Theatre review: The Lion King’s powerful songs and artistic innovation still dazzle
Anchored by a knockout Rafiki and a parade of still-magical animal puppets, the Broadway Across Canada touring show proves this musical remains king of the jungle
Mukelisiwe Goba in Broadway Across Canada’s The Lion King. Photo by Matthew Murphy
Broadway Across Canada presents Disney’s The Lion King at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre to September 14
DISNEY’s THE LION KING has a theatrical artistry that continues to astonish, 28 years later. Broadway Across Canada’s touring production of the musical, based on Disney’s iconic animated film, succeeds in replicating the 1997 Broadway production’s visual spectacle at an impressive scale, while delivering the story’s family-friendly blend of humour and heartfelt emotion—not to mention the beloved songs.
Director, costume designer, and mask co-designer Julie Taymor’s infusion of traditional African storytelling elements—including puppetry, masks, and inventive costuming—is still dazzling. From the opening lines of “The Circle of Life” delivered by Rafiki (a sensational Mukelisiwe Goba), audiences are immediately swept into an otherworldly experience. A procession of performers bring to life giraffes, elephants, leaping antelopes, and more, as the animal kingdom pays homage to the birth of Simba, the cub of lion king Mufasa (Darnell Abraham) and his lioness Sarabi (Jennifer Theriot).
Goba’s commanding energy and stunning vocals anchor the show, whether she’s playfully bouncing around the stage as she rambles to herself or electrifying the theatre with her singing. Through it all, Goba remains the centrepiece, moving the story along. The plot faithfully follows the film’s narrative, with Mufasa’s sinister brother Scar (a deliciously evil Peter Hargrave) plotting to seize power, and the journey of Simba (a heroic Erick D. Patrick) to rise above his inner struggles and restore happiness in the Pridelands.
With each sinister finger curl and gloriously wicked laugh, Hargrave is a villain you can’t help but love. He makes for a terrific counterpart to Abraham’s gentle yet powerful-when-necessary Mufasa, who delivers a goosebump-inducing rendition of “They Live in You” to an enthusiastic and wide-eyed Young Simba (Julian Villela in this performance).
As an example of Taymor’s brilliant costuming, Scar exudes evil through his scaly features and spiky mane and claws, while Mufasa’s Trojan warrior–like armour is softened with beautifully embroidered garments. The image of the two confronting each other with their masks extended face-to-face is incredibly striking.
Another highlight is the comic duo of Robert Creighton as the meercat Timon and Danny Grumich as the warthog Pumbaa. While milking every silly joke and moment of slapstick comedy, the actors perform impressive puppetry work, involving significant physicality and detailed craftsmanship. It’s a delight to see Creighton’s mischievous Timon slinking about and Grumich’s dopey Pumbaa wagging his tongue and wiggling his behind. Together with Patrick’s Disney-prince charm, the trio does not disappoint in their performance of “Hakuna Matata”—an audience favourite, as evident in the cheers.
The Lion King’s other hit songs, written by Elton John and Tim Rice and including “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Just Can’t Wait to Be King”, all sound fantastic here. Music added for the stage version aligns with the show’s African theme, such as the Act 2 opener “One by One”, sung in Zulu and showcasing some tremendous voices, including that of ensemble member Poseletso Sejosingoe.
Garth Fagan’s fusion of African, modern, ballet, and jazz dance is also a key storytelling piece. From lionesses on the hunt to a living jungle scene, Fagan’s choreography further immerses us in the Pridelands. Other highlights include the ravenous dance of the hyenas, and a scene where the ensemble glides across the stage as “grass”, with spellbinding grace.
It’s hard not to be in constant awe of the endless array of theatrical magic here. The wildebeest stampede and the image of Mustafa’s face in the stars are feats of artistic brilliance. Yet there’s purpose to everything, with every element meticulously crafted to drive the narrative forward. And even after all these years, the emotional resonance retains its power. For both long-time fans and newer ones, seeing The Lion King still reigns as a thrilling and unforgettable experience. 
Related Articles
