The Lion King

We were in Vegas for our honeymoon and since my husband knows that the Lion King is one of my favorite Disney movies he got us tickets to the show… it was amazing!!!
The only thing that I didn’t like was in movie, the scene where Timon and Pumba help Simba fight the hyenas and Timon says something about dressing in drag and doing the hula… in the show Timon says dressing in drag and doing the charleston… that was disappointing.
Other then that it was a great show… hope to see it again when it comes to San Francisco!

Glad we caught it before leaving the Vegas stage. I love the story line, and the movie was cute, the music additive, but to see the actual stage play come to life with the characters and costumes was fantastic!
I can’t always get my husband to tag a long with me to see things like this, but tonight, he had to agree with me that it was done really well.

Oh. My. God.
Read Wanugee N’s review and then book tickets to go see this show.
Like many, I grew up watching the Disney cartoon, bought the CD soundtrack, belted out the songs on every car ride and while I showered. This musical brings all those precious memories and nostalgic feelings back and then some. Such a magnificent show, from beginning to end. The costumes, the singing, the performances… flawless.

My man is not the hugest fan of musical theater but graciously accompanied me to one of the last shows of the Lion King in Las Vegas. Having grown up on Lion King, the animated movie, it was kind of a childish treat to watch this version.
The set was simple, letting the characters and the costumes take center stage, no pun intended. I would have loved to see more props giving the natural elements like flowers, trees, and shrubs more life. That aside, the costumes were phenomenal. My favorites were the giraffes and the cheetahs. It was amazing how the actors brought an animal-​like quality to their movements.
The show mirrors the movie so there are little to no surprises about plot or songs, which is fine because let’s be honest. Elton John NAILED this. It was actually astounding and slightly embarrassing how much of the soundtrack I had committed to memory and could recall 20 years later. I had a great time at the show. It was visually striking and a feel good activity. In fact, I still continue to break out in «I Just Can’t Wait To Be King» unexpectedly from time to time

Took my entire family (6 adults; ages 21 – 58) to The Lion King at MGM. We were super stoked building up to the show because it was our first real Vegas show… it turned out to be kind of a fail.
We purchased our tickets through Tix for Tonight (link below) as suggested by other Unilocalers. (My Review link
Maybe I over-​hyped myself but the show was kind of a dissapointment. Overall the costumes, talent and set designers pleased but the show itself lagged. Characters would break into song, go back to dialog, dance a bit and back to dialog. Some characters were better than others so if you weren’t into the character as much you’d get bored. I don’t know if it was the venue or the show itself but, dare I say it, it felt «school play-​ish.»
I’m glad to say that I was able to see it but I probably wouldn’t see it again specially for almost $ 100 a seats. Our view was great it was just the show that lacked for me.

I had to do a review on The Lion King! I saw the last show last Friday before it left Vegas. I was so lucky! My hubby got me tickets for Christmas! I was SO excited!
We got there a little early because our show started at 7pm. Before the show the photo people took some pic of us. i couldn’t get a good pose because TOO many people were around us and plus they were so snappy. ECK!.. So got that done. got some drinks. my hubby got me the silverneers cup was expensive. think was around.35.40 $ but it was worth it. We had good seats i think. was in the back. I still had a good view of the theater. I rather it on the back and get a full view of the theater instead of paying frecken another 200 just too sit in front. UGH! But anyways. it was very crowded. glad that the girl right in front of me had a small head so i can c the theater. lol
The show started a little late. like 15 min. I guess they were still preparing. All of sudden it got dark. i was jumping up and down. haha like a little kid.(love the lion king, heck Disney period. lol)
Right in the middle of the show. i had too go SO bad. (too much drinking) i was wearing high heels of course. so not to trip over anybody or anybody’s feet. i took my high heels off. it was so hard getting out of the row we were in because we were right in the middle. O.o. so i tip toed out of the theater. running down the stairs with bare feet. running into some people. (U gotta go u gotta go. lol)
lol i walked out of there the girls looking at me with a weird look. i laughed and left the bathroom. as i was leaving i heard one of them say. «why isn’t she wearing any shoes.» I laughed again when i heard that. haha.
So i got back in my seat just in time. the part when mufasa dies. it was sad. cried a little bit. lol than the theater had a 10 min break to stretch.
I’m glad i got too c the show. just sucked that the gift shop was sold out of everything. just had hats left and a info book on the show. than we went too the front desk and saw our pic. I DID NOT LIKE THEM AT ALL! And plus WAY too much for a pic! (was close too 50 $ for the photos) if they were better maybe.
I’m glad i got too c the show. just sucked that the gift shop was sold out of everything. just had hats left and a info book on the show.
So i gotta say GOOD JOB ON THE LION KING! U GUYS DID AN AWESOME JOB ON THE LAST SHOW!!!(PUPPETEERS WERE AMAZING!) I will never forget it!!! WE WILL MISS U!!! I would love too c it again soon. just not here. If anybody up in New York. GO SEE IT!!! WORTH IT!!! EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING!

