My wife and I recently had an opportunity to see our first Broadway musical when Disney’s The Lion King came to the Fabulous Fox Theater. We had heard great things about the show so we decided to get tickets. I had never been to a live musical performance and I had never been to the Fox, so my wife said that this would be an early birthday treat for me.
J and T at the Fabulous Fox Theater
Musicals are probably my least favorite type of play and movie. I have never been a big fan of all that singing and dancing. I usually find them too hard to follow and the dancing just does not seem to be necessary. Because of these thoughts, I often turned down chances to see other musicals at the Fox or at the MUNY, an outdoor theater also in our city.
At first, I was not sure about going to see the Lion King. I enjoyed the movie when it first came out. However, I was not sure how it would translate from animation to the stage; but I kept an open mind and decided to go ahead and get the tickets. And I am sure glad I did.
First of all, the Fabulous Fox Theater is indeed that, fabulous. The ornate theater built in the 1920s is over the top with its painted ceilings, plush carpeting and carved gargoyles. I hope to go on a behind the scenes tour in the near future to get a chance to see up close all that the theater has to offer.
Ceiling in the Lobby of The Fabulous Fox Theater
The Lion King featured an amazing cast of life-size animals, costumes and prop people. From the moment that the curtain opened to the final curtain call, I was in awe of my first Broadway performance. My unfair misconception of musicals was instantly deflated.
The life-size and life-like animals brought an added dimension to the performance, transporting me from the theater to the Pride Lands. The actors maneuvered throughout the stage with ease and they brought the animals to life with an amazing skill of hand and leg movements. I wondered prior to the show how the animals would be life-like; but they greatly succeeded in this task. I am sure that a team of talented and dedicated choreographers worked countless hours to make it look effortless and graceful.
Having seen the animated movie several times, I had in my mind how I thought the performance would flow. And without fail, the actors portrayed Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, Zazu and the rest of the crew were a mirror image of the movie; which is not a bad thing. With the popularity of the movie and its sequels, I think people would be disappointed if they came to see the musical and the characters were not the same. Even though the actors in the musical were different than the actors in the movie, they capture the mannerisms and personality of the characters from the movie without fail. The costume designers produced the life-like costumes and match the movie exactly.
The actors, along with the costume designers, prop designers and choreographers, succeeded in bringing a two-deminsional animated cartoon to a three-dimensional, real-life Broadway stage. I truly enjoyed the performance and would recommend it to anyone. If The Lion King is coming to your city and you have a chance to go, go. You will not be disappointed.
T modeling at the Fabulous Fox Theater
I’ve never seen the line king like this either Jay but I’ve heard nothing but raves about it as well. I’m so glad it didn’t disappoint you and you were thoroughly impressed. I’ll have to check it out some day when it comes to a theater near me, again.
Thanks for sharing your experience and glad you had such a wonderful birthday celebration.
~Adrienne
Hello Adrienne,
If you get a chance to see in your area or if you are in New York, I would definitely see it. I didn’t know what it was going to be like, but it was beyond my expectations. I can’t recommend it enough.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jay
WOW, what a beautiful venue, that alone was a major treat. i have not seen the lion king but maybe i will, when it comes to town or someplace close. i am so happy you enjoyed it, what a wonderful birthday gift ! ! ! i love the top you are wearing in the photo and the handbag . looks like your hubby was having a great time as well. thank you for posting , GOD BLESS
Hello Caroline,
Yes, we had a wonderful time and it was well worth it. It was a great early birthday present. I can’t recommend it enough.
My wife does look stunning in her outfit, as she always does.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jay
Aww that’s so cute that you are letting your husband blog on your blog
Shasie of Live Life in Style
Check out my interview of Jane By Design Actor Bryan Dechart
Hey Shasie,
Thanks for stopping by.
My wife is the main voice for the blog, but I have always been her photographer, editor and her adviser. It has been a partnership for the first day. We really enjoy the time together.
Jay
I’ve always wanted to see the Lion King. I live in NY and there’s no excuse really since it is on Broadway. Well, other than I haven’t had the money to go LOL
I wouldn’t let my husband blog on my blog. He may go off on a tangent LOL. I am helping him start his own though
Hey Michelle,
The Lion King is awesome. You need to go. I’m sure you will enjoy it.
My wife and I really enjoy working on the blog together. We are always bouncing off ideas about posts. So there is no chance that I will get off tangent.
Jay