(REVIEW) ‘The Lion King’ Musical At DPAC: “Awe-Inspiring” 

DURHAM, NC — The Triangle’s best-loved musical, The Lion King, returns to DPAC May 15  – June 9. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of Broadway’s most imaginative creative teams.

Synopsis

The Lion King opens with the birth of Simba to King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi, who rule the African Pride Lands. As Simba grows into a feisty cub, Mufasa explains to Simba that he’ll one day take over the throne of the Pride Lands but warns him to stay away from the shadowy area behind the Pride Lands. That happens to be the home of Scar, Mufasa’s bitter brother who wants the Pride Lands throne for himself. He plans to kill Mufasa and Simba in order to steal the line of succession.

He puts his plan into motion when the over-curious Simba visits him outside the Pride Lands, where Scar encourages Simba to explore even more forbidden territory — an elephant graveyard — against Mufasa’s wishes. While Simba’s in the graveyard, Scar lures Mufasa there just as he’s striking up a stampede. Mufasa is killed, but Simba escapes and ends up coming of age in a jungle, where his new friends Timon and Pumbaa teach him a carefree lifestyle. Eventually, Simba has to find his strength and return to the Pride Lands to challenge his uncle and take his rightful place on the throne.

Review

The animation, costumes, puppetry, and choreography were awe-inspiring. The opening of the musical sets the tone for the entire production (please do not be late because you will not be allowed in—the opening is that awesome). The singing was amazing, from the first number to the last. Six indigenous African languages were sung and spoken throughout the show, and it was wonderful to see that the majority of the cast members were Black. And even though The Lion King has reportedly been seen by over 21 million theatergoers, it will still have you on the edge of your seat. 

At DPAC, The Lion King will play Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays at 8:00 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM. For tickets or more information, click here.

Darian Sanders As Simba 

Lead actor Darian Sanders, who plays adult Simba, was a guest on Spectacular Magazine Shorts. Sanders talked with host Phyllis Coley about how he got the role, his background and training, and his life as a Worship Pastor. 

Photos: Matthew Murphy, courtesy of The Lion King