Rosencrantz & Guildenstern, Ltd.

Archive for the ‘Theatre’ Category

Yesterday (Monday, 28 December 2009), I went with family to see The Lion King (the musical) at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio.  My wife, Jen, and I have wanted to see this show since it opened on Broadway.  We were very excited to get the opportunity and were not disappointed.

First, the costumes were amazing.  I’ve seen pictures of them but seeing them in action, and especially watching the interaction of the actor’s with them, was incredible.  This show would not work near as well as if it were done with people in traditional animal costumes.

Second, the music was very interesting.  I’m generally not a fan of most musicals, usually because the music and singing styles are not my thing, but this was wonderful to listen to.  The singing was great (although still “musical theatre”), and I liked seeing the drummers on either side of the stage.  I do with I had been able to see some more of the musicians at work, but the orchestra pit at the Majestic was under the stage, so that only the conductor was visible.

Another great part of the performance were the times when the action came out into the audience.  I always love things like that, and I think it helps to bring the audience more into the show.  Also, the staging was suitably dramatic, with many levels.  The use of moving platforms and wire work added to the drama.

Performances were generally great throughout.  Several stood out to me.  Rafiki was a wonderful character, and the actress appeared to have a lot of fun with it; also, her singing voice was amazing.  Scar was also quite good.  Jeremy Irons did a great job with the character in the movie, and the actor here built on that foundation without just mimicking Irons’s performance.  Timon and Pumba were (as always) great fun to watch.  I also really liked Zazu, especially the actor’s interaction with his puppet, which broke the fourth wall at a couple of moments.

There were a couple of negatives.  I am confused as to the inclusion of the song “Morning Report” in this show.  That song was not included in the original version of the movie for a reason.  First, it is a weak song overall.  Second, it fails completely to advance the plot or provide any substantial character development (the only two reasons for a song in a musical).  The only reason I can think of for including it here was to give Zazu more stage time, but I don’t think that was necessary.

Also, I disliked the addition of a subplot in which Scar wants to make Nala his queen.  While I can see its justification, nothing is ever done with it later on, so it just sits there in the storyline.

Finally, and this is a criticism of the Majestic rather than the show, I found the ushers and waiters moving back and forth in front of us distracting.  I suppose the ushers have their reasons, but the waiters with trays of drinks was completely unnecessary.  Yes, I understand that people probably paid money for those seats, but I think that’s a sad justification.  In raising money for the theatre, the Majestic should consider the impact on all of its patrons, and if something like serving drinks negatively impacts some of those patrons (even if those patrons pay a little less), it should not be considered.

Despite those minor quibbles, however, I thoroughly enjoyed the show and would suggest that anyone who gets a chance to see it does so.  You won’t be disappointed.