The Lion King Is The Zenith Of Musical Theatre
Two years ago last month, I saw the theatrical production of THE LION KING in San Francisco, for the first time. Hours before, I’d learned that a dear friend and colleague had died by suicide the day before, on Christmas Day.
I’ll never forget that evening, and crying my eyes out during the show’s opening song, “Circle Of Life.” I was missing my friend Joe and in shock over his untimely, sudden, and for me, unexplainable death. Quite simply, “Circle Of Life” took me out.
Because that was such an emotional night, I almost decided to pass on THE LION KING’s run in Sacramento at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, thinking that I’d have a repeat performance of that crying jag. I glad I pushed passed that. I did shed a few, but they were healing tears. Joe’s in a better place and out of pain. And just like he always does, Simba figured out that you can’t run from your troubles, as he stepped into his destiny.
If we’re lucky, we all figure that out and take the same step, at least once in our lives.
There’s nothing I can say about THE LION KING that you’ve not heard before. It’s one of the most stirring shows I’ve ever seen, and one of very few that I’ve seen twice. The costumes are breathtaking, and the score is, quite simply, perfect.
The cast in Sacramento is superb, although there was no real standout. To my mind, the score, and the story itself, is the draw.
THE LION KING’s current Sacramento run goes through January 25, but tickets are few and far between. If you’re lucky, you can score seats, but chances are good that you’ll be watching the show solo.
Well, kinda. You won’t really be alone. The great kings of the past are watching over all of us, after all.
Make at effort to get tickets to The Lion King in Sacramento and BroadwaySacramento.com.
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, call or text 988.
