The Lion King Reviews

Dottie from Saint Louis

AMAZING!

I saw the production in St. Louis the last time it was here and was blown away! This time I am bringing my granddaughters. What an incredible experience for it is so much more than simply a musical.

DebS from Richmond, VA

AMAZING!

I viewed this show in NY a couple of years ago and was totally amazed of the imagery and choreography. It's easy to get yourself involved in the story as if you're right there amongst the animals. Truly a must see production for the whole family!

Paula from Richmond, VA

BEST PLAY EVER

This was the best musical I have ever seen! The costumes were phenomenal, the colors breathtaking and the music/singing was exceptional. This is the only time I've planned to go for and encore - this is definitely a must see!

Donna Bowe from Anytown, AT 55555

THE LION KING

This musical really rocked my world. I saw it twice in San Francisco and once in San Jose. I'll see it again soon in San Francisco for the 4th time. I LOVE this show!

Nedra L. Lloyd from Houston, Tx.

LION KING BROADWAY PRODUCTION

I saw the Lion King in Houston. It was the best, live production that has ever been performed. I loved it and I am taking my 17y/o grandson to witness the experience. It was powerful, brought me to tears and it gave me goose bumps. The production was spectaular and I don't know that any live production can match it and certainly cannot top it.

Bern O. from Detroit, Michigan

UNBELIEVABLE!

Right from beginning to end we were mesmerized with the music and the outstanding characters involved in this production. Our seats (aisle) were fabulous. We saw this production at the Detroit Opera House on Thursday Feb.13, 2013..Would definately go again...Thank you to all involved in this spectacul production..

SASSYCATT from DETROIT MICHIGAN

MAGICAL

I SAW THIS AT THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE ON MAR 3 2013 AND I MUST SAY THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH ADJECTIVES TO TRULY JUSTIFY THIS PERFORMANCE. THE ACTORS, THE COSTUMES, THE PERFORMANCE, THE STAGE PRESENCE, JUST TO NAME A FEW WERE BEYOND SPECTACULAR. I WAS TRANSFORMED TO A CHILD AGAIN...THE COLORS, THE MUSIC, NOTHING WAS LEFT TO CHANCE...ALL ABOVE AND BEYOND...THANK YOU CAST AND CREW GREAT JOB...A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE

Stephen Denny from Seattle, Washington

AMAZING!

My wife & I saw this show in New York, the costumes, music, and performance were incredible. Can't wait to see it on our Seattle theatre stage!

Janique Robinson from Chicago, Illinois

THE BEST

I saw this play a few years ago on Broadway, and this is one of the best plays ever. I've been planning a trip to New York just to take my mom to see the play, and I'm happy it's in Chicago so my family can go together. I love The Lion King play!

Teresa from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

CLASSIC

Mom and I saw the Lion King live for the first time ever and we are so glad we did. Everything was spot on as far as acting, visual affects, and costumes were super cool. Also, the woman that played Rifiki had such a strong, beautiful singing voice.

Cynthia DiBella from Salt Lake City, Utah

AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL

I just saw the show on 3/25 night and I was amazed! I try to make sure I see this show whenever I see it playing so this is my 3rd time and these actors did not disappoint. The monkey Rafiki way down to the little lion cub Nala I was mesmerized! Where do they find these kids! Definitely take your kids to see but also it's great for adults as well!

Leslie from Providence, Rhode Island

A WONDERFUL FAMILY EVENT.

I seen this at the PPAC . I was in awww the entire time. So beautiful and exciting, a must see!! I encourage everyone to go see this !!

Sharon Noto from San Francisco, California

THE LION KING

Spectacular! ☆☆☆☆☆ Will definitely attend again! :0)

from Hartford, Connecticut

LION KING

The show was excellent music sing dancing excellent. Have been to this theater once before. Didn't realize when my daughter got us balcony seats hi high up and far away we would be. I am short and had Morgan room could hardly see. Wosh I spend more money for better seats. But I still enjoyed this show was wonderful.