YOU MUST COME SEE THIS SHOW BEFORE IT LEAVES VEGAS!
OMG, I’ve seen many shows in Vegas, but this one is the best one I’ve ever seen! The costume was wonderful! It’s also kid-​friendly and nice to see that Vegas is not just an adult-​only place. Obviously, the story line is what we all expect :)
I’ve always heard that for this show, you need to sit as far away as possible. And I’d have to say that there is no such thing as a «bad seat» for this show. Again, the costume was what made it! My boyfriend and I were amazed by this show. In fact, he had such a great time… he started singing along! (OMG…) Yes, he was singing and I had to hush him up!
If you’re looking to catch it before it leaves (or any show in that manner)… make sure you try to buy the tickets from «Tickets 4 Less» or something like that. It’s a place where on day of or maybe the day before the show, you get a chance to buy show tickets at a discounted price.
Again, it’s Vegas, so pre-​drink before because the drinks there are EXPENSIVE! I didn’t even want to get a diet coke after looking at those prices. Luckily I had «snuck in» a bottle of water :)

I don’t normally partake in activities like candlelit dinners, reading steamy romance novels, baking, knitting, or watching people dance on stage in silly costumes. These are generally things reserved for women. And young boys. But not manly men like me.
Once upon a time, however, even I was a boy. A manly boy, but a boy nonetheless. And during that time, I watched Lion King at least forty seven times. And I memorized every single line and every single song. Even the Swahili lines of The Circle of Life. And not like your dumb friend does it, because he has no clue what he’s saying. I mean I actually learned the Swahili lines, so I’m not just screaming unintelligibly (like your dumb friend).
So when a woman suggested we watch this show instead of winning trillions of dollars playing slots, I coolly shrugged, hiding my excitement at OMGLIONKINGYES and said,“Why not?”, and we scored some last-​minute tickets and went.
Seeing all the little kids and women as we sat in our fifth-​row, dead-​center seats, I began to wonder if this was a good idea. I’m a man; I don’t watch dumb musicals or use tampons. But as soon as the Swahili screaming started, I was mesmerized like a child once again. The stunning costumes, the no-​nonsense artwork that I could actually appreciate, the completely-​bearable-​and-​p erhaps-​even-​better-​than-​m ine rendition of the opening song, the fluid, inhuman movements of the actors and actresses (especially the lady playing the cheetah/​leopard)… all of it was fantastic.
Now, the show did have its downsides. Namely, it was a bit long, dragging on the story much longer than I expected. I also didn’t like the original pieces that weren’t in the movie. They felt like unwelcome additions to a great product, as if they like threw another white samurai into a re-​released version of The Last Samurai or something. Additionally, the theater itself was disgustingly hot. Maybe that was to give the audience a feel like they were actually in Africa, or maybe I’m just a complete idiot for thinking that, probably the latter.
All in all, this was a hugely entertaining experience, not like when I walked out of Wicked, bored. Wait, what? Wicked? I never watched that, that’s totally not manly. Whatever, you’re not a trillionaire like me, meaning you probably should peel yourself away from the penny slots. Spend a couple of your hours watching this instead, you’ll thank yourself (and me) afterwards.

