The Cast Photo by Matthew Murphy

The stage adaptation closely follows the animated film by the same name. Simba, the son of King Mufasa, abandons his future place as master of the African savanna when he blames himself for his father's death (though it's really caused by his uncle Scar). With the help of both new and old friends, the grown Simba embarks on a quest to win back his rightful place as king and restore order and balance to his embattled homeland.

The show's success is primarily due to Julie Taymor. As director, as well as co-creator of the inventive costumes, she executes an environmental concept that is stunning. Masks and puppets are used to represent the animal characters but don't hide the faces of the performers, thus allowing both the animal characteristics and the human expressions to be displayed. These masks and many variations of puppets (including shadow puppets) are by Ms. Taymor and mask/puppet co-designer Michael Curry.

In her director role, Taymor sustains an appropriate tone true to the piece's African setting by using native materials in the show's design, having some songs performed in African languages, and maintaining a respect for the culture that's evident throughout. Her staging of several scenes, including the extraordinary opening sequence, the wildebeest stampede, and "He Lives in You," is brilliant. There are, however, numerous times where songs seem unnecessarily overextended and a few scenes feel extraneous–perhaps an excuse to show off more eye-popping creations. They add little in the way of content and make for inefficient and drawn-out storytelling.

Along with the superb costumes, the scenic design by Richard Hudson and lighting by Donald Holder are likewise perfectly suited for the story and remarkably rendered. Vibrant colors, picturesque stage images (including the dazzling sunrise), a multi-level canyon, and the eerie shadows of the elephant graveyard are only a few of their wonderful accomplishments. Unique and culturally apt choreography by Garth Fagan also benefits the production.

However, these stylistic achievements are necessary to compensate for a show that is lightweight in terms of plot and songs. The book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi is faithful to the animated film and keeps much of its dialogue. However, with so many key characters, the story is spread quite thin, resulting in none of them being adequately developed. Except for the scenes dealing with the relationship between Simba and Mufasa, there's little to involve the audience emotionally. The songs from the film by Elton John and Tim Rice are present, along with new ones by that duo and others by a group of writers including Lebo M and Hans Zimmer. Of the songs from the film, "The Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata" are the best, but "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" seem too simplistic on stage. The new John/Rice songs are only serviceable ("Chow Down" is especially lacking). Two new numbers written by the others for the stage are the musical highlights of the show. "They Live in You" and "Endless Night" give the score welcome sparks of passion.

This tour of The Lion King incorporates an impressively large cast, and they give great performances throughout. Understudy Ben Toomer conveys warmth and fatherly care as Mufasa, and sings very well. Peter Hargrave is a drolly sarcastic and intimidating Scar. Zama Magudulela has lots of fun as Rafiki, the wise baboon, and shows off impressive vocals. As grown-up Simba, Gilbert Domally captures the enthusiastic longings of a fish-out-of-water lion and is an expressive singer. Thembelihle Cele skillfully captures Nala's strength and oppression. Nick Lamedica (Zazu), Nick Cordileone (Timon), and Danny Grumich (Pumbaa) are skilled manipulators of their puppets, and they also sing well and display fine comic timing. The entire cast is to be commended for first-rate performances all-around.

Even after multiple visits to the Tri-State area, The Lion King remains a show with much to enjoy, including visual delights around every corner in this production. The imaginative and expert design, inspired direction, and impressive cast are breathtaking and do much to make up for a story and score that don't quite reach that same high level of excellence.

The Lion King runs through July 5, 2026, at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please call 513-621-2787 or visit cincinnati.broadway.com. For information on the tour, visit, visit www.lionking.com.