Sharonda from Dallas from Dallas, Texas

LION KING

Perfection!!! brilliantly and beautifully written!!

Natalie Edwards from Dallas, Texas

AMAZING

This was my very first broadway show and I loved it. I cried actually. The opening was OMG! All the way through the show I was amazed. From the vocals to the choreography to the performance and scenes, im glad I had a chance to see this! The Lion King is my favorite cartoon movie, ever!

D. Edwards from Little Rock, Arkansas

LION KING

Awesome show !! True to the movie, plus a few fun little punches for the locale where it was performed.Loved it !!

V Robinson from Las Vegas, Nevada

LION KING VEGAS

Loved the show last time in Vegas awesome

Laura from Birmingham, Alabama

THE LION KING

Phenomenal ! Definitely worthwhile. Acting was top notch! If you are in the area this is a must see.

from Jacksonville, Florida

OPENING NIGHT SHOW

I attended opening night at the Moran. I must say WOW, extremely well put together in every aspect . From a technical standpoint and the costumes are amazing. Here’s to hoping that it’s not another 10 years until the show returns

Debbie from Southern Illinois

LION KING

I saw The Lion King at the Fox in St. Louis and was blown away. I have to admit that when I first saw footage way back in the 90’s of some of the animals and costumes, I just didn’t get it. I am so glad I came around and decided to give it a chance with an open mind. My oldest grandaughter decided not to see the show with us because of some issues she has with people in costume. I would love to bring her to Kansas City for a chance to experience the wonder of it. Breathtaking and awe inspiring!! I can’t recommend it highly enough!!

Sandy Rollins from Dallas, Texas

AWESOME EXPERIENCE

Saw this production on Broadway earlier this month. I have end stage cancer and this was on my bucket list. My daughter treated me to a trip to NYC, and this was the number one thing I wanted to do. I have seen many Broadway shows at other venues over the years, but I can't remember ever enjoying one as much as I enjoyed this. Awesome from start to finish. It's coming to Dallas in June and I'm determined to stay alive to be able to experience it again! I loved it!!!

from Spokane, Washington

BRAVO!

How fortunate we were to have this immensely talented group of actors, and musicians, and producers bring their creativity to us, in The Lion King. I was fortunate enough to see the production twice...and both times, it was in my opinion: flawless. The actors were passionate about their roles, and it was a sheer pleasure to watch them in this magical production. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for including Spokane in your tour! I encourage everyone to see it if possible. We left the performance with beautiful, positive memories!

Pam P. from Norfolk, Virginia

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AND SCENIC DESIGN

Everything about the show was great including the acti9, sing6, costumes, music scores and scenic design. If you get a chance, GO SEE IT!!!

Patricia Arnwine from Cleveland, Ohio

PAT: BLOWN AWAY

I was treated to the play by a friend, and I was blown away, it was fanastic. The production was top notch. I only wish I can afford to take my three granddaughters, It would be a great experience for them.

Tina from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

AMAZING!!!!

Saw this production at the Benedum in Pittsburgh, Pa....AMAZING SHOW!!! My daughter has been a fan of LK since the original movie was released when she was 2 yrs old (she's now 26) and we couldn't wait to see this...the entire cast is phenomenal!!! The actress that was Rifiki did a fantastic job and young Simba and Nala were amazing actors for being so young. Would have no problem going to see it again and again.

Michele Crowley from Boston, Massachusetts

LION KING BOSTON

Outstanding show, extremely talented cast, amazing sets and costumes! Goose bump producing show. Loved every minute of it! Never a down, slow moment in this show. My daughters and granddaughters loved it too, regretted not bringing my grandson. Highly recommend!

Isabel from North Charleston, South Carolina

UNFORGETTABLE

To say that the performance was amazing, impressive and one of the best shows I have seen is almost an understatement. Truly something you should not miss. I doubt, in a sold out opening night, it would be difficult... if not impossible to find anyone that disagrees,

Lauretta from Cincinnati, Ohio

AMAZING

I had wanted to see this stage play for years. I finally saw the show last night and I was blown away! Amazing costumes and choreography! Very nice.