I wanted to love this show, I really did… but I didn’t. I was underwhelmed.
I wanted it to make me go WOW! and I got was eh?!
The costumes were great, the musical numbers were ok… Rafiki lost me at some points, because I wanted to know what she was saying; because it sounded liked gibberish to me… I found that some performers were more strong vocally than others,… but I know this isn’t the premier stage, but honestly. a musical is a musical and I expect to go WOW! and I didn’t get that.
The performer, who play Scar, was deliciously slippery and evil with a bit of humor and the same with Zazu and Mufasa. I thought they were the best of the lot…
Overall, it wasn’t too bad and I’m glad that I didn’t play full price for my tickets. But pardon me for saying I was expecting more wow for my money.

I had heard so much about this when this first came out. Julie Taymor’s designs of the Lion King costumes. She’s won awards and from the snippets I viewed on the television promotions it was something to see just because of them.
I must preface this with the fact that I have not seen Disney’s animated version so this was all new to me.
What a phenomenal event. The performers, costumes and the story all came together in such harmony. It really was a joy to see. The music was also very good and complimented the action as well.
The nice thing, too, was we were staying at the Luxor so it was a short little jaunt on foot to the theater.
What a treat, go just for the costumes if nothing more. You will not be disappointed.

The Lion King is definitely my favorite Disney movie so I was very excited to see this production.
Trust me, it was worth it.
Ended up sitting in the second row on the left, super upclose to the stage and at an angle, which was annoying, BUT the perks of it was that you had amazing view of the costumes and people. Costumes, ON MARK. The genius who put the costumes together should get a round of applause, gorgeous lions, giraffes, even the hyenas. Visually, this was an eye orgasm, although the set and props weren’t OUT OF THIS WORLD amazing, the costumes and lighting were superb. I was super impressed with everything and most of the time my mouth was forming an «O» at how much I was in awe.
Rafiki is bomb, so well done. And didn’t expect them making her a female, but I think it was a great choice to do so.
The performance of He Lives In You was by far my favorite. SO POWERFUL, I wish I could see it again. Scar and Nala were my two favorite performers. Their voices were amazing!
This production really is a gem. I felt like it was exactly what I was missing after being a fan of the movie for so long.

3.5 stars
My first Vegas show after 15 years of living here. I guess my expectations were high.
The show began with a bang. Very exciting costumes and music, but it dragged. I nearly fell asleep.
If you’re expecting it to be like the movie, you might be a little disappointed. They do cover some of the major scenes, but there are extras that weren’t that exciting.
Overall, I’d say go see it. Maybe with your kiddies. they’ll enjoy it. It’s only here for a few more months.
Try to get good seats with Tix 4 Tonight or call the box office if you’re local.

This was probably the best show I have EVER experienced. I’m probably also saying this because my hubby managed to get us front row seats for the June 28h showing. Being so up close it felt truly magical being able to see all the details and actors expressions. I have always been a fan of the Lion King since I was little and I have continued listening the music from the soundtrack throughout the years. But, honestly, nothing can prepare you for what you’re about to experience and feel while sitting up close to all the action, hearing the music live and watching the scenes unfold, right before you’re eyes.
The Lion King will truly transport you to another time, another place and no doubt back to your childhood, when for that one moment, everything seemed to be OK and worries didn’t exist.
Everyone always talks about how great thier experience is and everyone is always going to be slightly different. But all I know is, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss. The adult Nala, especially had a very powerful voice. I hear the show is about to go away at the end of this year, so I can’t emphasis it more that you NEED to go see this show! The only thing that could have made it even better for me was if they encorporated a real Lion Cub for the opening scene at least, instead of using a plastic lion cub. And my favorite scenes of course are the opening and ending where they perform Circle of Life, because there’s just something so moving about the animals bowing. And my second favorite scene were the Hakuna Matata.
Now GO SEE IT!!!

I have seen this show twice and both times I loved it! My fella was captivated as well… until he got up to leave at intermission thinking it was over. Um, had he never seen the movie? lol
All in all, great show and everyone should take the opportunity to see this show before it leaves at the end of the year.
The staging is beautiful and I almost think it’s better to be seated farther back for a better overall visual of the stage. Prices are pretty reasonable adn they often offer local discounts if you ask. It does drag a bit in the middle, but I often find that true of most musicals. Definitely a must-​see.

