Everyone knows the touching story of the famous Disney movie “The Lion King.”
A young lion, Simba, is born with the title of prince. His uncle Scar is left second in line to the throne and Simba’s father, Mufasa, is king.
Power hungry, Scar and the hyenas plan to have Mufasa and Simba killed, putting Scar in power. When Simba survives, Scar convinces him it is his fault his father has been killed. Feeling like a disgrace, Simba flees the kingdom.
It’s a classic Disney story, but aside from its popularity as a movie, it has also been unbelievably popular as a play.
Considering most of the main characters are intimidatingly dangerous animals, it seems like a play version of this film would be a disaster. The thought of actors dressing up and attempting to take the form of giant menacing animals seems strange, but the strangeness of it all is what makes it work.
The characters are covered from head to toe in gorgeous robes printed with the fur of the animal they are playing. Their faces are made up to match their costumes, and with the power of makeup, they brilliantly model their mannerisms after the animals they are portraying.
Behind the actors and actresses lies the beautiful set on which they perform. For most of the play, it remains a simple sunset. But throughout the scenes, the audience is taken through different parts of the jungle.
The idea of watching people perform as animals may not sound that appealing to newcomers of theatre, but this show is lauded for its uniqueness.
“The Lion King” originated in 1997 and is still running twenty years later. The show is currently on tour and making a stop at The Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. It begins on Jan. 17 and runs through Jan. 29.
If the idea of seeing a childhood story come to life sounds appealing, now is the chance to see this show live and in action.