Hello & welcome back to Theater Week. Well folks, this is the big one. Today, on the second installment of Screen To Stage as I take a look at one of the most acclaimed musicals of all time, The Lion King. Now seeing as this is only the second edition of Screen To Stage, here is a reminder of how it works. I take a look at a stage adaption of a Disney film. Mostly ones that I've seen and talk about What's The Same, What's Different, New Music, and then give My Final Thoughts.
What's The Same
For the most part, a lot of the elements from the film remained in the play. Honestly, not too many things were changed. Though there is one big that was changed and we will get to that in the next category. So yeah, if you know The Lion King, you won't be too lost if you see the play. Now while the story is the same, it's hard to explain but it feels more mature onstage then the film. Now let me clarify on something here, there are new scenes added but unlike Newsies, where it is drastically different from the film, that is not the case here.
What's Different
Now the only big difference in the play is Rafiki. Rafiki is now a woman.
The big reason that this was changed is because director, Julie Taymor felt that there weren't enough strong female characters in the original tale and I gotta agree. I mean yes, there is Nala and then the Whoopi Goldberg hyena and Sarabi, Simba's mom. But while Nala is a strong character, the other two are okay but the hyena is more comic relief and how many of you even knew that Simba's mother had a name. So, I can understand the decision here and quite honestly, it does not change the story one bit. Rafiki is a character that can be a man or a woman. It is just something different from the original source material. Rafiki is still the same character but she also has a lot of quiet moments. So, Lion King purists, there is nothing to worry about with this change and this play has been around for how long now.
New Music
Now just as a reminder, this is where I take a look at songs that were written for the play. So, with that out of the way, let's begin.
Grasslands Chant
I really like this number as it helps to transport the audience to the world of The Lion King and I really think that in part that it comes from the chanting. Yeah, it may sound like nonsense to some people, if you don't know the language. Well, I don't know if that's the right thing to say but I just really like it.
The Morning Report
Fun Fact: This song later reappeared in a re-release of the film and well, it kinda feels out of place there but in the play, it doesn't as it has always been part of the play. This song is just fun! It is in my opinion of the most fun songs from this show. I love Zazu's opening as it is so funny in my opinion.
The Lioness Hunt
Now this is something I liked that the play included because lionesses are the ones that do the hunting and it's a nice touch and it shows they are strong. Also the dancing is really pretty and that is the big take away from this scene. The dancing and the puppetry are the most important aspects of this routine. And they come together quite well.
Chow Down
I think the big reason that I really like this song is because it shows how threatening the Hyenas can be when they want to and the background music fits them perfectly. I just love how they taunt Simba and Nala in this song. It is so much fun and it can easily strike fear when listening to it and plus it has a lot of funny moments in it as well.
They Live In You
Once again this is a really good song and its a great father/son song as Mufasa uses it to teach Simba a lesson and remind him that all the kings that came before him, live in him. He carries their legacy. Great song but it has an even better reprise.
One by One
Okay, if I'm to be honest, I forgot about this number until I looked up the music for the show. Is it bad? No but in terms of chant like songs, Grasslands Chant is superior in my opinion. This one is just too short to leave an impact.
The Madness of King Scar
Okay, I love this song. This is one of the best villain songs out there. This song in my opinion trumps Be Prepared in every way. Though it is also a good follow up to that song. Why do I say that? Simple, Be Prepared is Scar planning to get what he wants and this song is Scar having to deal with it and it's too much pressure for Scar and it is causing him to break, which is tragically funny. He has the power but he didn't realize the cost of what would come with said power and this song reflects that.
Shadowland
I really like this song as it's important for Nala and tells us why, she is leaving. In the film, we find out why when she meets up with Simba as an adult but this song explains it in a way that has more emotion to it and I feel Nala is a stronger character in the play, then she is in the film as I think she gets more to do on stage. This song is just one of the many reasons, I find this Nala to be stronger then her animated counterpart.
Endless Night
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this song. It is in my opinion of the most emotional and heartbreaking songs to ever come from Disney. If you don't cry, the first time you hear this song. Something's wrong. This is one of the saddest songs ever but it's also one of the happiest songs at the same time. I know that sounds confusing but let me explain. Simba is finally confronting his fear of losing Mufasa but through this song, he remembers that Mufasa will always be with him. He may have lost his father from this world and for a time, he lost his spirit but this is Simba regaining his father's spirit and coming to terms with the fact that things may be dark but they will get better, if you let them.
He Lives In You (Reprise)
Ooh, this show really packs on the emotions having this song being only two songs after Endless Night. As stated prior, this is a reprise of They Live In You bit it's more personal as Rafiki is reminding Simba, "Yes your father is dead but you carry his spirit and he watches over us and protects us". Again, very heartfelt and I like this one better then They Live In You because it's more personal and again, it is the reminder Simba needed that he carries his father's spirit and legacy. It is a very beautiful and poignant message.
My Final Thoughts
I'm a huge fan of the stage production of The Lion King. Even if I've only seen it once but it is the first play, I ever saw on Broadway. My eyes were glued to the stage the entire time and I was mesmerized by everything that was going on. Not only did the play capture the spirit of the film, I feel it surpasses the film in many ways such as emotion. I believe the play has more depth and emotion to it then the film does. Don't get me wrong, I like the film but I LOVE the play. Quite honestly, when I think of The Lion King, my mind goes to the play and not the movie. So yes, I do believe that the play is better the the film but that is just a matter of opinion. If you get the opportunity to see the stage production of The Lion King, do not pass it up as you will not regret seeing this play as it is one of the best experiences one can have in the theater.
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