Nikky Mendoza's Blog: Feel the Love with 'The Lion King' on Broadway

by Tracy Kaler

Here I am at a matinee performance of the Tony Award-winning show, The Lion King.

Eighteen years is a long time for anything, but especially for a musical to play in New York City. It's hard to believe, but Disney's Broadway adaptation of the film classic, The Lion King opened on November 13, 1997.

I didn't even live in or near New York City at that time, so seeing a musical was the furthest thing from my mind. Some things change –– nearly two decades later, I'm living in NYC and aiming to see as many musicals as possible. Other things don't change –– The Lion King is still playing to sold-out audiences every single week. That's impressive.

Hakuna Matata!

On Sunday, November 15, friend Stephanie Crocker from Nova Scotia was in town, and she and I had awesome orchestra seats for The Lion King matinee at the Minskoff Theater. After the performance, we were delighted to hear interesting tidbits about the production when a few members of the cast and crew chatted with us bloggers. In general, our group was curious about the costumes and makeup, which are all amazing, by the way –– some of the most creative I've ever witnessed on the stage. The sets are spectacular as well!

It turns out, the actors wear masks on top of their heads, rather than over their faces. This design was intentional so the audience doesn't lose the emotions of the actors. Unbelievably, although they appear heavy, the masks are lightweight. Made of carbon graphite, they weigh in at only three ounces.

The masks are almost light as feathers!

If you haven't seen it, the show is about young lion Simba and his incredible journey to become King of the Pride Lands. There are few family-friendly musicals on the Great White Way, so The Lion King is a show that kids of any age will enjoy and be able to understand. Plus, the cast has a fierce energy, and the show tunes remain some of the most memorable in history. I think we heard a few audience members singing along, and honestly, it was tough to not join in. Don't we all know the melody and lyrics to Elton John and Tim Rice's "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" We felt the love coming from the gorgeous Minskoff Theater that afternoon and the magic continued after the curtain closed.