Critical Review at Hennepin Arts

Disney’s The Lion King Peyton Webb Company of The Lion King Photo by Matthew Murphy Celebration. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of Disney’s The Lion King musical, and it describes the show to a tee. While it does honor the beloved 1994 film, as well the “circle of life” that connects us all, the core of the show is a beautiful and brilliant celebration of African culture. Under the direction of Julie Taymor, The Lion King has returned to the Orpheum in Minneapolis on Wednesday, March 28: 27 years after it opened at the same theater and became an instant hit. The Lion King certainly lived up to its impressive reputation, and is the definition of a must-see show. Of the many aspects of the musical that have become iconic, the intricate animal pu ppets are by far the most well-known and impressive. Talented ensemble members walk on stilts to create elegant giraffes, expertly maneuver the arms and legs of leopards or hyenas, and piece together the creatures of t...

  The Lion King: Be Prepared to Feel The Love - by Jed Stahlback For many, childhood memories are painted with the vibrant hues and catchy tunes of Disney movies. Now, at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis, those nostalgic sentiments come alive once more, making you feel like a kid again with The Lion King . As the iconic production begins its national tour, audiences are treated to a spectacle transcending traditional theater's boundaries, immersing them in the awe-inspiring world of the African savanna. The Lion King immediately captures your attention with its rich tapestry of storytelling and beautiful theatricality. Set in the Serengeti Plains, the story follows the journey of Simba, a young lion prince, who is someday destined to be king of the Pride Lands. With a combination of puppetry by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry, beautifully designed costumes by Taymor, and expressive music by Elton John and Tim Rice, the production brings to life the opulence and thrill ...

  Axel Duke The Lion King Long Live The King The Lion King is one of, if not the most, pivotal musical of our time, and with its monumental production value, family-friendly mass appeal, and continuously spectacular performances, it's no wonder it would go on to redefine musical theatre forever. The 2022 North American Touring production of The Lion King or as it has been nicknamed the “ Rafiki Tour '' is the third touring iteration of the pivotal 1997 musical, and after 27 years and thousands of shows, it roars just as loud, but to a familiar tune.  The Lion King is the story of Simba, a lion cub born heir to the animal kingdom of Pride Rock, and his journey to maturity through his conflicts and connections spanning all parts of the circle of life. And with that simple synopsis, any prospective theatre-goer can understand exactly what the show entails—and with the Disney logo front and center, there comes the guarantee of quality. And that quality cannot go understated....

Disney’s Lion King: I Just Can’t Wait to See the Lion King! By Huxley Westemeier   Mufasa, Simba, Nala, Scar, Zazu. Classic characters from a family-favorite story of acceptance and pride. Julie Taymor’s 1997 Broadway classic The Lion King returns to roar in Minneapolis, where it originated 27 years ago, and this tour is phenomenal. From the opening sequence Circle of Life, where dozens of elaborately-costumed performers convincingly portray wild animals (including giraffes on stilts and an enormous elephant) to Scar’s final moments as he falls off Pride Rock, this production is a lesson in theatricality. The African dances and chanting adds more amazing sensory experiences that neatly bookmark pivotal scenes. While the storyline and dialogue is purposefully cheesy and at times a little too self-aware, I think it’s the perfect Broadway introduction show for any child. Every single actor had a stand-out moment and deserves praise for their challenging movement and convincing ani...

  Adelaide Miller Disney’s The Lion King The Rise and Fall of Kings As soon as the curtain lifted, I was transported into the realm of The Lion King. Though the story was familiar to me, I was unsure of how the translation from cartoon into live stage performance would read. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see how changes were made.  The opening number, “The Circle of Life,” was a strong performance. Intricate animal costumes and puppets flooded the stage as Rafiki (Mukelisiwe Goba) belted a truly powerful piece. I was awestruck when a nearly life-sized elephant costume lumbered across the stage. I had never seen such intricate costuming before. As the animals gathered below Pride Rock (a towering staircase) to watch the presentation of Simba, a sunset washed the stage in hues of gold and amber. I felt my childhood nostalgia of watching the original 1994 cartoon return in full sweep.  Another example of impressive costuming (Julie Taymor) was during Scene 4, “T...

Can You Feel the Love Tonight at The Lion King By: Addica Sharbono The Lion King at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis Minnesota was nothing short of extraordinary!  As the curtains rose on The Lion King , the stage blossomed into an enchanting realm of creativity and artistry, where meticulously crafted puppets breathed a vibrant energy into the iconic characters.  Each puppet was a testament to the skill of Micheal Curry, exuding a lifelike charm that mesmerized the audience from the very start. From the regal lions to the graceful gazelles, every creature moved with a grace and fluidity that seemed to defy the limitations of puppetry, captivating hearts and minds alike. Together, these masterfully crafted animals wove a spellbinding narrative, bringing the beloved story to life in a way that was both captivating and unforgettable. As the performance unfolded, I found myself completely immersed in the magic of The Lion King , transported to the African savanna by the shee...