As the third call sounds, people await on their seats for what will be a real treat of a show. A parade of performers comes down the aisle in between the spectator’s seats creating an interactive and over all surround sound . The audience immediately gets submerged into an African Savanna scenario with the first musical piece that brings all animals together for the presentation of the new born, future king: Simba.
The music brings out every aspect and emotion s of the story, creates ambiance and gets off the cartoonish Disney movie characters to bring into live and give human realistic qualities to the main characters like Mufasa , Simba, Nala , Scar and even the Hienas.
Sincerely the music should be awarded over and over again. The musicians here placed in some of the balconies of the theatre and their tribal instruments gave character to each piece. However the voices selected and casted for this show where above amazing and in sync with the performance. The diversity of performers and their vocal quality could be perceived even to the most naive musical ear.
Lion King , little Simba and young Nala where interpreted by kids whose talent was simply amazing. Their training was on point and the timing of their lines sometimes a bit off but as kids that can be forgiven given the natural perfect pitch of their voices when singing.
Mufasa , was a kind brave king, the actor chosen for this role portrayed a side of Mufasa not seen in the movie, a father, a ruler , a king with a great heart but still a warrior and a brave one! This actor planted the base for the whole play with his excellent interpretation of They Live in you. He was not the only one that managed to pull the whole show toguether and created magic, The actress interpreting Rafiki, sew into every scene the storyline with her amazing voice and characterization.
Second act starts with a great ensemble of One by One , where the audience once again is surrounded by the incredible vocalists and performers in a vibrant colorful scene full of energy and enthusiasm, this piece brings everyone into the second act with a high energy refreshment. Then the second act goes on into the tragic events that lead Simba to be an outcast , wonderer, and be part of the infamous “trio”, composed by Pumba, Timon and Simba. Their pupeteering integrated into an actor’s body is highly creative as such is the interpretation of nature elements like the grass and forest, and even the hunting of animals.
The costumes mostly African and animal prints where one of the most memorable things of this show, most costumes served a second purpose as a puppet one person can be multiple animals or , grass, or a big animal could be composed of 2 performers. The ambiance was set multiple times by the corps of dance in this colorful practical costumes that sometimes even served the purpose of scenography as well.
Lion King deserves a high rating for over the top performers and quality of musical and visual content.
The show will be presenting on the Dr Phillips Center for the arts before moving on tour to its next destination Birmingham, AL in March 14 , you can see their tour schedule here: http://www.lionking.com/tour . Latin Family Now Highly recommends this show for any age, and is a must see for the family and Broadway show lover.
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The production features Mark Campbell as “Scar,” Gerald Ramsey as “Mufasa,” Buyi Zama as “Rafiki,” Nick Cordileone as “Timon,” Greg Jackson as “Zazu,” Ben Lipitz as “Pumbaa,” Gerald Caesar as “Simba,” Nia Holloway as “Nala,” Keith Bennett as “Banzai,” Martina Sykes as “Shenzi” and Robbie Swift as “Ed.”
The role of “Young Simba” is alternated between Joziyah Jean-Felix and Ramon Reed and the role of “Young Nala” is alternated between Danielle W. Jalade and Gloria Manning.
The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 19 million theatergoers. Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to Orlando to make its debut in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Shows, dates, times, prices, and artists are subject to change.
ABOUT THE LION KING
In its 20th year, THE LION KING continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 90 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the only show in history to generate six productions worldwide running 15 or more years. Performed in eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway, London’s West End, Hamburg, Tokyo and Sapporo, Madrid, Scheveningen, Holland, and on tour across North America, for a total of eight productions running concurrently across the globe. Having played over 100 cities in 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica, THE LION KING’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.
THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical. THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.
The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success. The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has in recent years supervised new productions of the show around the world.
The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material 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. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”
The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as co-producer.
For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.
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About Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization operating the state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Orlando, Florida. With its opening in November 2014, the performing arts center launched its vision of Arts for Every Life by being a gathering place for creativity and discovery; a vibrant urban destination where artists, audiences and students come to experience, explore and learn. The two-block community destination features the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater, 300-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, Seneff Arts Plaza, Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts, the DeVos Family Room, and other event rental spaces. Future expansion includes Steinmetz Hall, a 1,700-seat acoustical theater, along with rehearsal, classroom, office space and commercial development spaces. Dr. Phillips Center is a private non-profit collaborating with the City of Orlando, Orange County, the City of Winter Park, the State of Florida and generous donors.
FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando is presented in partnership with Broadway Across America and Florida Theatrical Association. FTA is a non-profit civic organization with a volunteer board of trustees established to ensure the continued presentation of quality touring Broadway productions and the promotion of arts education throughout the state of Florida. For more information, visit FloridaTheatrical.org .
Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com and The Broadway Channel. Led by 11-time Tony-winning producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 44 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Groundhog Day, Hairspray, Hello, Dolly!, Million Dollar Quartet, On Your Feet!, The Producers, School of Rock and Waitress. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.
Rounding out the cast are Derek Adams, Kayla Rose Aimable, Andrew Arrington, William John Austin, Eric Bean, Jr., Kolin Jerron, Thabani Buthelezi, Sasha Caicedo, Kyle Robert Carter, Thembelihle Cele, Erynn Marie Dickerson, Tony Freeman, Mukelisiwe Goba, Deidrea Halley, Jalen Harris, William James Jr., Jane King, Gregory Manning II, Christopher L. Mc Kenzie, Jr., Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Aaron Nelson, Selloane Nkhela, Phylicia Pearl, Christopher Sams, Jordan Samuels, Mpume Sikakane, Sadé Simmons, Kimber Sprawl, Kevin Tate, Jennifer Theriot, Courtney Thomas, Shacura Wade, Zola Williams and Krystal Worrell.
Coming to Orlando as part of the 2017 – 2018 FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando season tickets start at $35.25 and may be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org
Lion King NY
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