By Larisa Hicken
The Tony Award-winning musical The Lion King, based on the 1994 animated Disney film, brings vibrant costumes and the distinctive rhythm and styles of Africa to the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City. This beloved musical by the powerhouse duo of Elton John (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics) along with a gorgeous musical score by Hans Zimmer tells the story of young Simba, the lion prince, and his journey to accept his place in the circle of life.
After his father Mufasa is killed, Simba runs away from the lion pride lands and forms a friendship with two colorful characters, Timon and Pumbaa. While he is away, his evil uncle Scar rules the lions with the help of his pack of hyenas. Simba must remember his true destiny so that he can return to save his pride and his family.
If you love musical theater, you’ve probably heard about The Lion King’s impressive incorporation of imaginative puppetry features into the costumes and props. Both children and adults are delighted as full-sized elephants, giraffes, and birds fill the aisles and the stage with music. There are a few moments during which the complicated mechanics of using puppets as costumes become a little distracting, but overall, the costumes are stunning and it’s worth the price of the ticket just to see such creative genius in costume design by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry.
When Spencer Plachy (playing Scar) is on stage, it’s impossible to look away. Plachy has a dynamic stage presence, rich voice, and a natural grace that is simply beautiful. (Peter Hargrave takes over the part on October 13.) Plachy is matched in talent by Gugwana Dlamini as Rafiki. Dlamini enthralls the audience with her physical antics and dazzling voice.
Talented duo Tony Freeman as Timon and John E. Brady as Pumbaa bring a lot of energy and heart to the show which keeps the second act moving at a better pace than the first act. The actors playing Young Simba (Jaylen Lyndon Hunter or Jordan Pendleton) and Young Nala (Scarlett London Diviney or Farrah Wilson) are simply delightful as they romp around the stage.
The Lion King proudly premieres at the Eccles Theater and takes full advantage of the balconies to feature talented percussionists Stefan Monssen and Reuven Weizberg as they bring Africa to life in Salt Lake City. Don’t miss the chance to hear your favorite songs from The Lion King, like “Hakuna Matata,” “Circle of Life,” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” along with music unique to the live performances like “One by One” and “Shadowland.”
All of the best elements of musical theater come together in The Lion King to sweep audience members away to the Serengeti where all creatures must learn to honor themselves and each other in order to maintain a healthy balance in the Circle of Life.
The Salt Lake City engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING is presented by arrangement with Broadway Across America and is a subscription offering of the Broadway at the Eccles.
The George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater, 131 Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah
Sept 30 – Oct 3, 2022, Multiple Showtimes Available
Purchase by calling ArtTix at 801-355-2787 (M-F, 10am-6pm, Sat. 10am-2pm), or via the Internet at Broadway-at-the-Eccles.com. Ticket prices for the engagement start as low as $35.50.
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Photography By Deenvan Meer
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