World’s number one musical in Chicago through mid January, no lyin’

By Barry Reszel
There’s no arguing with the promo material for Disney’s, The Lion King.

It claims the moniker of the world’s number one musical, having earned six Tony’s in 1998, including Best Musical, and boasts that its 22 global productions have been seen by more than 75 million people over the past 18 years.

What it doesn’t say, though electrified aficionados are happy to, is that this top-notch professional production may be the most fully visceral experience any theatre goer is ever likely to experience. From the opening Zulu chant leading into the gorgeous anthem, “Circle of Life,” the ensemble cast, most costumed as or intricately puppeting animals of the savanna, has their audience wrapped around their paws.

Broadway in Chicago hosts the touring company at the Cadillac Palace through the holidays, to the delight of longtime devotees as well as those making their initial live excursion to Pride Rock. Of course, most are aware this awesome amalgamation of sound, color and light to the theatrical extreme came on the heels of Disney’s 1994 successful cartoon movie of the same title. Both the movie and stage scores are penned by Sir Elton John with lyrics by longtime collaborator Tim Rice.

The sheer jaw-droppingness that is The Lion King on stage is really credited to Director Julie Taymor. Not only was she the first woman to win the Tony for best director of a musical, she is also the costume designer, the puppet and mask co-designer and the writer of additional lyrics. To be sure, the execution of Taymor’s vision requires plenty of additional backstage and onstage talent. And the local production has more than its fair share. But the take-away from this production, more than any other musical in memory, is its ability to evoke profoundly deep emotion.

The story is Shakespeare’s Hamlet (a full plot description and production history may be read here). But unlike the cartoon movie, there’s greater grit and more fear in the stage presentation, and it’s fair to note that this show isn’t necessarily for small children.

In the Chicago touring cast, Mukelisiwe Goba as the Zulu chanting narrator, wise mandrill Rafiki, particularly shines. So does Patrick R. Brown as the terrifying Scar. Musical highlights include “Endless Night,” the most emotional song in a terrific songbook, sung by Simba, Blaine Alden Krauss, and “Shadowland,” sung principally by the lovely Nia Holloway as Nala. So too, the well-known ensemble songs, “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” do not disappoint.

At this time of the year, when seemingly everyone celebrates some holiday time with family and friends, it’s hard to escape thoughts of the inevitable circle of life. And so, with tickets going quickly and the truck rolling out of Chicago in mid-January, the advice here is to do part of this important and life affirming contemplation with the cast of Broadway in Chicago’s, The Lion King.

It’s not the world’s number one musical by mistake.

Broadway in Chicago presents Disney’s “The Lion King” at the Cadillac Palace, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago, through January 17, 2016. More information and tickets ($35 to $180) are available by phone at (800) 775-2000 or online here.