Thirty years on Disney’s The Lion King still Radiates Pride

The Broadway Across Canada program continues to deliver fantastic shows to the good people in the nation’s capital. The most recent entry is The Lion King, the biggest musical in the world.

Let’s discuss that for a moment. Based on the 1994 Academy Award-winning movie, The Lion King musical debuted on the stage in 1997. It went on to be nominated for 11 Tony Awards, winning 6. It is also the most successful Broadway musical theatre production, with a revenue of over $2 billion, and the largest worldwide show, with a revenue of over $8 billion.

To put that in perspective, that is more than the combined worldwide revenue of Les Misérables, Jersey Boys, Beauty and the Beast and Miss Saigon!

Many things contribute to the success of The Lion King franchise, and the fact that Disney is involved isn’t low on the list. They have a niche for bringing excellent entertainment to their audiences, whether it be through film or stage productions. The Lion King has become so deeply ingrained into the fabric of society. If you are feeling stressed, it wouldn’t be unusual for someone to say to you, ‘Hakuna Matata,’ to cheer you up. When it comes to our daily lives, well, ‘it’s the circle of life’. And, just as everyone recognizes ‘I’m The King of the World’ from Titanic, the gesture of lifting a baby into the air with outstretched arms is universally understood as a reference to The Lion King—it’s just common knowledge.

Most reading this will be familiar with those analogies, and for those who aren’t, I strongly recommend you check out The Lion King, which is playing at the National Arts Centre through November 10, 2024.

We caught the opening night and can confirm that it’s the world’s number-one musical. And if you are wondering if the Ottawa version is worth seeing or if it holds up after close to thirty years. The answer is a resounding yes, and absolutely yes!

The Lion King, with music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice and a book by Rogers Allers and Irene Mecchi, is a breathtaking show. It tells the tale of Simba, a lion prince, next in line for the throne. His father, Mufasa, is a well-respected leader who is very protective of his cub. Simba’s Uncle, Scar, wants the throne all for himself. Can you say power struggle?

The iteration of this show that is playing at the National Arts Centre is a strong one. The costumes are outstanding and very creative. Audience members will be mesmerized by the set direction and staging. This show truly offers a highly unique experience.

The music, as mentioned, is recognizable to those familiar with the show. Performing legendary songs isn’t an easy task, but it is flawlessly executed by the performers in this production. Darnell Abraham (Mufasa), Peter Hargrave (Scar), Erik D. Patrick (Simba), and Thembelihle Cele (Nala) are just a handful of outstanding performers who make up this strong ensemble.

Whether you have seen The Lion King before or not, this is an outstanding musical that should be seen.

The Broadway Across Canada program has brought some outstanding shows to Ottawa, and The Lion King only enhances the 2024-2025 season that includes the upcoming MJ The Musical, Tina, Beetlejuice and the much-anticipated return of Hamilton.

Now, make your way to the NAC for a roaringly good time with Disney’s The Lion King.

For more information on upcoming Broadway Across Canada performances, visit broadwayacrosscanada.ca

Photo: Matthew Murphy, Disney