Post by Buff on Jul 12, 2004 10:47:14 GMT 11
I’m sorry for the delay in getting this review posted. It’s taken a month and it’s only because I’m off work sick that I can finally have some time to write something down. 
The Lion King is the most visually stunning production I’ve ever seen. The first 10 minutes alone is worth the admission price. Absolutely breathtaking! I won’t go into too much detail so as to spoil it for anyone who is planning to go.
The sets are very sparse, which suits the setting of a plain in Africa. The use of puppetry for the various animals is amazing. Obviously a lot of time has been put into getting the actors to imitate their animal’s movements. It is also clear that the actors have been drilled into making the characters as much like the movie versions as possible.
Jay Laga’aia as Mufasa shows his strength and “soft side” beautifully. A great performance by him. However, Tony Harvey as Scar steals a lot of his thunder. While keeping true to the movie version, he adds his own flavour to the role and makes it his own.
Terry Bader as Zazu, brings something different to the role as well. His connection with the puppet is seamless and I found myself forgetting that he was there and just focused on the puppet.
Tim Richards (Pumbaa) and Jamie McGregor (Timon) were as funny and as likeable as in the movie. Timon in particular stood out for me.
The young Simba and Nala (Jake Abela and Karla Soondarum) worked well together. Karla seemed a little bit more confident than Jake, but I wasn’t sure if that was the way the directors intended it or just the performers on the day.
Vince Harder (adult Simba) was an impressive character in all departments except in his singing. He possesses a very good voice – true, clear and lovely – but it didn’t have the power I would have liked. He is meant to be a young adult lion, but sounded like the young Simba. In particular in “Can you feel the love tonight”, Nala had to hold back in the harmonies because she was so much stronger vocally.
Which brings me to my two favourite performers from the show. Jennlee Shallow (Nala) was breathtaking in ever sense of the word. She made the role seem effortless. The stand out for me was the song “Shadowland” which, if memory serves, isn’t in the movie. With the backing of the female ensemble as the other lionesses, Nala goes out in search of food. A stunning song, but equally stunning vocals from Nala.
Last and certainly not least, Buyisle Zama as Rafiki. Not surprised at all at her win in the Mo Awards as she too stood out in a great cast. Performed the role perfectly.
All up a fantastic show. I would love to see it again!
When I promised to do a review, I said I’d try to not make it as longs Talissa’s. Oops!
Buff
The Lion King is the most visually stunning production I’ve ever seen. The first 10 minutes alone is worth the admission price. Absolutely breathtaking! I won’t go into too much detail so as to spoil it for anyone who is planning to go.
The sets are very sparse, which suits the setting of a plain in Africa. The use of puppetry for the various animals is amazing. Obviously a lot of time has been put into getting the actors to imitate their animal’s movements. It is also clear that the actors have been drilled into making the characters as much like the movie versions as possible.
Jay Laga’aia as Mufasa shows his strength and “soft side” beautifully. A great performance by him. However, Tony Harvey as Scar steals a lot of his thunder. While keeping true to the movie version, he adds his own flavour to the role and makes it his own.
Terry Bader as Zazu, brings something different to the role as well. His connection with the puppet is seamless and I found myself forgetting that he was there and just focused on the puppet.
Tim Richards (Pumbaa) and Jamie McGregor (Timon) were as funny and as likeable as in the movie. Timon in particular stood out for me.
The young Simba and Nala (Jake Abela and Karla Soondarum) worked well together. Karla seemed a little bit more confident than Jake, but I wasn’t sure if that was the way the directors intended it or just the performers on the day.
Vince Harder (adult Simba) was an impressive character in all departments except in his singing. He possesses a very good voice – true, clear and lovely – but it didn’t have the power I would have liked. He is meant to be a young adult lion, but sounded like the young Simba. In particular in “Can you feel the love tonight”, Nala had to hold back in the harmonies because she was so much stronger vocally.
Which brings me to my two favourite performers from the show. Jennlee Shallow (Nala) was breathtaking in ever sense of the word. She made the role seem effortless. The stand out for me was the song “Shadowland” which, if memory serves, isn’t in the movie. With the backing of the female ensemble as the other lionesses, Nala goes out in search of food. A stunning song, but equally stunning vocals from Nala.
Last and certainly not least, Buyisle Zama as Rafiki. Not surprised at all at her win in the Mo Awards as she too stood out in a great cast. Performed the role perfectly.
All up a fantastic show. I would love to see it again!
When I promised to do a review, I said I’d try to not make it as longs Talissa’s. Oops!
Buff
