One of my favorite scenes from the musical was not included in the original animated movie (I’m considering starting a petition to add it). Gerald Caesar plays the adult Simba in “The Lion King,” running through Jan. More than that, the cast had me in tears before they’d finished their opening number! It’s worth noting that I rarely cry in movies or performances, but I simply couldn’t help it - the beauty I saw and heard on that stage was simply overwhelming. There was not one missed note, line or cue. Every single person in the cast was flawless.
What I wasn’t expecting was the depth of emotion the live performance brought to the story. I had never seen a Broadway musical before, so I was excited that the first one I would see would be about one of my favorite Disney movies. I grew up watching “The Lion King” movie, so I walked into the theatre expecting to enjoy the same classic story again. (Another reason to go see the musical: Zazu sings “Let It Go” from “Frozen,” a replacement for “It’s A Small World” that was added in recent years.) However, the addition of new jokes and songs enhance the story and kept an audience who probably knew the entire story by heart on their toes. The musical largely stays true to the movie in terms of storyline. “The Lion King” movie was released in 1994 and the Broadway adaptation debuted in 1997. If you haven’t seen the movie or the Broadway performance, “The Lion King” is the story of a young lion, Simba, who struggles to cope with his father’s death and take his place in the circle of life. From the first note, everyone in the theatre was captivated. The stunning vocals and intricate costumes moved the audience, which erupted in applause and cheers at the end of the song.
The show began with Rafiki (played by Buyi Zama) belting out the famous “Circle of Life,” joined by a diverse group of animals, ranging from a flock of birds to an elephant, all present to greet the newborn Simba.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted the show to go on forever or if I wanted to go tell everyone about the experience right that second. In short, if you haven’t seen the Broadway version, you are missing out! I was doubtful that anything could top Disney’s animated movie “The Lion King.” Yet, when the lights came up at the end of Broadway Atlanta’s live musical production of “The Lion King” at the Fox Theatre (running through Jan.
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