Nicky G from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

LION KING MKE

Just brilliant. There are several show stopping songs. I mean heartfelt and tear jerking. A couple of them were additions vs. the Disney film. The performance Will have you wanting to move to the music in your seat and sing along (which of course you cannot so as not to annoy others who are feeling the same way, LOL). Nonetheless my family and I loved every moment. If you’ve seen it before, see it again. You’ll love it as much and more. But you all knew this already. 🙂

Rochelle Mitchell from Detroit, Michigan

THE LION KING

Absolutely breathtaking. It’ll will be our fourth time seeing this production. My grandson knows all the words. When he found out the production is returning, he immediately said we must get tickets on the main floor aisle. He is now thirteen years old.

Tounia Herrington from Memphis, Tennessee

THE LION KING

The production of The Lion King was absolutely amazing. I am a season ticket holder that decided to gift my children and grandchildren with tickets to see The Lion King. We had a wonderful lunch at The Majestic Grill and an amazing afternoon at The Orpheum. I am thankful that I can introduce my grandchildren to a live performance of The Lion King. Thank you so much.

Tunisia D from Greensboro, North Carolina

LION KING BROADWAY

From the beginning to the end I was blown away with this production. I would recommend seeing the Lion King 100 percent.

Jonathan Vizcuña from Greensboro, North Carolina

A M A Z I N G !

@lionking musical Outstanding !!! Amazing art direction, singers, musicians, producers. The whole show is just an incredible experience!

Dianna from Tempe, Arizona

AMAZING SHOW FOR ALL AGES!!!!

Wow !!! Young Nala and young Simba great job. Visually exciting!!! Show for all ages!!! Great job cast!!!

Adele from Tucson, Arizona

SUPERB

fantastic... imaginative... beautiful... WOW

C Champion from New Orleans, Louisiana

AMAZING

I am at a loss for words; everything was so impressive! The costumes were so original & made the characters believable. The actors were excellent at acting, singing, dancing; the animal ones moved like real ones. Some actors represented plants. The music suited the mood. When the actors move through the aisles, I feel like I am in the jungle with them, also when the birds fly towards the audience. The Saenger Theatre is so beautiful, it is entertaining just to view the theatre. Seats were comfortable.

Richard Cortijo-Madera from West Hollywood, California

AMAZING PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE

Simply Riveting!

Stephanie from Portland, Oregon

THE LION KING, PORTLAND, OR.

My family saw The Lion King last night and it was truly spectacular. Although just a play, it brought back so many memories and feelings from our trip to Kenya and Tanzania last year. When I saw the elephant walk down the aisle, I got tears in my eyes. The singing, music and costumes are astounding and creativity is off the charts! I loved it so much and I think you will too! Please don’t miss it. The performers are so talented, to say the least. Thank you!!!

Eric Honeybear Garcia from Albuquerque, New Mexico

AMAZING SHOW

My wife went to see this show last year on Broadway and when we had the oppurtunity to see it here she said we had to go. I was glad she recommended this and made me go see it. Great audience engagement and visually stunning costumes.

Anonymous from Toronto, Ontario

AWESOME SHOW! HECKLERS SHOULD BE

Bought tickets for our son and his wife. They loved it. Only really bad downside? The people behind them critiqued the show, loudly, against the movie. Where were the ushers? We attended last friday, and hoped they would be as thrilled as we were. It was a totally awesome performance..music, sets, costumes and enthusiasm ! Maybe a reminder? Or closer watch on detractorsI? I was disappointed for them.

Karey K. West from Lindsay Ontario

AWESOME SHOW! HECKLERS NEED "SCAR" TREATMENT!

Not an anonymous review. We bought tickets for our son and his wife for last night. ( May 24th ). We saw the performance last friday and were totally thrilled with it. The sets, the performers, the music and costumes. The Enthusiasm was contagious...even the conductor was singing! Our son and his wife loved the show too. The downside? The loud people behind them, complaining loudly, everytime the performance didn't match the movie! REALLY? Where were the ushers? Maybe a reminder (which shouldn't be needed) to respect other theater goers? I was really disappointed for them. My son did finally lose patience, and got them quiet...but...it wasn't his job.

