Lion King

Doug and I had the opportunity to see Lion King last night thru a work connection. We had a fabulous meal at Maggiano's in Denver, then walked over to the Buell for the show. Anyone who knows me knows I absolutely love broadway shows! I was surprisingly disappointed with this show, especially because all the reviews from friends and online reviews are excellent. Did we see the same show? Maybe because it's based on a cartoon, but it seemed so hokey. It was almost word-for-word the movie. This movie came out when my bigger kids were little so I've seen it oh, a few hundred times over the years. Love the movie; it has a great message. The musical though, all the deeper themes were sort of lost. The costumes were kind of cool, the music was just ok. Rafiki was the only character whose voice really shined and was amazing.

It wasn't just me either, Doug felt the same about the show. After seeing Les Mis there a couple months ago, Lion King wasn't even in the same league. We absolutely loved Les Mis. The music was outstanding, and it had all the deeper themes that make for a moving story. I know that's like comparing apples to oranges but it's just such a contrast having seen the two within a few weeks. It can't be that it was just Disney, because Mary Poppins was awesome--actually one of my favorites of all time. So, for what it's worth Lion King would be a fun, albeit expensive night with kids 5-10 years old. Just my opinion :)

My list of favorite musicals: Les Miserables, Wicked, Mary Poppins

Just ok list: Phantom of the Opera, Mama Mia

Bottom of the list: Lion King