Ok Ok so I may get a big boo from the crowds for a 3 star vote considering I see lots of 4 star ratings for this show. However is way different if you are giving an honest opinion as myself after seeing almost every show in las vegas including multiple times over.
Is of course a more broadway/​play type of theatrical show. Certain scenes are too long and I found myself crowd watching at several times which was a lot more amusing.
The sets are cheesy, I expect more dramatic props and backgrounds, lighting was minimal, nothing breathtaking or exciting, ugh.
I don’t smoke but really could have used a cig after it was over.
Oh and don’t get nabbed by one of the photo people on your way in, I said I was not interested in pics, this heffer ignored that and stopped me dead in my tracks and started taking pics, even being demanding, «ok now turn to the side» «place your hand on your hip» I should have just flashed the bird, but I did not as there were many children around. I was like WTF, there are like 100 folks passing by to get into the showroom, me being in the way, almost humiliating and you are playing America’s next top model photo time with me? I am WAYYYYY too nice! To the photo people, I know is your job, but BITE ME!
I have seen lion king twice, took my 3 ½ year old nephew then took my 23 year old son, which of the two liked it more… I say tie! lol
Is a long show, runs about 1 ½ then a ten minute intermission or what I call an ASS BREAK then another what seems to be a never ending 1 ½ hours. Music was awesome.
I refuse to see it a third time even if the tickets are comped. I would rather assist in tying my own noose then to sit through it one more time.
Is a great family show.
IMPORTANT: ONCE AGAIN TAKE NOTE!
DON’T BE CHEAP WHEN IT COMES TO «PURCHASING» TICKETS. IF YOU ARE STUCK IN THE REAR BALCONY/​ORCHESTRA FOR EXAMPLE ROW 399, YES THIS THEATRE GOES ROWS BACK FAR AND DEEP! THEN YOU WILL NEED A FRESH PAIR OF CONTACTS, GLASSES OR BINOCULARS!
DON’T SAY I DIDN’T WARN YOU! LOL
TAKE THE FAM BAM AND ENJOY!
ONCE IN A LIFETIME IS ALL THAT IS NEEDED FROM THIS SHOW.

Better go see it in Vegas before the show goes dark forever in December!
Finally got a chance to check out the famous Lion King musical after hearing so much about it, and I gotta say, it is one incredible performance. The performers are all amazing and how they manage to sing, move, and even dance in some of the costumes blows my mind. The Vegas show is suppose to be the biggest production out of all the Lion King productions. Not sure how true that is but with the stage design, it’s fun to see how the stage changes with the different backdrops.
The singers are all amazing and not only are there original scores from the movie, but also several new ones. I hear that a few part of the musical were cut out in 2010 but still, plenty of good songs! Raffiki’s booming and intense voice is definitely my favorite!
Be sure to hunt around online if you are buying from Ticketmaster. There’s a lot of promotion codes that can help you save quite a bit. I got Section A tickets for around $ 90!
There’s a small gift shop outside the theater. Some cool stuff like replica masks from the show and some of your more typical souvenirs like mugs and t-​shirts.
The show is closing production in December so for West Coast peeps, definitely take advantage of it, or you’ll have to wait for the touring production to come by!

I saw The Lion King when I was in Vegas, and while my friends liked it a lot, I was a little underwhelmed by it.
I did love the story and the dancing and the costumes and especially the awesome singing — notably by grown-​up Nala! There definitely is excellent talent in this show, and I was entertained. But I’ve seen productions in LA at The Pantages, and compared to that theater this just felt like a smaller production, which I wasn’t expecting.
What I did expect was a more elaborate set, and my friends wondered if we were seeing a show that had been downsized from having more onstage performers.
There were quite a few kids in the audience who seemed to really be wowed by it, so I’d still recommend it for a family experience. But next time, I’ll choose the Beatles Love show!