Anonymous from Toronto, Ontario

BRILLIANT COSTUMES, LOVED THE TRIBAL DANCING!

What a fantastic show! The costumes were incredible the way they can turn a person into an animal and you hardly notice. Stage movements, singing, props, traditional african aspects...loved it all! My one and only negative: the new songs. There is much to be said in that you can tell they are just for costume changes. The hyenas do not need a 5 minute song about how theyre about to eat simba. Weve seen the movie, we know the lines off by heart, and it threw me off, personally, to hear something new.

Jack Erdman from Fresno, California

LION KING

Visually stunning but could not understand lyrics to most songs or dialogue.

Lynne from Peoria, Illinois

LION KING

Fantastic. The lighting , dancing, costumes, humor, surprises. Everything. Peoria vacancy be proud to get this here . Too bad people wont all go out to see the wonderful entertainment in this town

Bob from Fort Myers, Florida

VISUALLY EXCELLENT.....ACOUSTICALLY DISAPPOINTING

Great show accented by terrific costumes, performances, puppets, and effects. Audio was bad. Sounded like it was coming from a single speaker in front of the stage. Could not understand lyrics of songs. Plenty loud, just garbled.

MJB from Tempe, Arizona

LION KING REVIEW

I saw the Lion King last night pin Tempe for the 3rd time. There have been some changes to the script and choreography (no aeiral dance in "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"). Some of the songs were abbreviated, and the actors (Mufasa, Nala and Simba) were not as strong in singing and acting. They did not project well and we could not hear them well from our balcony view. Rafiki, Timon, Pumba and Scar were by far, the best - in character - projected well. We had balcony seats which were expensive and I would not recommend them. Not worth the price. We sat directly under the spotlight operator (why do they charge so much for these seats????) I would definitely see the show again despite the above. The music, color, culture, choreography, humor positive energy and pure joy that the show exudes brings people together in loving ways. People left happy and overjoyed. After so many years of darkness, I'm glad that the Lion King is back to lift our spirits.

Anonymous from Atlanta, Georgia

A DREAM COME TRUE

Thank you for doing this play

Informed Buyer from Atlanta, Georgia

MEDIOCRE PERFORMANCE IF YOU'VE SEEN PAST PERFORMANCES

This is one my all time favorite broadway shows. I've seen it four times over the past decade in London, New York and Atlanta and this being the second time in Atlanta. If the four this was the worst! The dancers were out of sync at times, the singers were mediocre with no powerful performances or voices and the one of the hyenas showed through her own voice like sitting at a bar rather than getting into the character and voice of the animal. It's almost like they picked up a bunch of amateurs to play the roles. The sets while better than past performances were left disappointing by a woeful lack of experienced artful actors who literally pranced around with them because it was their "job". In all if you've never seen this show I would say go for it and enjoy it like most of the crowd. However if you've seen this show before or have high standards from your broadway performances then stay away or it may run your love for this beautiful masterpiece which seems to have run its time.

Kim winkler from Stockton, California

GREAT PERFORMANCE; LOUSY EXPERIENCE

The play was wonderful - visually spectacular and with the exception of a couple of performers, well executed. The experience overall, however, was awful!! First of all, there are supposed to be no young children, yet there were a multitude - talking, asking a million questions, etc. That’s why they have matinees! Don’t bring young kids to evening performances! Second, the crowd clearly is unaware of theater etiquette! So many phones on, smart watches, etc. Why pay that much for a ticket if you aren’t interested in watching?! Then there were the multitude of people coming in late with flashlights blaring, walking over everyone! Why? If you can’t be on time for the curtain, watch from the lobby! People talking, changing seats, technical difficulties that brought down the curtain, attendants’ walkie-talkies going off loudly…it was absolutely ridiculous!The theater needs to get its act together, and people who don’t really want to watch the show need to go to a freaking movie! instead!!!

