BREATHTAKING SPECTACLE RETURNS TO HARTFORD WITH THE LION KING
By Kiersten Bjork (November 14, 2024)
The national tour of The Lion King, which is playing at The Bushnell in Hartford November 13-December 1, is a breathtaking spectacle that delights from the very first chords. Adapted from the screenplay by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton, The Lion King features music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, additional music and lyrics by Lebo M., Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer, and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. The tour is directed by Julie Taymor with support from associate director Anthony Lyn and choreographed by Garth Fagan with associate choreographer Marey Griffith. Karl Shymanovitz serves as music director, with Clement Ishmael as music supervisor, Robert Elhai as associate music producer, and Michael Keller as music coordinator. Music is produced for the stage, and there is additional score by Mancina, additional vocal score and vocal arrangements from Lebo M., who also serves as chorus director, and orchestrations by Elhai and David Metzger.
The Lion King tells the story of young Simba, a lion cub who finds his world turned upside down when a terrible accident results in the death of his father, King Mufasa. Encouraged by his scheming Uncle Scar, Simba flees Pride Rock, falling in with Timon and Pumbaa, the carefree meerkat and warthog who take Simba under their wings. When Nala, Simba’s childhood friend, finds him again, Simba must make a hard choice as to whether or not he can face his past and return to Pride Rock to claim his birthright as King, or if it is easier to remain with his new friends and their “Hakuna Matata” lifestyle. Featuring iconic songs like “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and filled with that classic Disney magic, The Lion King is a soaring triumph that is perfect for the whole family.
The national tour of The Lion King, which is playing at The Bushnell in Hartford November 13-December 1, is a breathtaking spectacle that delights from the very first chords. Adapted from the screenplay by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton, The Lion King features music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, additional music and lyrics by Lebo M., Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer, and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. The tour is directed by Julie Taymor with support from associate director Anthony Lyn and choreographed by Garth Fagan with associate choreographer Marey Griffith. Karl Shymanovitz serves as music director, with Clement Ishmael as music supervisor, Robert Elhai as associate music producer, and Michael Keller as music coordinator. Music is produced for the stage, and there is additional score by Mancina, additional vocal score and vocal arrangements from Lebo M., who also serves as chorus director, and orchestrations by Elhai and David Metzger.
The Lion King tells the story of young Simba, a lion cub who finds his world turned upside down when a terrible accident results in the death of his father, King Mufasa. Encouraged by his scheming Uncle Scar, Simba flees Pride Rock, falling in with Timon and Pumbaa, the carefree meerkat and warthog who take Simba under their wings. When Nala, Simba’s childhood friend, finds him again, Simba must make a hard choice as to whether or not he can face his past and return to Pride Rock to claim his birthright as King, or if it is easier to remain with his new friends and their “Hakuna Matata” lifestyle. Featuring iconic songs like “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and filled with that classic Disney magic, The Lion King is a soaring triumph that is perfect for the whole family.
Circle of Life Cheetah and Giraffes in The Lion King ©Disney (Joan Marcus)
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Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki in the North American Tour of The Lion King ©Disney
(Matthew Murphy) |
Mufasa is portrayed by Darnell Abraham, whose rich, deep voice has the audience believing that he is indeed king of the pridelands. Abraham is poised yet playful, every inch the king and yet still a father figure. His relationship with Young Simba is touching, and I particularly enjoyed the father-son moments that they share.
Peter Hargrave plays the slippery Scar with excellent malevolent energy. His movements walk the fine line between feline and serpentine, creating a crafty, slimy character that oozes mischief. Hargrave has a strong, low voice that resonates, and his evil laugh is to die for.
Maurica Roland is graceful and proud as Sarabi, mother of Simba. She stands her ground when the worst comes to pass, and Roland skillfully portrays a grieving yet formidable force in the queen mother.
The role of Simba is typically played by Erick D. Patrick, but at the performance I attended the part was covered by understudy Jeremy Noel. Noel mixes a youthful liveliness with a quiet sadness to create the lost lion prince. He is both young and old at the same time, showcasing the playfulness that Simba has carried from his childhood into his relationship with Timon and Pumbaa, while also emphasizing the tragic past that he carries with him everywhere he goes. Noel does a great job at blending the two sides of Simba together, and his chemistry opposite Nala is solid.
Thembelihle Cele plays Nala with a fierce strength. Nala is not someone who will just sit by and watch her people suffer, and Cele shines as the brave warrior. Her rendition of “Shadowland” is powerful and has the audience hanging on her every word.
Bryce Christian Thompson as Young Simba and Ritisha Chakraborty as Young Nala are delightful. Each of the young performers brings a sense of joy to their tracks, constantly imbuing their movements with a bright energy. I particularly enjoyed their rendition of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” from the bird-riding to the choreography.
