THE LION KING

                The first time I saw The Lion King was about five years ago when my brother gave me tickets for my birthday to watch it in San Francisco.  Being that The Lion King has always been my favourite Disney movie, this was probably the best gift I could have received.  I remember watching this production and just being blown away by every single scene in the musical.  So, I just knew that I had to watch it again here in London.  I was willing to pay whatever in order to take me back to that day in San Francisco, and it surely did deliver with so much more.  I would have to say that this production was even more amazing and exciting than from what I remembered from five years ago.  Everything from the music and songs to the great costumes was breathtaking and very much realistic. 

                The production of The Lion King is being shown at The Lyceum Theatre here in London, and I would have to say that it is a great theatre to show this production.  I felt that the stage was amazing in how it was set up and how they incorporated and used the entire theatre to portray the different scenes.  For instance, I loved the way that the animals would go through out the aisles of the theatre to make sure the entire audience got a sense of being in the midst of everything.  From the birds to the zebras, and especially the lions, everything was done to perfection.  From the very first scene with the opening song, “Circle of Life,” to the very last scene I literally have nothing negative to say.  From my seat to the left of the stage, I was able to see everything and enjoy the entire production without thinking that I missed out on anything that this magical musical had to offer.  Overall, I would have to say that I was so amazed by all the great animal costumes and puppetry.  It is amazing to see all these animals being played by people, but one never really notices that the animals are being handled by people.  In other words, it is so realistic that in a way you forget that it is people that are behind those costumes.  Alongside, no one can forget the amazing music in this musical.  The singing was amazing along with the music.  Every song seemed to be sung by the most amazing voices possible for the part, which just made everything ten times better.  Everything seemed to come together so perfectly without any visible mistakes just plain magical perfection.           

This production was amazing the first time I saw it as well as the second time and I am sure it will be the same feeling the next time I see it, which will definitely happen.  I would definitely recommend this musical to everyone, young and old, because it is definitely something everyone has to witness and experience for themselves.  I give it an A+.             

By: Brenda Soto