Even during scene changes, you’re distracted by dancing fireflies or leaping gazelles.īut of course, what really leaves you with a lasting impression is the music. The sets and the staging are equally impressive, and there’s never a dead moment or lag throughout the show. You become so heavily invested in the animals and other elements that are attached to these actors, it’s all too easy to forget that you’re actually watching humans. From towering giraffes to swaying grasslands, the level of innovation in the costuming is perfectly complemented by the talented cast members who operate their complex pieces so convincingly. The ingenuity of the costumes is remarkable. MORE: 25 things you (probably) don't know about Disney's 'Lion King' MORE: 'The Lion King' puppet master talks wrangling his herd A lot of that is owed to the fact that the production value is unmatched - this performance is the very definition of a feast for the eyes. Yes, whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or a complete newbie to the theater, there’s something palpably unique about this show. Those very characters might all be African animals, but part of what makes “The Lion King” so special is its way of telling a relatable coming-of-age story about love, loyalty, and family in an equally heartwarming and buoyant way. The audience is filled with patrons of all ages - including young children who are being introduced to the beloved cast of characters for the very first time. But make no mistake, you don’t need to have grown up with the movie to be swept up in the stage version. There’s no denying that the 1994 animated film of the same name is a treasured memory of many childhoods. From the moment you hear that familiar opening chant of “Circle of Life” and watch the glowing sun rise over Pride Rock, the emotions come flooding in. APPLETON - It doesn’t take long for the stage production of Disney’s “The Lion King,” which opened Thursday night at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, to give you goosebumps.

Download fox tickets lion king