The Lion King returned to the Ohio Theatre this week for its second run in Columbus, having enjoyed a sold-out run in 2004. Absolutely a breathtaking show, The Lion King dazzles the audience with gorgeous and intricate puppetry and costumes, the songs you know and love, and many magical scenes.
It’s been awhile since I’ve watched the movie, but who can forget it. It’s one of the most emotional movies in Disney’s catalog and it translates to the stage so well. It’s easy to find yourself swept away in the beauty of Pride Rock, the heat of the desert, and the coolness of the jungle.
Young Simba and Young Nala are adorable to watch as they play onstage. L. Steven Taylor is a strong and proud Mufasa, a wonderful contrast to Patrick R. Brown’s sneaky and plotting Scar. Brown doesn’t give Scar the dry tone of the film; instead, he’s a little more playful, but still conniving all of the time. In the role of Sarabi is Columbus native Tryphena Wade, in her first hometown professional performance.
As I watched the performance, my mind would wonder a little ahead, thinking about how they would convey the craziness that happens during “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” and it lives up to the film’s spectacle. Tall birds, colorful fabrics, and lots of dancing round out the scene. Zazu is a puppet with his puppeteer Drew Hirshfield a seamless extension of the character.
Hyenas Shenzi (Rashada Dawan), Banzai (Keith Bennet), and Ed (Robbie Swift) are their usual selves, playing coyly off of each other and using Ed for gags.
Those in the aisle seats will love the introduction of Scar’s main plotting number “Be Prepared.”
Setting up the stampede in The Gorge is every bit as intense and gut-wrenching as it is the first time you view it. The mechanicals for this scene are impressive, providing depth and scale, chaos and sadness.
In this performance, Syndee Winters played Nala. Singing the tale of her journey away from the Pridelands with her beautiful vocals during “Shadowland” is an inspiration for young girls to take control of their lives and be strong and independent leaders.
Jelani Remy shines as adult Simba, and his interactions with Rafiki (Tshidi Manye) are full of fun. “He Lives in You” with the magical materialization of Mufusa’s image in the stars is the most memorable part of the entire performance. It’s so deeply moving that you just do not want the scene to end. The image materializes quickly and then fades away so easily while leaving the lesson that his father’s spirit lives on in him.
Pumbaa (Ben Lipitz) and Timon (Nick Cordileone) really aren’t my favorite parts of the film, and in the stage performance, they have much of the same side-kicks purpose. It is fun to see Lipitz maneuver the Pumbaa costume.
Those who have already seen The Lion King will enjoy updated jokes sprinkled throughout. Anyone who hasn’t already seen it will certainly love it and leave the theatre ready to burst into song and perhaps a tear or two.
The Lion King runs through November 9, 2014 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets begin at $28. More information can be found at CAPA.com.