Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Cincinnati


The Lion King
National Tour

Even after a number of visits to Cincinnati, The Lion King still inspires wonder and excitement in its audiences. Though somewhat lacking in some of the base elements (songs and story) of a musical, the national tour currently playing at the Aronoff Center captivates with its awe-inspiring design, innovative direction, and a cast of extremely talented performers.

The stage adaptation closely follows the animated film by the same name. Simba, the son of King Mufasa, abandons his future place as master of the African pridelands when he blames himself for his father's death. Scar, Simba's uncle, is actually responsible for Mufasa's demise and is assisted by a group of high-strung hyenas in ruling the kingdom and stripping the land of its resources. With the help of both new and old friends, the grown Simba embarks on a quest to win back his rightful place and to restore order and dignity to his homeland.

The Lion King won six Tony Awards in 1998, including a controversial win as Best Musical over Ragtime. The success of the show rests primarily on the merits of Julie Taymor. As director and creator of the ingenious costumes, she has coordinated and executed an environmental concept that is visually stunning. Masks and puppets are used to represent the animal characters, but they never hide the faces of the performers, thus allowing both the animal characteristics and the human expressions to be displayed. The mechanical flexibility of Scar's mask and lifelike puppets such as Pumbaa and Zazu are shining examples of the awesome talent of Ms. Taymor and mask/puppet co-designer Michael Curry.

As director, Taymor sustains an appropriate tone true to the piece's African setting by using native materials in the show's design, having some songs performed in languages of the continent, and maintaining a respect for the culture that is evident throughout. Her staging of several scenes, including the remarkable opening sequence, the wildebeest stampede, and "He Lives in You" is sheer brilliance. There are, however, times where a few songs seem unnecessarily overextended and a few scenes appear merely to be an excuse to show off more eye-popping creations.

Along with the wonderful costumes, the scenic design by Richard Hudson and lighting by Donald Holder are likewise perfectly suited for the story and amazingly rendered. Vibrant colors, picturesque stage images (including the dazzling sunrise), a multi-layered canyon, and the eerie shadows of the elephant graveyard are only a few of their masterful accomplishments. Appropriate and interesting choreography by Garth Fagan also benefits the production.

Unfortunately, these outstanding visual achievements are needed to compensate for a show that is otherwise lightweight in plot and uneven in score. The book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi is faithful to the film and keeps much of its dialogue. However, with so many key characters, the story is spread so thin that none of them are adequately developed. Except for the scenes dealing with the relationship between Simba and Mufasa, there is little to involve the audience emotionally. The songs from the film by Elton John and Tim Rice are present, along with new ones by the duo and others by a group of writers including Lebo M and Hans Zimmer. Of the tunes from the animated version, "The Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata" are the best, but "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" seems too syrupy sweet. The John/Rice tunes written for the stage production are only serviceable ("Chow Down" is especially lacking). Two new numbers written by the remaining writers are the musical highlights of the show. "They Live In You" and "Endless Night" give the score welcome sparks of passion.

The tour of The Lion King incorporates an impressively large cast, and they give outstanding performances throughout. L. Steven Taylor provides Mufasa with warmth and a proud regal manner aptly suited to the role, and sings very well. Patrick R. Brown is an appropriately sarcastic and sinister Scar. Tshidi Manye supplies colorful, clear, and powerful vocals with a fun and eccentric style as Rafiki, the wise baboon. As grown-up Simba, Jelani Remy conveys both the enthusiasm and inner turmoil of the character, and is an impressive singer. Nia Holloway skillfully captures Nala's strength and oppression.

There are a number of characters that exist mainly to provide comedy relief. Not only are Drew Hirschfield (Zazu), Nick Cordileone (Timon), and Ben Lipitz (Pumbaa) skilled manipulators of their puppets, but they also sing well and display fine comic timing. Keith Bennett, Robbie Swift, and Jacquelyn Renae Hodges get some laughs as the three main hyenas, but their roles as written come off more as annoying rather than funny.

Rick Snyder leads a wonderful sounding orchestra.

Tickets for The Lion King went quickly this year, and there is much to enjoy, with visually inventive delights around every corner in this production. The imaginative and expert design, inspired direction, and impressive cast seen on stage are breathtaking, and easily make up for a story and score that don't reach that same high level of proficiency.

The Lion King continues at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati through April 26, 2015. Tickets can be ordered by calling (800) 294-1816. For more information on the tour, visit www.lionking.com.

-- Scott Cain


Also see the current Cincinnati Area Theatre Schedule