructed view" seats to have experienced this show. Most shows are sold out already, so when I say don't delay, I mean it. Here's a little tip to save money as well as if seats are limited - kids under 2 can sit on your lap with a "lap seat ticket" - there is a fee, which may vary by show. My friend paid $33 for a lap seat for her son for Lion King. 

Of course the biggest highlight was the show itself. It's got amazing music (written by Elton John and Tim Rice), costumes, dancing, singing, acting, and - puppetry. I did not realize how many intircate and varying puppets were in the show. It really is remarkable how a production company can turn an animated movie into a LIVE show, and leave nothing lacking! 

The opening ten minutes of the show are pure magic - another reason I made sure to arrive early, I didn't want to miss a second. 
Rafiki, the mandrill, in her great trumpet of a voice, lets out her Zulu call, which leads to a breath-taking pageantry down the aisle. From the back of the theatre, as the African drums are beaten LIVE, the most amazing creatures I've ever seen walk slowly toward the stage - Giraffes, graceful leopards, leaping antelopes, an elephant, strutting zebras, as the air above fluttered with flying birds all moving toward Pride Rock to meet the new lion prince, Simba.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0OdIcCQG9I

The story is the same as the one you know, brought to life by a a large and brilliant cast. After seeing the show, there is no question as to why THE LION KING is the highest-grossing Broadway show in New York history and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. 

THE LION KING will be at the Fox Theatre through April 27th.
Performances are Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. as well as matinees on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and Sundays at 1:00 p.m.

Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available.

Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre Box Office (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308), online at 
www.foxtheatre.org or by calling 1-855-ATL-TIXX. Orders for groups of twenty (20) or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

Disclosure: I received a pair of tickets to this show to faciliate my review, but all opinions and thoughts are my own.