Fernando from San Diego, California

GREAT PERFORMERS, FAKE ORCHESTRA?

My wife obviously loved it but because she could not tell that the orchestra was pretending to play music. They didn't even do a good job. The percussionists (2) are stationed close to the stage away from the orchestra. You could easily tell that they were hired on the spot and they were trying to learn the songs. Yeah, they may actually be playing since it is hard to play a drum or a timbale and not be heard... but they may have played 60% of the notes. It is hard not to see them since they are on elevated platforms and can easily be seen from the mezzanine.

RW from San Diego, California

GOOD BUT NOT GREAT

Sound was not strong, actors were not into the performance, often out of sync and fast cadence in speech and song. Some singers overpowered others and speech was difficult to hear and not well enunciated. Seems like some things were very much abbreviated. Was not as breath taking as the one on broadway 18 years ago. Still the costumes were beautiful and I just love the musical overall.

Meghan Carlson from Chicago, Illinois

WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE, ANNOYING EXPERIENCE

What a beautiful show!!! Broadway! How Fun! Why can’t they dedicate certain performances just for families or certain performances just for adults only??? Shouldn’t there be some way to maybe even designate certain sections?? Adults wanting to enjoy a special outing just to have a small child kick your seat, knock you in the back of the head, and yammer all during the performance is So disappointing and a waste of time, effort, and money. Why are families with obnoxious children allowed to ruin other’s experience?

Joshua from Fort Worth, Texas

NOT BAD; NOT A MUST-SEE

The two biggest strikes against this production are its lack of emotional power and its reliance on audience members having seen the movie it is based on. It is an abstract adaptation, which makes for interesting visuals but muddled storytelling. A lot of the jokes are sophomoric and lack any subtlety or cleverness. The show tries to cater to younger audiences more than it needs to. The production design, however, is top-notch and is a pleasure for anyone who enjoys costuming, sets, and puppetry. Most of the music is pulled straight from the Elton John soundtrack, and your mileage may vary, but the songs that are new to the show are outstanding. I would not discourage anyone from seeing this, but it is not quite the show-stopping tour de force the hype would have you believe. If you do not already possess an intrinsic desire to see a retelling of the animated movie, this will not change your mind.

JFlo from Los Angeles, California

LOW ENERGY POOR SOUND

I have seen the Lion King several times and this show, whilst dazzling in artistry lacked any energy by the actors. Each actor seemed to be performing individually. Some brief exceptions with Simba and Nala but otherwise so disappointing. You can tell that the actors are talented and have great voices and dancing abilities, but they could not obtain any energy and all connections felt dead. Audience tried to get into it, but jokes fell flat. Sound first half was awful. You could not hear the actors above the music which felt piped in. Was it the directors night off ?

LD Zoppelli from Albuquerque, New Mexico

VISUALLY STUNNING BUT MEDIOCRE ACTING

Visually stunning performance, absolutely gorgeous. However, I was disappointed with the sound throughout the performance. .. microphones seemed to be not working properly. And several of the cast turned in disappointing performances and poor singing. It was hard to ignore.

Rebecca Brown from San Francisco, California

GREAT PERFORMANCE, WEIRD THEATRE EXPERIENCE

Really looked forward to this show, spent plenty of $. Upon entering this beautiful historic theatre, I found a general sense of disrespect. People dressed in shorts and flip flops (in December no less), hanging out and talking loud. Buying popcorn and candy to eat inside the theatre. It literally felt like going to the movies. Inside the theatre before the show started everyone was on their phones, and after the curtain came up, they were still on their phones. Lady next to me was wearing a big puffy jacket the whole time and kept leaning against me in it, like no respect for my personal space, the crowd yelled and screamed things during the performance, whistled and cheered as if at a sporting event. Anyway, it was disappointing to be surrounded by this chaos. Just felt people with no grace, manners and no respect. The performance was fantastic. But the theatre experience was so awful. Just awful.

Ta from Honolulu, Hawaii

LION KING HAD NO ROAR.

