Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
This week, “The Lion King” National Tour roared into Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre, transporting audiences straight into Africa’s Pride Lands. Giant elephants, graceful antelopes, and soaring birds trickled down the theatre’s aisles, transforming it into the heart of the savanna. This sensational production is more than just a classic adaptation of the iconic Disney film – it’s an immersive, emotional journey that blends stunning puppetry, powerful performances, and the magic of Disney to create an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
Visually, the puppetry remains as stunning as ever. Unlike newer productions that tend to focus on hyper-realistic puppetry, The Lion King leans into a more stylized and theatrical approach. Rather than emphasizing the mechanics, the show highlights the bigger picture – bringing the entire animal kingdom to life in a way that immerses audiences into the story.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the heart of this story shines through – especially in the relationship between Mufasa and Simba. Their heartfelt conversation about their ancestors watching over them is a deeply moving moment, making Mufasa’s fate all the more touching. It’s scenes like this that remind audiences why “The Lion King” is more than just a visually stunning show – it’s an emotional journey too.
A standout for me was Jaxyn Damasco (Young Nala), who captivated the audience from the moment she glided down the aisles as a baby elephant, flashing a bright smile, to the moment she commanded the stage as a fierce lion cub. But she wasn’t the only one to shine – Thembelihle Cele’s (Nala) powerful rendition of Shadowland, Erick D. Patrick’s (Simba) heartfelt “Endless Night”, and Mukelisiwe Goba’s (Rafiki) touching “He Lives in You (Reprise)” were just a few of the show’s breathtaking performances that filled the theatre with energy and emotion.
After nearly 30 years on stage, The Lion King continues to capture the magic of Disney and the wonder of live theatre. Whether it’s your first time seeing it or your tenth, the show never loses its wonder. The production runs at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre through March 2, so grab your tickets and Be Prepared for an unforgettable experience!
Final Grade: A
About The Author
