‘The Lion King’ roars into Orlando with nostalgia, spectacle | Theater review at Dr. Phillips Center
The Broadway musical adaptation of “The Lion King” is on tour in Orlando, Fla., performing at Dr. Phillips Center through May 18, 2025.
The hit broadway musical “The Lion King” is back in Orlando, and Attractions Magazine was invited out to experience this latest production of the long-running show. We wanted to see if this production would take its place as king of the jungle or if you should “be prepared” for disappointment.
“The Lion King” has been a family favorite Disney movie since it debuted in 1994, spawning numerous video games, sequels, TV spin-offs, popular theme park attractions, and, of course, one multi-Tony award-winning Broadway show, which first debuted in 1997. Sometimes jokingly referred to as “Hamlet on Safari,” for those who don’t know, “The Lion King” tells the story of young lion prince Simba, whose father, the king, is murdered by his uncle and who must then go on a journey of self discovery and growth as he avenges the death of his father and takes his rightful place as king of the Pride Lands.
Those familiar with the movie but new to its Broadway counterpart will recognize the classic “Lion King” story while seeing this musical in Orlando, and will find many of their favorite lines and moments remain basically unchanged but simply added on to. These same audience members may be surprised to find both the classic songs (written by Elton John and Tim Rice) that they know and love, along with whole new numbers created specially for the Broadway show.
For instance, “Circle of Life” is just as striking as you may remember and “Hakuna Matata” remains joyful fun, but songs not in the 1994 movie and added into the stage musical — such as “One By One” and “He Lives in You,” both originally written for a 1995 album — bring a decidedly Broadway feel to the show.
Amongst everything the production does right, the unique puppetry of “The Lion King” really made the show stand out when it premiered almost 30 years ago, and truly still holds up to this day as the musical visits Orlando. From the beginning of the show, dozens and dozens of puppets appear, ranging from small flocks of birds controlled by a single person to towering elephants with no less than four performers each. Visually stunning and immediately unique, we saw birds flying from the balconies, gazelles leaping through the aisles and stilt-walking giraffes lumbering across the stage.
Many of the designs choose not to hide the performers, but instead keep them visible and integrated fully into the puppets. It may seem old hat by today’s standards, but that’s only because so many productions have mimicked this style from the original Broadway show. I found myself several times marveling at this or that puppet — and when they are literally running through the aisles around you, it’s really hard not to.
The performers of “The Lion King” in Orlando are top-notch and play their parts admirably. I was particularly impressed by the child actors in the show, Julian Villela and Ritisha Chakraborty playing young Simba and young Nala, respectively. Their high energy, dancing talent, and fearlessness keeps up with the adult actors admirably. Other standouts in the cast include Peter Hargrave as the villainous Scar and Sam Linda and Nick Cordileone as the comedic Timon and Pumbaa, respectively. This is really an ensemble piece, though, with even the grass and bushes not only played by actors, but given real personality and style.
Nearly a national treasure, “The Lion King” has been venerated since it debuted and this production serves to magnify that legacy these few weeks it’s visiting Orlando. While the story itself has been told time and time again over the 30+ years since the original movie’s debut, this production stands as a testament to what made “The Lion King” on Broadway such a memorable show. “The Lion King” is truly a spectacle, and those attending should expect to be wowed by the pageantry, choreography, music, and stunning puppetry.
“The Lion King” is running now through May 18 at the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. For tickets, more information, or to find a tour a stop near you, visit LionKing.com/tour.
‘Lion King’ one-time-only medley
We recently attended a sneak peek of the upcoming Disney Destiny cruise ship’s Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, which included a medley performance of “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” seen in the video below. Take a listen:
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