Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ musical opened in Perth this week and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most successful musicals on the last two decades – it’s a visual spectacular that cleverly combines a variety of music, a sensational cast, puppetry, costume and simply amazing design and staging.
The tale of Simba, the future king, whose future is derailed when his evil Uncle takes control of the pride lands is one of Disney’s most loved animated films – and this theatrical version of the tale is much more than a cartoon story brought to the stage – this is a theatrical wonder.
From the opening moments of the show, where the entire cast of giraffes, elephants, Zebras, birds, baboons and lions decent of the stage for the ‘Circle of Life’, to the the closing number the stage is constantly moving, changing and adapting.
Director Julie Taymor had a moment of genius when she came up with the idea of using masks to create the different lion characters. At first the concept of seeing the actors face, and their character face above them is confusing – you’re not sure where to look – but it quickly becomes one of the shows great strengths, so much emotion is conveyed via this double face device.
The mix of African music and songs from Elton John and Tim Rice is a rich complex mix of sounds and the cast of this show have the vocal prowess to make the songs roar.
The show is filled with comedy, and if you think you already know the lines from watching the animated film a thousand times, forget it – the show is filled with fresh cultural references for 2015.
The complex mix of singing, puppetry, performance and movement means the cast are probably the hardest working performers in the entertainment industry, with many playing multiple characters and displaying talents in different disciplines at the same time.
The cast are flawless, Buyi Zama who plays the Baboon Rafiki has a voice that booms across the theatre and lifts your spirits. Leading man Nick Afoa is captivating as the adult Simba, while Josslyn Hlenti is a perfect match as his love interest Nala.
Cameron Goodall gets a lot of laughs as Zazu, while well known actor Josh Quong Tart owns the role of the scheming uncle Scar. Rob Collins is perfect as Simba’s powerful father Mufasa.
The show is almost sold out, but if you can grab one of the last remaining tickets – don’t hesitiate, it’s simply brilliant.
Graeme Watson, images: Leigh Hill
Graeme viewed ‘The Lion King’ during it’s Melbourne run as a guest of the producers.
