The Lion King is Simply Astonishing at the Orpheum Theater

* Disclaimer: On March 28th I suffered a rupture in my right bicep muscle, which has left me without the use of my right arm. I will endeavor to continue seeing and reviewing shows; however, the reality is that the reviews will need to be significantly shorter. For now I will attempt to provide you, faithful readers, with a few sentences that will make clear whether a show is worth your time and money. My apologies to all of the artists in front of the curtain as well as behind whose work I may not be able to comment on. Hopefully this will be a short-term accommodation, I will do everything in my power to get back to writing full reviews as soon as is humanly possible.

The Lion King begins a five-week run at the Orpheum Theater as part of the Hennepin Theatre Trust Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season. This marks the shows fifth return after it’s sold out pre-Broadway World premiere at the Orpheum in 1997. Somehow I have failed to ever see the show, I guess I didn’t realize what I was missing. At the start of the day I felt very old, but when the house lights went down and The Lion King began I felt young again. I watched in wide-eyed wonder as animals filled the stage from seemingly every corner of the theater, including the lobby. There is a reason The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Choreography and Best Direction, and now I know what it is. The masks and puppet design by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry along with the costume designs by Julie Taymor, who also directed the show, while not realistic are fantastically realized. The parade of animals including the particularly impressive elephant and giraffes are so creatively designed and executed that I begin to tear up upon seeing them.

This may be based on a Disney animated film but this is a show for everyone. Where Disney’s Aladdin was impressive and magical for the way it realized it’s technical illusions, The Lion King goes a more artful path where the stagecraft doesn’t simply wow you it moves you as well. This production is a thing of beauty and wonder with stagecraft at the highest possible level. Along with Taymor’s considerable contributions I must also sing the Praises of Scenic Designer Richard Hudson and Lighting Designer Donald Holder. The entire cast it’s fantastic, their execution of choreographer Garth Fagan intricate and beautiful movements was among the best I’ve ever seen. For quality of cast creativity of design and sheer spectacle, The Lion King gets my highest possible recommendation. This is a show not to be missed and it’s something your entire family will remember.

The Lion King runs through April 28th at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://hennepintheatretrust.org/events/disneys-the-lion-king-orpheum-theatre-minneapolis-mn-2024/

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