This is a great show for the entire family.
The costumes are spectacular, the set design simple but imaginative, the performances were all strong, the singing was a joy, and the music is Oscar winning. What’s not to like? The theatre is one large bowl, without balcony, and there really are very few poor seats in the house. Acoustics were superb.
About 16 years ago I watched the VHS tape of this movie about 100 times when my favorite relative was a toddler. Consequently, I know the story, the music, just about every line. The show plays very true to that movie, with a few minor adjustments, but otherwise, you will recognize each scene if you’ve seen the movie. They even cast the performers with voices very close to the original sound. Maybe not quite James Earl Jones as Mufasa and Whoopie Goldberg as the lead Hyena, but pretty close. Scar sounds like Jeremy Irons, Kimba and Nala sound similar, even the Toucan Zazu has the same British accent as the Disney movie, and you’d swear the Warthog Pumbaa was Ernie Sabella and the Meer Cat Timone was Nathan Lane
I loved the rich African singing, colors, and drum beats. The chorus was full of African performers, supplementing the mostly American lead performers with a rich undertone of African harmonies in the larger numbers, with great Swahili chorals.
This opened on Broadway back in 1997 and won 6 Tony Awards, and has been here in Vegas at least 5 years. As I recall, songwriters Elton John and Tim Rice won an academy award for their music as well.
After you’ve ooohed and aaawed over the 7 or so Québécois acrobatic shows on the Strip, this is a nice and fun change of pace.

I brought my BF to the show as a anniversary present.
I will echo others that this was well casted with not really a weak character. In particular, Rafiki was amazing. Her vocals were powerful and her character was just plain silly.
I appreciate that even though some of the costumes were innovative (but using some traditional textile patterns), some were traditional clothing of African tribe like some of the male dancers had on Basotho «shorts». There’s a respect to the continent it is set on. It’s also cool that instead of just going all out for all the fanciment, some parts of story telling was using old world ways like shadow puppetry or emphasizing how «alive» the jungle is by making leaves and grass as moving people.
The pacing in certain parts are a bit slow, but they are following a story line that is fairly long. A few parts could have been trimmed up. There are some things too that just don’t adapt from a well known movie to a stage like the power of Simba seeing his reflection blend with his fathers in the water (and realizing he is still with him) or the peril of baby Simba being chased by wildebeast and having to run from the hyenas. I also didn’t get the whole Scar needs a bride thing that was added in… the song was just plain, «cub chaser» creepy. My favorite was the «Circle of Life» opening and also the people dancing and singing African songs at the water.
Currently there’s a locals 50% off discount so it’s a great opportunity to go. I was going to see it years ago in LA, and I ended up with Strep throat and was disappointed when it was gone. I’m happy we got to see this before it goes this year.
I think if you have the opportunity, get tickets.

To be honest, I was a little disappointed with The Lion King. I still enjoyed it, but it is not in my list of favorite musicals or favorite shows on the strip.
The show itself is well put together. The sets didn’t blow me away, but they are creatively designed and serve their purpose well. The costumes and puppets are outstanding with their vibrant and playful colors. They really hold your attention. The performers are fantastic. I was impressed by the vocal talent presented on stage. The main roles are all played with charm and charisma. Timon and Pumbaa are as funny as you would expect. Mufasa is fatherly. Scar is sinister. Simba is youthful. The orchestra and background singers are also top notch.
My main disappointments are with the music and the overall emotion of the story. Outside of the main songs for which the film is known, the compositions fall a little short. Even the film’s big hits don’t quite hit. (Though I must admit, I currently have «I Just Can’t Wait To Be King» stuck in my head). The highlight for me was the opening «Circle Of Life» performance and the various African ensembles. They really capture the heart and soul of the setting.
As for the emotion of the story, it’s just difficult to recreate what the film does so well. A great example is when Simba looks in the water and sees his reflection. That is an incredibly powerful scene that doesn’t work as well on stage. It might be unfair to compare the musical to the film, but that is the perspective I’m coming from.
Having said all that, I’ve decided to give The Lion King four stars. The overall show is definitely worthy of more than three. I should also mention that I did not pay for tickets; I used houseseats. (I actually signed up for houseseats specifically because I heard tickets for The Lion King showed up last month).

I saw Lion King for the 2^nd time in Las Vegas tonight. It was a KNPR benefit and the seat was good at a great price – all to benefit KNPR.
I remember being wowed by this show when I first saw it on Broadway. I am delighted that the Las Vegas production is the same as the original without being dumbed down for visitors who need to get back to the tables or to their drinking. Having an intermission is such a great theatre tradition and intact for this show.
The costumes, acting, singing, and musicians are fantastic. The placement of some percussion players on both side walls gave a stereo affect several times.
I didn’t give the show 5 stars because I think there are sections that could be tightened up to move the story along. This is a problem with the script, not the Las Vegas production.
I’ll see the show again before it ends its Las Vegas run.