“The Lion King” Musical Amazes Cleveland Audiences

“The Lion King” since its 1994 animated movie debut has cemented itself as a mainstay in childhoods across the globe as well as maintained its pop-cultural relevance in a number ways by adapting the movie into various mediums to expand, retell and revitalize the classic story. 

One of these mediums happens to be musical theatre, where “The Lion King” musical has made $2 billion, making it the highest grossing Broadway musical theatre production of all time and a winner of six Tony Awards. 

The play, which has been running since 1997, is currently on its North American tour, with its first stop being Cleveland. Opening night took place on Thursday at the KeyBank State Theatre. 

The musical wastes no time initiating the audience into the world of “The Lion King.” Actors operating stilts, puppets, masks garbed in intricate African and safari-inspired costumes flood the stage and walkways. This is all happening in the opening number, “Circle of Life,” which teases the theme of the musical as well as shows the audience the level of detail the musical is incorporating.

Though the play is very intricate and detailed, none of this distracts nor takes away from the actors, in fact it enhances their performances. The actors themselves embody their respective characters in a way that doesn’t feel like they’re relying on the makeup and costumes, but rather those details elevate their performances even more. 

Rafiki, played by Zama Magudulela, delivers lines in Zulu and other languages, bringing a level of authenticity to the setting. Despite the language barrier, Magudulela’s expressiveness captures the audience.

Scar, played by Peter Hargrave is comedic but undeniably wicked delivering slick quips to an unsuspecting and naive Young Simba played by Aaron Chao. This dynamic was enjoyable to watch unfold, despite already knowing what happens next.

Mufasa, played by David D’Lancy Wilson, is both strong, dominant and protective while being soft-hearted, caring and playful. This makes his death so captivating, beyond the incredible stage and lighting setup. The audience can truly feel the loss and anticipate the reverberations this will have on the kingdom and Pride Rock.

All the musical numbers from this play undeniably captivate the audience. “He Lives In You,” is so powerful and quells not only Simba’s reservations but quells whatever reservations the audience may have. It transcends the stage, and is the deepest moment of the entire musical.

While this play is packed with deep and moving moments, it’s also filled to the brim with comedy. Zazu, played by Nick LaMedica, is a hit with the crowd. He’s both bumbling around Mufasa and Simba but sharp-tongued and witty with Scar. This is also where the puppetry helps elevate an already encapsulating performance.

One standout comedic performance is a scene where Mufasa joked about Sarabi being so upset she wants him fired. After a small freak-out, Mufasa reveals it’s a joke and the puppet drops its jaw. It’s a great representation of how the play is able to translate the cartoon’s silliness on stage. 

There are also other small details that make this play enjoyable no matter who the audience is. During the scene where Zazu is threatened with termination, he screams “No! Not in this economy!” which gets a pop from the adult audience. In another scene, a hyena says they want to eat Simba with a side of Mitchell’s Ice Cream, which is a reference to Cleveland’s iconic ice cream shop. Moments like these are where the script and actors build connections with the crowd. 

“The Lion King” North American Tour is in Cleveland until August 16. See Playhouse Square for more information.