I have seen musical productions in New York and Baltimore. I can only say that as a musical, this wasn't well executed. Garbuled words, limited range vocals, with the exception of the witch doctor, and poor acting , child actor especially. Felt like I was watching production with all the understudies. Not impressed at all. Stage too crowded and dancing erratic and very little synchronization when it was called for. Some comic relief toward end, otherwise a boring event.

Gregory Carpenter from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

LACKLUSTER LION KING

We attended one of the final shows in Milwaukee on March 1. We came away disappointed. We have seen Broadway productions of this show three times and this one did not measure up. The visuals remain as stunning as always. Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki was fabulous. Beyond that the characters (we assume many understudies as an additional cast list was included) lacked commitment and offered lackluster performances. Seemed like they were going through the motions and failed to reach across the orchestra pit more often than not.

JB from Chicago, Illinois

DISAPPOINTED

Costumes were fabulous but sound was poor. Couldn’t understand and relied heavily on reading the close-captioned dialogue. Mufasa didn’t seem like his microphone was working if he had one. Wanted to love it but sadly did not.

RB from Los Angeles, California

DISAPPOINTING PERFORMANCE

What a disappointing performance. It was more on the level of Disney on Ice without the ice and skating. The sound system was poor, music did not have the impact it required especially in key parts. The performance of most of the actors was subpar, their voices not boisterous or impactful of their parts. Given the high price of the tickets, a better experience and performance would be expected. I would not recommend seeing this play until the acting, direction, and sound/music is improved.

Tulu Marrs from San Francisco, California

THEY PHONED IT IN.

I just saw The Lion King at the Orpheum theatre in San Francisco on Nov 29. Although the actors were talented, they produced a ho-hum performance with no heart. This is the 4th time I've seen this wonderful show. First in New York, then Toronto, then San Fran and now San Fran again. This was the poorest production. Very disappointing. Don't bother going.

Anonymous from Denver, Colorado

OK FOR ANYONE UNDER 10

I know it's a minority opinion, but I found this very boring. The costumes were not what I would expect from a Disney production. I think it would be a great show for kids, but just not my cup of tea.

Doug Bass from Rochester, New York

UTTER FAILURE

Terrible acting. Hollow and emotionless, the actors merely speak their lines but clearly have no idea what the words woodenly coming out of their faces mean. For too many “dramatic“ moments, they overeagerly rush their lines because they’re clearly not listening to their counterparts on stage. And almost universally, they emphasize the wrong word in each line, betraying their ignorance of what the sentence is meant to communicate and destroying the intended impact. For too many “comedic” moments, they drag on uncomfortably long, creating frustration instead of humor. It’s hard to imagine anyone actually laughing during this show without relying on familiarity with the parallel funny scenes (actually performed skillfully) in the movie. The Director made no effort to emotionally connect with the audience, didn’t seem to understand the core story, & failed to cast people who can skillfully sing at a level that justifies the ticket prices. The entire experience was very disappointing.

Diana from San Jose, California

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10TH 2022 PERFORMANCE

Think Mufasa, Nala, and older Simba were recovering from a cold or covid possibly? They sounded like they were out of breadth and just could not sing. Was going to take nephews/nieces for a weekend performance. But scared to spend money on what may be another uncomfortable performance by some of the main characters. It really is a shame as the young Simba, Scar, Zazoo, Pumba, Timon, Rafiki and the Hyenas all did well.

Your Mother from Minneapolis, Minnesota

DISAPPOINTING AND BORING

Saw the show at the Orpheum on 4/2/24 in Minneapolis and gotta say it was the worst show I've seen. I'll give credit to the kid actors for Simba and Nala but that's maybe the only decent part of the show. The actor for Scar was just terrible. Rushed dialogue and wooden acting from many if not all of the adult actors on stage. Far to many cringy moments of bad meta humor. The most severe offence might be the fact that it was overall just extremely boring with a nearly 3hr runtime with extra moments and songs that don't really add to anything but pad the runtime. Honestly. if you are considering buying tickets I would encourage you to simply watch the OG movie and save yourself the time and money.

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