Erick D. Patrick in “The Lion King”, Photo by Matthew Murphy ©️ Disney

Though the original animated film is my favourite of the Disney Renaissance era, this was actually my first time seeing the stage production of The Lion King. This return engagement presented by Mirvish is an absolute gift. The goosebumps started at Zama Magudulela’s opening clarion call as Rafiki. When that big elephant trundled past me in the aisle on its way to the stage for “Circle of Life,” I lost my shit and never really got it back. Director Julie Taymor’s production, enriching the story with authentic African imagery and cultural signifiers, is such an overwhelmingly resonant spectacle. Continue Reading