The Bushnell, Hartford, CT
through December 1, 2024
by Lisa Covi
There are few things in modern life as clear and entertaining as the story in a Disney musical. It shows stark differences between villains and heroes; children and adults can laugh at the same jokes, and there is always a happy ending.
The tale delivers a message that all can agree on: that the circle of life continues when we are all able to take care of each other and our world. If we cannot “feel the love tonight” every day, the Bushnell offers the experience of joy in pageantry, performance, and pathos of this triumphant journey.
"The Lion King" musical debuted in 1997 based on the animated 1994 film where much of the music and most of the plot originated. Similar to the biblical stories of Joseph and Moses, where some of the themes are drawn, the action takes place on the continent of Africa.
On stage, the production hits hard and fast at the beginning with the score by Hans Zimmer, Elton John, and others that have a vibe between Graceland and Zulu chant. The stylish scenery is simple and evocative, incorporating cast members as grasslands and scrim to project upon. The elephants in the room (along with lions, gazelles, and hyenas) are large hybrid costume/props that resemble puppets the performers inhabit. The distinctiveness of this particular show is the way that the cast performs the drama and music in a physical style using these mechanical devices. The effects blend lighting and music to consistently awe the audience.
The Bushnell is the ideal, large venue for "The Lion King". From the orchestra pit to the ceiling, entrances and performances even take place in the balcony.
The non-puppet protagonist Rafiki sings some of the best music. Portrayed by Mukelisiwe Goba, his character calls out the mood of each act. Peter Hargrave is a deliciously deep-throated Uncle Scar who contrasts with brother Mufasa, Darnell Abraham. They manage their recognizably branded headpieces while projecting the human characteristics each actor brings to the part. The youngest performers of Simba and Nala conveyed pathos and energy. Characters Timon and Pumbaa as Simba's meercat and warthog friends nearly steal the show with personality cast upon the costumes. This cast was more than musical actors – they performed like Ginger Rogers – backwards and in high heels. The entire seasoned ensemble delivered a satisfying and hearty show.
The audience was clearly enamored and laughed heartily at the modern references and inside Disney jokes. The only noticeable minor distractions were an acoustic muddiness in the hall that made dialog sometimes difficult to understand, and a shadow that occasionally appeared on the back wall during a spotlight sequence.
The production was a magical masterpiece of visual and aural pleasure. As someone who came expecting an experience based on Disneyland's Lion King Parade from the 1990's, it was pleasantly surprising to discover that Broadway's highest grossing production truly lives up to the title “World's #1 Musical.”
