By JESSICA NEU
We first heard the opening lyrics to “The Circle of Life” in 1994. Immediately immortalized in the cultural zeitgeist, the a cappella opening chant, sung in Zulu, became a battle cry recognizable around the world. Three years later, The Lion King emerged on Broadway as a triumphant stage spectacular that became a lifeline for the Broadway industry, which was struggling at the time. Nearly 30 years later, The Lion King is still the world’s number one musical. Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages, the well-known story of Simba and his family of Pride Rock roared into the Benedum Center on September 9th, marking the show’s fifth visit to Pittsburgh.
Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings the African savannas to life in front of our very eyes. Originally conceived and directed by Julie Taymor, the show uses handcrafted puppetry and a technique called “the double event,” where audiences can see the human performer and their animal puppet mask at the same time. Over 200 puppets command the entire theater as “the double event” lets performers breathe life into the animals they portray. The actors’ intentional breath gives each puppet or mask a physical rise and fall, giving the object an internal pulse and making it seem real. The actors’ movement determines where and how their puppet or mask moves, creating the illusion that the animal is actively looking, eating, flying, thinking, and seeing. Each intentional step, arm raise, leap, and turn creates a rhythm that communicates the animal’s personality and emotion. Holistically, The Lion King is visual poetry in motion. With world-famous music (Elton John and Tim Rice), vibrant lighting (Donald Holder), lush scenery (Richard Hudson), authentic costume design (Taymor), and revolutionary mask and puppet design (Taymor & Michael Curry), the show is equally transformative as it is heartwarming.
Let’s not forget that The Lion King is also a Disney production. Whether you have visited any of the theme parks, you have likely heard of the promise of “Disney magic.” This phrase describes the wonderment, excitement, nostalgia, and escape people feel when engaging with Disney content. Disney consumers enter a proverbial psychological bubble where stressors disappear, and adults can temporarily return to a child-like sense of joy and innocence. The Lion King personifies “Disney magic.” Everyone from small children to senior citizens filled the Benedum Center last night, but their audible gasps, cheers, and looks of sheer joy when the show began transcended age. This was arguably the most engaged audience I have ever been a part of. From the opening montage to the final curtain call – we were one with the land, water, animals, and earth.
The actual production of The Lion King has not changed much since its premiere in 1997. What does change, however, is the actors. The ensemble that graces the Benedum Center’s stage brings Africa’s heart and soul to Pittsburgh. Thembelihle Cele plays the wise mandrill who is the royal family’s spiritual advisor and companion. Her cadence, movement, and humor bring life and wisdom to the pride lands. David D’Lancy Wilson’s Mufasa embodies virility, bravery, and kindness. Adorned in blue and white clothes to represent his natural habitat, Nick LaMedica is a perfectly delightful yet hilariously pompous Zazu – the red-billed hornbill who is Mufasa’s majordomo. Peter Hargrave plays the antagonist, Scar, desperate for the “spare” to the throne. His mannerisms and scowl match his artistically grotesque appearance. Hargrave’s interpretation of the “the double event” was exceedingly effective, as we were often hearing Hargrave’s voice but looking directly at Scar’s malicious face. His bone-chilling delivery of “Be Prepared” makes us both sad and scared for what is to come – even though we likely know the inevitable outcome of Scar’s vendetta.
Throughout the show’s run, Aaron Chao and Josiah Watson will take turns playing young Simba. The role demands an intense level of social and emotional maturity, but both boys will undoubtedly do a grand job of leading the crowd through the beloved number, “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.”
As Simba transforms from a boy to a man, Gilbert Domally takes over the role as a slightly naïve yet indomitably courageous heir to the throne. He tackles “Endless Night,” one of the original songs written by John and Rice for the musical, with a buttery vibrato and stellar breath control that communicates Simba’s emotional turmoil. Not to be forgotten is everyone’s favorite good-natured, quick-witted, comedic duo – Timon (Nick Cordileone) and Pumbaa (Danny Grumich). They gleefully deliver their “problem-free philosophy, Hakuna Matata.”
Audiences will undoubtedly love hearing “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Circle of Life,” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.” Still, they will also delight in hearing the additional music and lyrics by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer, and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Hans Zimmer. As stated in The Lion King’s official press release, “the resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa.”
As giraffes and elephants roam the Pride Lands, and birds soar above you, The Lion King is certain to deliver every bit of wonderment and joy that you’d expect from a Disney classic. The artistry and imagination of the stage production elevate the story into a breathtaking visionary tale, reminding us of the sheer beauty of the circle of life.
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh presents Disney’s The Lion King now through September 27, 2026, at the Benedum Center. For tickets, visit: https://trustarts.org/production/105572/disneys-the-lion-king
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Reviews
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