The Lion King Reviews

Fernando from San Diego, California

GREAT PERFORMERS, FAKE ORCHESTRA?

My wife obviously loved it but because she could not tell that the orchestra was pretending to play music. They didn't even do a good job. The percussionists (2) are stationed close to the stage away from the orchestra. You could easily tell that they were hired on the spot and they were trying to learn the songs. Yeah, they may actually be playing since it is hard to play a drum or a timbale and not be heard... but they may have played 60% of the notes. It is hard not to see them since they are on elevated platforms and can easily be seen from the mezzanine.

RW from San Diego, California

GOOD BUT NOT GREAT

Sound was not strong, actors were not into the performance, often out of sync and fast cadence in speech and song. Some singers overpowered others and speech was difficult to hear and not well enunciated. Seems like some things were very much abbreviated. Was not as breath taking as the one on broadway 18 years ago. Still the costumes were beautiful and I just love the musical overall.

Meghan Carlson from Chicago, Illinois

WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE, ANNOYING EXPERIENCE

What a beautiful show!!! Broadway! How Fun! Why can’t they dedicate certain performances just for families or certain performances just for adults only??? Shouldn’t there be some way to maybe even designate certain sections?? Adults wanting to enjoy a special outing just to have a small child kick your seat, knock you in the back of the head, and yammer all during the performance is So disappointing and a waste of time, effort, and money. Why are families with obnoxious children allowed to ruin other’s experience?

Joshua from Fort Worth, Texas

NOT BAD; NOT A MUST-SEE

The two biggest strikes against this production are its lack of emotional power and its reliance on audience members having seen the movie it is based on. It is an abstract adaptation, which makes for interesting visuals but muddled storytelling. A lot of the jokes are sophomoric and lack any subtlety or cleverness. The show tries to cater to younger audiences more than it needs to. The production design, however, is top-notch and is a pleasure for anyone who enjoys costuming, sets, and puppetry. Most of the music is pulled straight from the Elton John soundtrack, and your mileage may vary, but the songs that are new to the show are outstanding. I would not discourage anyone from seeing this, but it is not quite the show-stopping tour de force the hype would have you believe. If you do not already possess an intrinsic desire to see a retelling of the animated movie, this will not change your mind.

JFlo from Los Angeles, California

LOW ENERGY POOR SOUND

I have seen the Lion King several times and this show, whilst dazzling in artistry lacked any energy by the actors. Each actor seemed to be performing individually. Some brief exceptions with Simba and Nala but otherwise so disappointing. You can tell that the actors are talented and have great voices and dancing abilities, but they could not obtain any energy and all connections felt dead. Audience tried to get into it, but jokes fell flat. Sound first half was awful. You could not hear the actors above the music which felt piped in. Was it the directors night off ?

Ta from Honolulu, Hawaii

LION KING HAD NO ROAR.

I have seen musical productions in New York and Baltimore. I can only say that as a musical, this wasn't well executed. Garbuled words, limited range vocals, with the exception of the witch doctor, and poor acting , child actor especially. Felt like I was watching production with all the understudies. Not impressed at all. Stage too crowded and dancing erratic and very little synchronization when it was called for. Some comic relief toward end, otherwise a boring event.

Gregory Carpenter from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

LACKLUSTER LION KING

We attended one of the final shows in Milwaukee on March 1. We came away disappointed. We have seen Broadway productions of this show three times and this one did not measure up. The visuals remain as stunning as always. Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki was fabulous. Beyond that the characters (we assume many understudies as an additional cast list was included) lacked commitment and offered lackluster performances. Seemed like they were going through the motions and failed to reach across the orchestra pit more often than not.

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