Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Loving "The Lion King"

“In the jungle, the mighty jungle, my misconceptions sleep tonight. AweemawayAweemaway...”
Please indulge my tribute to “The Lion King.” I’m still reliving the memories of seeing the musical play, which ended its run at Belk Theater last week.

When the production first went to Broadway, I gagged. I couldn’t believe the big-time playwriters didn't have a more original idea than turning a Disney movie into a Broadway production. I had no interest in seeing it.

But last year, promoter Mike Kitchen and I bumped into one of Blumenthal’s public relations people at a party, and she raved about the play. She encouraged me to see it -- and to arrive on-time (a rarity for me).

I ordered tickets early, and went with my girl, her little ones, and Kitch. I’m not sure what was better, the play or watching the kids’ mouths drop during the early scenes.

My favorite parts were the opening scene, the one after intermission, and when Simba talks to Mufasa’s image in the lake. Amazing.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hmmm. I'm sure if The Lion King featured a predominantly white cast, you'd have no interest in going. You're a shameless bigot.

Anonymous said...

Craig, my dear-you definitely win for idiot this time! Your comment is out of place and only encourages bigotry. If you had attended the performance you too would have witnessed the powerful entrance that was so full of life, it put smiles on the collective sea of colorful faces. Blacks, whites, hispanics, asians, young and "seasoned" (and everyone in between), were mesmerized by the abundant beauty and talent that graced the stage. Only a simple minded individual like you would attempt to rob the innocence from such a wonderful experience. Even Tonya Jameson is exempt this time.