Mufasa’s advisor, the hornbill Zazu, is played by Nick LaMedica. LaMedica is perfect for this part. From the character voice to the puppetry, he performs every aspect of the role to perfection. Zazu has some rather funny moments, and LaMedica capitalizes on this with hilarious physical choices with the puppet, particularly in the moments that break the fourth wall.
Rafiki kicks off the show with the iconic “Circle of Life” opening lines, and Mukelisiwe Goba doesn’t stop there. Goba plays Rafiki as cheery and cheeky, mischievous and wise, all wrapped up in a phenomenal vocal performance. “He Lives in You (Reprise)” is one of my favorite songs in the show, and Goba’s performance surpasses expectations in the best way.
Peter Hargrave plays the slippery Scar with excellent malevolent energy. His movements walk the fine line between feline and serpentine, creating a crafty, slimy character that oozes mischief. Hargrave has a strong, low voice that resonates, and his evil laugh is to die for.
Maurica Roland is graceful and proud as Sarabi, mother of Simba. She stands her ground when the worst comes to pass, and Roland skillfully portrays a grieving yet formidable force in the queen mother.
The role of Simba is typically played by Erick D. Patrick, but at the performance I attended the part was covered by understudy Jeremy Noel. Noel mixes a youthful liveliness with a quiet sadness to create the lost lion prince. He is both young and old at the same time, showcasing the playfulness that Simba has carried from his childhood into his relationship with Timon and Pumbaa, while also emphasizing the tragic past that he carries with him everywhere he goes. Noel does a great job at blending the two sides of Simba together, and his chemistry opposite Nala is solid.
Thembelihle Cele plays Nala with a fierce strength. Nala is not someone who will just sit by and watch her people suffer, and Cele shines as the brave warrior. Her rendition of “Shadowland” is powerful and has the audience hanging on her every word.
Bryce Christian Thompson as Young Simba and Ritisha Chakraborty as Young Nala are delightful. Each of the young performers brings a sense of joy to their tracks, constantly imbuing their movements with a bright energy. I particularly enjoyed their rendition of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” from the bird-riding to the choreography.
Mufasa’s advisor, the hornbill Zazu, is played by Nick LaMedica. LaMedica is perfect for this part. From the character voice to the puppetry, he performs every aspect of the role to perfection. Zazu has some rather funny moments, and LaMedica capitalizes on this with hilarious physical choices with the puppet, particularly in the moments that break the fourth wall.
Rafiki kicks off the show with the iconic “Circle of Life” opening lines, and Mukelisiwe Goba doesn’t stop there. Goba plays Rafiki as cheery and cheeky, mischievous and wise, all wrapped up in a phenomenal vocal performance. “He Lives in You (Reprise)” is one of my favorite songs in the show, and Goba’s performance surpasses expectations in the best way.
The Company of The Lion King on Broadway. Circle of Life ©Disney. (Matthew Murphy)
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Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki in the North American Tour of The Lion King ©Disney
(Matthew Murphy) |
Timon and Pumbaa, played by Nick Cordileone and Danny Grumich respectively, are hilarious! These two really dive into their characters, creating an accurate portrayal for fans of the animated film that also brings the roles up to the next level. “Hakuna Matata” has the audience humming along in their seats, and Cordileone and Grumich’s banter features in some of the best moments of the show.
Martina Sykes, Forest VanDyke, and Sam Linda work puppetry magic as the three hyenas Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed. The hyena puppet/costumes are some of my favorites in the production, and these three performers juggle the physical nature of these roles expertly, while also showing off vocally with their singing chops and character acting. Watching the three work in tandem, and laugh in tandem, is quite fun. They bring just the right amount of wild and zany pizazz that these hyenas need!
The Lion King boasts a large ensemble that brings the world of the show fully to life. Rounding out the current touring cast are Lauren Carr, Reoagile Choabi, Cedrick Ekra, Joel Karie, Gabisile Manana, Sakhile Mthembu, Sarita Amani Nash, Sicelo Ntshangase, Poseletso Sejosingoe, Ben Toomer, and Denzel Tsopnang as ensemble singers and Ellen Akashi, Iman Ayana, Layla Brent, Vernon Brooks III, Sasha Caicedo, Shaquelle Charles, Maurice Dawkins, Marquis Floyd, Valériane Louisy Louis Joseph, Sayiga Eugene Peabody and Jordan Nicole Willis as ensemble dancers. Kayla Rose Aimable (Dance Captain), Eric Bean, Jr., Lyric Danae, Justin Mensah, Aaron Nelson, Yael Pineda-Hall, Courtney Thomas (Dance Captain), and Brinie Wallace serve as swings for the production, with William John Austin (Scar, Pumbaa) and Thom Christopher Warren (Scar, Zazu, Timon, Pumbaa) as standbys.
