SCHENECTADY - “The Lion King” playing at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady through April 17, bills itself as “The World’s #1 Musical.” While that’s true, it also reminds me of the ringmaster at a circus calling, “Boys and girls of all ages, welcome to the greatest show on earth.”
The association is apt, as “The Lion King” is more a show than it is a typical Broadway musical. It’s a work that is enjoyed as much for its style as it is its content. This is not meant as a knock. “The Lion King” is genuine entertainment that guarantees a terrific time by every member of the audience.
My companions for the show were a 16 year old and a 7 year old, both girls. They and I enjoyed the show for the same reason. That reason is spectacle.
The show is extravagantly breathtaking. The opening number, “Circle of Life,” fills the stage with animal-puppets who bring alive an African landscape. It is the most visually intriguing opening of any Broadway musical ever conceived.
But beyond the awesome creativity of the scene, it sets the table for the rest of the show. From that moment on, the puppet-creatures become real and the actors manipulating the giant puppets become invisible. It’s Disney at its best.
The tale of “The Lion King” concerns a pride of lions. Scar, is envious of his brother Mufasa, who is a beloved king, and he resents that Mufasa’s son Simba will inherit the throne. Scar plots to kill Mufasa. He uses a band of Hyenas to help him accomplish the nefarious act and makes young Simba feel responsible for his father’s death. Simba goes into self-exile where he frolics with the comical duo, Timon (a meerkat) and Pumbaa (a warthog). Once Simba matures, he returns to reclaim his rightful place as king. But to do that he must kill the evil Scar.
The literary, mythical and biblical references that abound in the story are many. For starters there is the story of Cain and Able and the Prodigal Son, as well as every one of Shakespeare’s kings and princes. Did someone say Hamlet?
Despite the rich origins of the story it fails to serve more than simple narrative which connects the various musical and dance segments.
Adding to lack of power within the story is that the supporting cast outshine the leads. Nick Cordileone as Timon and Ben Lipitz as Pumbaa turn the African plains into the Borsht Belt with their comic shtick and are a delight every second they are on stage. Drew Hirschfield provides more comic fun as Zazu the clever Hornbill who gives wise counsel to Mufasa and offers sharp barbs to Scar.
Less effective is the villainous Scar, he’s played by Patrick R. Brown in such an effete manner he dilutes the menace in the character. Gerald Ramsey is better as Mufusa, but he lacks the commanding presence that would make him even more regal.
But if you are going to “The Lion King” for Shakespeare-like drama you’re going for the wrong reason. This is a show at which you sit back and relax in order to appreciate the music of Elton John , the lyrics of Tim Rice and the superb talents of an ensemble that are as one with the creatures they create. Too, appreciate the ingenious costumes, the puppetry and the beauty that surrounds every moment of the production.
Enjoy “The Lion King” because it’s the World’s #1 Musical, which makes it the greatest show on earth. And it’s at Proctors through April 17.
For tickets and scheduling information call 346-6204, or go to proctors.org
Bob Goepfert is the arts editor for the Troy Record.
The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.