By Afshin Razi
Disney’s The Lion King is bold and stunning, that simply needs to be seen to be believed. Running now through July 5, 2026 at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center, everyone needs to experience this show at least once.
Background
After the 1994 animated film The Lion King became a smash hit, Disney took an ambitious gamble with its stage adaptation by entrusting the project to avant-garde theatre artist Julie Taymor. Her background studying mythology, masks, and puppetry traditions from around the world proved to be exactly what the project needed. Disney took a risk that paid off spectacularly. Taymor’s adaptation seamlessly blends every artistic element together, utilizing ancient puppetry techniques to accomplish what many believed was impossible on stage. Her vision remains the foundation of the show’s enduring success and helps explain why The Lion King continues to be one of the longest-running and most influential productions in theatre history.
Through its music (Elton John and Tim Rice), language, choreography, costumes, and visual design, the production provides audiences with an immersive celebration of African culture. These influences are woven throughout the evening, giving the show a distinctive identity that sets it apart from other large-scale commercial musicals.
Standout Performances Across the Pride Lands
The touring cast delivers exceptional performances throughout the production, led by actors who fully embrace these iconic roles. In the performance reviewed, Ben Toomer brings warmth, strength, and authority to Mufasa. His commanding presence makes him a believable ruler, while his quieter moments reveal the character’s deep love and concern for his son. Toomer’s performance provides the emotional anchor that grounds the story.
Young performer Josiah Watson is outstanding as Simba. Taking on such a recognizable role is no small task, but Watson rises to the occasion with confidence and charisma. His acting feels natural, his vocals are strong, and he captures Simba’s curiosity, playfulness, and determination with remarkable ease. Watson’s performance is one of the production’s most pleasant surprises and demonstrates talent well beyond his years.
Zama Magudulela is equally impressive as Rafiki, serving as both the show’s narrator and spiritual guide. From her powerful opening rendition of “Circle of Life” to her more humorous interactions throughout the evening, Magudulela commands attention whenever she steps on stage. She balances wisdom, humor, and warmth beautifully, creating a Rafiki that feels both larger than life and deeply relatable.
A Villian We Love to Hate
As Scar, Peter Hargrave proves to be a wonderfully effective villain. Scar is one of Disney’s most deliciously wicked characters, and Hargrave embraces the role with confidence and precision. He plays this juicy role with a perfect blend of arrogance, intelligence, and menace, making every scene involving Scar engaging to watch. His delivery is sharp, his timing is excellent, and he understands exactly how much theatrical flair the character requires without pushing too far. The result is a villain audiences will love to hate.
The supporting cast consistently shines throughout the evening, contributing to a cohesive ensemble that keeps the production moving at a brisk pace. Whether providing comic relief, emotional depth, or visual storytelling, every performer plays an important role in bringing the world of Pride Rock to life.
Puppetry, Movement, and Design
The Lion King’s greatest strength may be its extraordinary use of puppetry (Taymor and Michael Curry). The craftsmanship on display is astonishing, from the towering elephants and soaring birds to the intricate lion masks and marionettes. The opening sequence remains one of the most impressive moments in musical theatre. As life-sized animals stream through the aisles and make their way to the stage, audience members become part of the journey into the Pride Lands. Graceful giraffes, lumbering elephants, prowling leopards, and flocks of birds transform the Aronoff Center into a living savanna. It is one of the production’s most memorable moments and sets the tone for the remarkable journey that follows.
Equally impressive is the cast’s ability to transition between performer and character. The actors move effortlessly between their human expressions and the physical demands of operating the puppets, creating characters that feel both symbolic and deeply human.
The choreography (Garth Fagan) consistently serves the storytelling rather than existing solely for spectacle. Every movement feels intentional and often highlights the strength, power, or personality of the characters involved. Large ensemble sequences are particularly effective, creating striking stage pictures that communicate emotion and momentum.
While some modern productions rely heavily on projections and digital effects, The Lion King uses technology as a complement rather than a replacement for traditional theatrical elements. The digital components enhance the experience without overshadowing the lighting (Donald Holder), costumes (Julie Taymor), or practical stagecraft. Similarly, the scenic elements (Richard Hudson) are not overly elaborate, but each piece serves a clear purpose and contributes to the storytelling.
Final Verdict
The Lion King succeeds because it appeals to audiences of all ages. Families will appreciate its accessibility, younger audience members will be captivated by its visual magic, and adults will admire the extraordinary artistry that brings the production to life. Even small localized touches, including a playful reference to Cincinnati’s Skyline Chili, help create a memorable connection with the audience.
The North American Tour of The Lion King is a remarkable showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling. More than twenty-five years after its Broadway debut, the production, directed and conceived by Julie Taymor, continues to captivate audiences and demonstrate why it remains one of the most celebrated musicals ever created.
Tickets to The Lion King
The North American Tour of Disney’s The Lion King will be at the Aronoff Center from June 10 through July 5, 2026. Tickets are available through CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513-621-2787, or in person at the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.
Run Time: 2 hours 30 minutes, including one intermission.