Martina Sykes, Forest VanDyke, and Sam Linda work puppetry magic as the three hyenas Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed. The hyena puppet/costumes are some of my favorites in the production, and these three performers juggle the physical nature of these roles expertly, while also showing off vocally with their singing chops and character acting. Watching the three work in tandem, and laugh in tandem, is quite fun. They bring just the right amount of wild and zany pizazz that these hyenas need!
The Lion King boasts a large ensemble that brings the world of the show fully to life. Rounding out the current touring cast are Lauren Carr, Reoagile Choabi, Cedrick Ekra, Joel Karie, Gabisile Manana, Sakhile Mthembu, Sarita Amani Nash, Sicelo Ntshangase, Poseletso Sejosingoe, Ben Toomer, and Denzel Tsopnang as ensemble singers and Ellen Akashi, Iman Ayana, Layla Brent, Vernon Brooks III, Sasha Caicedo, Shaquelle Charles, Maurice Dawkins, Marquis Floyd, Valériane Louisy Louis Joseph, Sayiga Eugene Peabody and Jordan Nicole Willis as ensemble dancers. Kayla Rose Aimable (Dance Captain), Eric Bean, Jr., Lyric Danae, Justin Mensah, Aaron Nelson, Yael Pineda-Hall, Courtney Thomas (Dance Captain), and Brinie Wallace serve as swings for the production, with William John Austin (Scar, Pumbaa) and Thom Christopher Warren (Scar, Zazu, Timon, Pumbaa) as standbys.
Peter Hargrave as Scar in the North American Tour of The Lion King ©Disney (Matthew Murphy)
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Lioness Dance in the North American Tour of The Lion King ©Disney (Deen van Meer)
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Scenic design by Richard Hudson is gorgeous. The shifting, irregular shapes that make up pride rock and the other outcroppings throughout the show are eye-catching, as are the many elements that fly in and out, from the sun to the clouds. The blow-up plants in “Hakuna Matata” are a particularly amusing element that worked very well, and I also really enjoyed the design and effect of the shrinking watering hole.
Lighting designer Donald Holder does masterful work with this show. The range of stunning colors that make up the world of The Lion King are on full display in the lighting, from sunrises to sunsets, blue skies to jungles to wastelands. The lighting truly brings all of the elements of the show together into a work of art.
Costumes are designed by director Julie Taymor, with hair and makeup design by Michael Ward. The costumes, hair, and makeup in this show go hand in hand with the puppetry and mask design, done by Taymor and Michael Curry, and what an achievement each of these aspects are. If you’ve never seen The Lion King, you may have at least seen photos of the masterfully crafted puppets, costumes, masks, and more employed by the production. The iconic puppet/costumes are one of the crown jewels of this show – it’s breathtaking to see these incredible pieces, simultaneously both costume and puppet, wielded by such a large cast on such a large scale. The opening number has jaws dropping left and right, and even after many years of the production being open, it still never ceases to amaze.
Sound design by Steve Canyon Kennedy is quite effective. The Lion King features a very large ensemble and a decent-sized pit, with percussionists out in the house. Balancing all of these elements is no small feat, and crafting the soundscape that they do is impressive.
Lighting designer Donald Holder does masterful work with this show. The range of stunning colors that make up the world of The Lion King are on full display in the lighting, from sunrises to sunsets, blue skies to jungles to wastelands. The lighting truly brings all of the elements of the show together into a work of art.
Costumes are designed by director Julie Taymor, with hair and makeup design by Michael Ward. The costumes, hair, and makeup in this show go hand in hand with the puppetry and mask design, done by Taymor and Michael Curry, and what an achievement each of these aspects are. If you’ve never seen The Lion King, you may have at least seen photos of the masterfully crafted puppets, costumes, masks, and more employed by the production. The iconic puppet/costumes are one of the crown jewels of this show – it’s breathtaking to see these incredible pieces, simultaneously both costume and puppet, wielded by such a large cast on such a large scale. The opening number has jaws dropping left and right, and even after many years of the production being open, it still never ceases to amaze.
Sound design by Steve Canyon Kennedy is quite effective. The Lion King features a very large ensemble and a decent-sized pit, with percussionists out in the house. Balancing all of these elements is no small feat, and crafting the soundscape that they do is impressive.
Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki in the North American Tour of The Lion King ©Disney (Matthew Murphy)
The current North American Tour of The Lion King is everything that you could hope for from a Disney blockbuster. It’s a touching story, executed by a stellar cast, and played within a stunning design. Experience the iconic show for yourself – see the North American Tour of The Lion King now through December 1 at the Bushnell or on their route later this year or in 2025. Future tour dates and venues can be found at lionking.com/tour.
The Lion King runs November 13-December 1, 2024, at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets online at bushnell.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
The Lion King runs November 13-December 1, 2024, at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets online at bushnell.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.