The LION KING on Broadway

Last Saturday afternoon, you may have noticed my Facebook status update: Hakuna Matata. That's right, we were headed to THE LION KING live, on stage, Broadway style. Before leaving the house, the tiegkndy watched the animated, class act, Disney version of the Lion King. Ready to go! Broadway: Downtown Sacramento A special day out with just my little ladies.

This photo was taken during our 15 minute intermission. We had great seats, front and center, row D. (Thanks, Gramma.)

Showtime: When the lights finally dimmed, there was a stunning parade of animals. The first ten minutes, we twisted and turned in our seats to see what marvel would enter next: giraffes, zebras, gazelles, lions, wild beasts, elephants, a rhino, and so many others. The cast performers with twirling, diving birds took over the mezzanine. African animals poured into the auditorium along the center aisles, and assembled on stage filling it from side to side and top to bottom. It truly caught me off guard, even though I had some knowledge of what to expect before the curtain raised. The entrance down the aisle was over the top. The girls were smiling from ear to ear. I was left misty-eyed; overwhelmed by the production effort to create this epic film and make it theater; and musical for that matter.

The costumes were brilliant, depicting African culture. Simply amazing, I thought. And the essence of each character was captivated either by his "dominant" trait or stage presence accompanied by African-influenced music. The entire show was phenomenal. It was diverse. It was comic. It was incredibly emotional. SPECTACULAR! "Nants' Ingonyama Bakithi Baba!" "There's more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done!" "Til we find our place on a path unwinding in the circle, the circle of life." Simba? Zazu? Has anyone seen the girls? "Oh, I just can't wait to be king."

Lion King Memorabilia