This touring production of ‘The Lion King’ is the best version yet

As the audience filed in to be seated in what appeared to be the sold out spacious KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio the excitement was evident. Many knew what they were about to witness while there were a large number of “first timers” including quite a few children. This Broadway extravaganza is much more than a show. It is a moving life changing experience that excites both young and old.

The house lights dimmed slightly and spotlights flooded the aisles as the sharp clear voice of Rafiki (Zama Magudulela) rang out strong and vibrant. “Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba Sithi uhm ingonyama”! “Here comes a lion, father, Oh yes it’s a lion”! Calling the various clans of animals to witness the presentation of young Simba, son of King Mufasa (David D’Lancy Wilson) and Queen Sarabi (Jennifer Theriot).

It is then that the Broadway magic takes place as a parade of full size animal puppets lumber down the aisles of the theater including an elephant, rhinoceros and cranes accompanied by brightly dressed singers and dancers who join two giraffes, a pair of zebras, a cheetah and a variety of flying birds of paradise on stage. In the side balconies are African style drummers with antelopes. It is all bright colors, swirling motion and incredibly fluid dancing as the opening number “Circle of Life” is performed. The prince (in this case a puppet) is given the name “Simba”.

This is the touring production of “The Lion King” with music by Elton John and Tim Rice with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M., Mark Mancina, Jay Rofkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer and is taken from the 1994 animated movie of the same name.

We are introduced to young Simba (Aaron Chao) and his young female friend Nala (Journey Compas) as well as the jealous older brother Scar (Peter Hargrave) who launches a plot to take over the throne. Mufasa takes the young Simba to a high point to survey the kingdom (everywhere the sun touches) warning the cub not to stray beyond the boundaries of the Pride Lands.

An unsuspecting Simba goes to visit Uncle Scar who tells the cub about the elephant graveyard that is beyond the boundaries and where Simba is forbidden to travel. Simba soon talks Nala to go with him to the elephant graveyard along with the horn-bill Zazu (Nick LaMedica) who acts as chaperone. The pair of cubs lose the bird and make their way to the forbidden area as Simba brags about becoming king.

Zazu catches up as the pair are attacked by three hyena: Shenzi (Martina Sykes), Banzai (Forest VanDyke) and the rather dimwitted Ed (Robb Sapp). Mufasa arrives in time to rescue the three and frighten off the hyenas. Mufasa then berates Simba for his reckless disobedience and lectures him about the great kings of the past. Zazu gently reminds Mufasa that he was much like his son at an early age.

In the meantime, Scar has gathered an army of hyenas. Scar takes Simba to a gorge telling him to wait there. The hyenas start a wildebeest stampede into the gorge as Scar tells Mufasa of the danger. Mufasa leaps into the stampede and saves his son but as he tries to climb out Scar throws him back into the gorge killing him.

Scar then tells Simba that it is he who is to blame for his father’s death and that he should run away. Scar orders the hyenas to kill Simba but he manages to escape their clutches. The hyenas inform Scar that Simba is dead. As Rafiki and Sarabi mourn Mufasa’s death Scar claims the throne and allows the hyenas into the Pride Lands.

Simba does his best to distance himself from his home but soon succumbs to heat exhaustion as vultures begin to circle. Timon, a meerkat (Nick Cordileone) and Pumbaa, a warthog (Danny Grumich) rescues the cub taking him to their jungle home of their carefree life and bug diet. Simba grows to adulthood in this setting.

Along with the stupendous vocal work by Zama Magudulela as Rafiki, Aaron Chao as young Simba, Journey Compas as young Nala, Nick Cordileone as Timon and Danny Grumich as Pumbaa the ensemble singers take the music to soaring heights along with the highly skilled ensemble dancers who fill the stage with fantastic gymnastics. The fifteen piece orchestra under the direction of Karl Shymanovitz is truly equal to the task.

The scenic design by Richard Hudson is magnificent. The costume design by Julie Taymor is dazzling. The lighting design by Donald Holder is crisp. For those who are sensitive there is extensive use of stobe lights. The sound design by Steve Canyon Kennedy fills the huge theater from top to bottom. Most important is the puppet and mask design by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry that sells the show (they even manage to sneak in a couple of surprises for the veteran audience members). The show is conceived and directed by Julie Taymor and choreographed by Garth Fagan.

Many of our children grew up watching the animated version of this Disney classic on a continuous loop throughout their formulative years so are well acquainted with the story and music. Nothing...and I mean NOTHING can compare to this live performance that puts it all on stage in its grand presentation. It is the finest rendition of this work ever to hit the theaters.

The touring production of “The Lion King” will be on stage in the KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio through August 16, 2026. For tickets and more information go to https://www.playhousesquare.org/ or call (216) 241-6000.