A couple weeks ago, Joseph received a text out of the blue from our friends Mark and Sam asking if we'd be interested in accompanying them to Seattle's Paramount Theater to see The Lion King. We considered the offer only for as long as it took us to determine if we had any pressing appointments on the day of the show. When we determined we had nothing of import to which to attend, we immediately responded affirmatively.
We walked into a packed lobby at approximately 6 p.m. yesterday. Excited children and their parents crowded near signs taking picture to remember the experience. Meanwhile, couples enjoying a belated Valentine's Day hovered around the small bars consuming their overpriced cocktails.
We four partook in a few beverages ourselves prior to entering at approximately 6:20 p.m. We sat on the main floor to the left side (looking at the stage) of the stage. Row X. Good seats if I may say so.
The lights dimmed and the show began.
A lone figure stood on stage at first. With painted face and odd apparel, Rafiki - the monkey - belted out the first notes of the show. Crisp. Clean. Beautiful. She had nailed it. The tone was set.
Following her call, giraffes, oxen, elephants, gazelles, and even a cheetah swarmed the stage to pay tribute at the presentation of Simba upon Pride Rock. A rousing opening performance made all the better by the mechanics and ingenuity of the superb animal costumes.
There were, of course, few surprises, at least for those who saw the animated Disney movie. Based loosely on Shakespeare's Hamlet the story follows Simba's youth, exile, and return. Though predictable, the story itself proves that a good story can always be told again.
The characters?
Rafiki - Exceptional. Her voice. Her comedic timing. Her ability to affect the audience - though most of her spoken words were not in English - was impressive.
The Hyenas - The three hyenas were certainly satisfactory though I can't say they did anything to make themselves exceptional. But, it wasn't their part to do so.
Timon and Pumbaa - Hysterical. A talented duo, these two had chemistry and an uncanny ability to sound like Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella from the original movie. Not a bad thing in my estimation.
Zazu - Certainly had his moments though came up flat on a few comical deliveries. The bird's movements as directed by the actor were enjoyable, another testament to the masterful puppeteering in the show.
Mufasa - With his deep booming voice and slow deliberate gait onstage, I would peg this actor as my second favorite behind Rafiki.
Scar - I believe it is more difficult to be the bad guy than the good in these sorts of productions. I'd say this actor did enough to make me dislike him but not enough for me to loathe him. He came off more as a whining nincompoop than a scheming enemy. And still he served well enough since I was glad to see his eventual demise.
Young Nala - With her little curls that looked like tiny Mickey Mouse ears atop her head, this little girl came off as a sassy and domineering little cub. Less friendly than her animated counterpart, I still think her portrayal worked.
Young Simba - And it worked because young Simba was indeed an adorable little boy. With his wild outfit, spritely movements upon the stage, and better than average singing voice, he wowed the audience.
Grown Nala - A less sassy, more subdued character, grown Nala came across a bit bland. She had a pretty voice, to be certain, but displayed little ability to engulf the audience in her talent.
Grown Simba - With this character, I have a personal issue that I doubt was shared by others. He had an obviously sibilant 's' that just turned me off entirely. His vocals were good; he had power when it was most necessary. But that lisp, at times, broke the enchantment.
My final thought. I can say that this is my third favorite musical of all time behind Les Miserables and Wicked. The costumes were spectacular; they themselves are worth the price of admission. And though I can't claim to have loved the entire cast, I can say that Rafiki, Mufasa, Timon, and Pumbaa made it more than worth my while. If it is coming to a city near you, I recommend you spend the time and money. You won't be disappointed.
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