nathant64

My family and I saw the new Las Vegas production of Disneys "The Lion King" this past weekend July 25 at Mandalay Bay. I have seen productions in NYC and LA and was excited to see the how the Vegas production compared. While the beauty and vivid colors of the costumes and sets remain intact, I was quite disappointed at some of the trimming that has taken place for this production unnecessary, in my opinion. "The Morning Report" has been cut completely - this is such a bright, fun piece with especially clever lyrics. It made no sense to me to cut it unless the guy playing Zazu is completely inept at singing, and even then he could easily get away with speak-singing like Rex Harrison did in "My Fair Lady". "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" was also noticeably pared down - no more of the aerial acrobatics and extended instrumentation. I kept hearing in the advertising that this production was bigger and better with the larger stage and theater, and I expected a bit of the typical Vegas grandeur i.e. "Phantom - the Vegas Experience". It didnt happen. If anything needs cutting, its a lot of the Scar/Hyenas business. Overall, I love "The Lion King," and if youve never seen it elsewhere, you should definitely go see it. But I wont be recommending the Las Vegas production to anyone I know - I would only see it in Vegas if I had no other options.

posted on 07/27/2009 at 7:40:00 PM
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