The Lion King Roars in Raleigh

The Gazelle touring company of the hit Broadway musical, The Lion King, recently departed Raleigh after a highly successful six weeks of shows. I was fortunate to have scored fourth row seats to final show only about a month ago! (Why can't I ever get those good seats for a Clay Aiken concert?)

The Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh, is a beautiful venue in the midst of an area undergoing chaotic construction. But the parking was close by, and considering the show was sold out, it was easy getting in and out of the facility.

I took my Mom to the show. It was the first full on Broadway musical for both of us. We've attended plays, but never a musical with big production numbers, fantastical costumes, ingenious sets, and beautiful music. The actors were all amazing, down to and including the ensemble players. The talent was inspiring, as every single member of the cast not only sang and danced, but acted and operated the very realistic puppets that often made you forget there was a human behind the mask. The portrayal of the "animals" ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous - from a bird on a stick to giant complicated costumes which required more than one person to operate.

I was already familiar with much of the music. Elton John and Tim Rice's score is at once sentimental and trimphant. The actor who played Rafiki, Phindile Mkhize, had an unbelievable voice, and actually, all the main cast was vocally gifted. Zazu, the bird, was played by Mark Cameron Pow, and his veddy British accent added much to his portrayal. Pumbaa and Timon were a riot, and strangely enough, they sounded just like their animated counterparts! The weakest link was probably the adult Simba, who was very adept at showing the lackadaisical side of Simba, but less convincing at portraying the courageous battle against Scar.

The story itself is classic; a tale of family, betrayal, and ultimately, love.

It was a magical production, from the first wailing note and march of the animals through the audience, to the triumphant victory of good over evil.

And they all lived happily ever after. Well, except for Scar. I'm hooked!