Since its grand debut in Singapore seven years ago, having played to record-breaking audiences of more than 300,000 people, The Lion King musical is finally back in town.
After seeing The Lion King for the first time, we can assure you that it’s worth the price of admission. Heck, it’s worth even more.
Because right from the moment the sound of African drums usher in the opening verses of “The Circle of Life” and the menagerie of animals onto the stage, you’ll begin to see why The Lion King is so revered even after all these years. You’re instantly transported to the Pride Lands, and then it’s wave after wave of awe, wonder and nostalgia.
Between the vivid backdrops, breathtaking imagery, timeless soundtrack and mesmerising choreography, there were just no words to describe the rip-roaring spectacle that was unfolding before us. From the jaunting wildebeest scene to Simba’s powerful soliloquy under the stars, it was simply astonishing to see how everything could combine to tell a familiar yet incredibly different story about courage, family and love.
One of the reasons why The Lion King worked so well and what sets it apart from most Broadway productions was the sheer amount of detail that went into revitalising aspects of the original. Yes, the sets were majestic but simple as compared to the sophisticated costumes that wonderfully captured each character’s personality.
Actors doned beautiful tribal animal outfits and manipulated animal puppets to create a harmonious merger of man and beast. Simba, Nala and Rafiki resembled their animal counterparts. Both Mufasa and Scar’s masks glided to the curl of their gait. Even Zazu’s wings craned and flapped to his lively motions. Watching them sing, dance and interact with each other while striking a delicate balancing act was simply hypnotising.
And of course, we’ll be remiss not to mention the colourful and global cast of characters who breathed life into each machination. This is a show that demands a lot from its cast and crew and all of them really deserves equal praise.
Our favourites include Ntsepa Pitjeng’s tour-de-force portrayal of Rafiki, as well as Anthony Lawrence, whose maniacal flamboyance and charisma made the villain Scar a very likable character. We have the iconic duo of Jamie McGregor as Timon and Pierre van Heerden as Pumbaa, who brought the house down with their comical antics and their rendition of “Hakuna Matata”. Lastly, Andre Jewson as the hornbill Zazu, who capped off his histrionic performance with some uniquely Singaporean jokes, much to the audience’s delight.
When the last note reverberated across the theatre, we were off our seats with thunderous applause. We’ve witnessed magic on that night. But most importantly, we’ve seen what it’s like to have entire generations of viewers wishing for an encore.
They don’t call The Lion King “The World’s #1 Musical” for nothing! Take your family, friends or really go solo if you must before they decamp for newer pastures. If there’s one musical you should catch this year, or even in your lifetime, make it The Lion King!
From 1 - 7 September, save $30 per ticket with a free seat upgrade! Offer must end 7 September!
A-Res tickets at B-Res price
B-Res tickets at C-Res price
C-Res tickets at D-Res price
Applicable for shows from 1 - 16 September.
Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands
27 June – 23 September 2018
Tue – Fri: 7.30pm
Sat: 2pm & 7.30pm
Sun: 1pm & 6pm
