From: Pinokioman-AT-aol.com
Date: Sun, 19 Oct 1997 12:16:14 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: LION KING Roars on Broadway


"LION KING" Roars!
by Todd Stockman

I truly LOVED this production. I saw a preview performance today
(Saturday Matinee) because I wanted to see what the diverse family
audience would think of it.... It holds everybody's attention for
nearly 3 hours, and it's stunningly beautiful...  and BRILLIANT!

I saw it from the Rear Mezzanine which I'd highly recommend because
this show is so hugely spectacular, it's good to sit back a bit to see
the whole picture... (Ticket here was $55, Orch is $75!).

Julie Taymor's LION KING surpasses anything Disney could have done on
their own. (And what she never could have accomplished without their
money...). She has triumphantly brought Disney and their audience to
HER level of high artistic theatrical accomplishment.

This show works so well on so many levels, and it's ORIGINAL...unlike
anything Brtoadway has ever seen before. And LAVISH! Her incorporation of
humans into puppets is extraordinary.....there are no puppeteers here in the
traditional sense, only wonderful performing artists who happen to
occassionally BECOME puppets (through rod puppets, shadow puppets, and
masks)... it's a genuinely ingenious concept. Miss Taymor has risen above the
title on this one...and above Disney also! She's created her very own
aesthetic... 

Once the reviews hit the press, this will be one of those BSO shows,
"By Scalper Only", so I've been urging some friends to order their
tickets soon... Also, unless a highly unlikely miracle happens on
Broadway, "Lion King" will sweep the Tony's this year assuring a hit for many
years to come: Direction, Book, Score, Sets, Lights, COSTUMES,
performances are all destined to win many many Awards...

LION KING is at the newly restored New Amsterdam theater on 42nd Street.
Tickets may be purchased at 212-307-4100. $25-$75. Currently in previews, it
opens November 13, 1997. Based on the 1994 Disney motion picture (which I've
never seen). Book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. Music by Elton John,
lyrics by Tim Rice, and additional songs by Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, Mark
Mancina, and Jay Rifkin. Costumes by Julie Taymor. Lighting Design by Donald
Holder. Scenic Design by Richard Hudson. Hair and Make-up Design by Michael
Ward. Mask and Puppet design by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry. Choreography
by Garth Fagan. Directed by Julie Taymor. 



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