Arts

Families Revel in Magic of ‘The Lion King’ at Boston Opera House

Nia Holloway as Nala and Jelani Remy as Simba in ’’The Lion King’’ National Tour, playing at the Boston Opera House through Oct. 12. Joan Marcus/Disney

By Emily Wright

September 13, 2014

4 minutes to read

As “The Lion King’’ opened on Friday night, dozens of actors exquisitely galloped and pranced across the stage as savanna animals — giraffes, a cheetah, antelope — to the “Circle of Life.’’

I scanned the audience as a two-man rhinocerous walked down my aisle and it was obvious why the stage adaptation of the Disney film had found continued success: it had found a way to portray and attract families of all ages.

I took my dad to see “The Lion King’’ at the Boston Opera House. I had watched the film dozens of times growing up alongside my brother — many of which I’m sure my dad endured. This was my way to pay him back for the “Hakuna Matata’’-filled days of yore.

As we walked into the theatre, he jokingly remarked on the number of little humans surrounding us compared to the last show we had scene together (granted, it was “Phantom of the Opera’’ — not a particularly kid-friendly show).

I, on the other hand, was prepared for the overwhelming number of “little humans.’’ What I found more fascinating than the stream of kids walking in, some clad in perfectly pressed dresses or slacks, was the fact that there were plenty of older families and young couples in the audience.

In the row directly ahead of me, what looked like a college-aged brother and sister bickered in front of their parents about a memory from years ago as the production readied backstage. Behind me, two tweens chatted with their mother about what to expect.

It all made sense.

Folks my age grew up with the tales of Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa, with the characters’ voices literally narrating the soundtrack to our childhoods.

I continued the audience survey.

My row: entirely adult. Directly in front of me, a family with two young children. Behind me, a man with his 4-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

The budding theater critic behind me spent the entire show questioning her dad about why things were happening, her wide brown eyes growing wide, golden ringlets bouncing as she watched the stage.

Her questions and comments began shortly after Simba was presented to Pride Rock. The first one took the cake.

After Rafiki (Tshidi Manye), in one of her many shining moments throughout the night, created a drawing of Simba on the Tree of Life during the show’s third scene (aptly named “Rafiki’s Tree’’), the all-knowing character pointed to it, proclaiming “Simba.’’

The little girl behind me mimicked Rafiki’s dialogue with such fervor and wonderment it brought tears to my eyes. She continued from her perch on her dad’s lap as the show went on:

• When Mufasa (L. Steven Taylor) scolded young Simba (Jordan A. Hall) for going to the Elephant Graveyard and endangering young Nala (Nya Cymone Carter), she abruptly asked her dad, “Why is he yelling at his son?’’

• When the ensemble took the stage for the second act opener, “One By One,’’ they dazzled with not only their voices and synched choreography by Garth Fagan, but also with their vibrantly colored costumes by the show’s Tony Award-winning director, Julie Taymor. The little girl simply remarked, “Mommy would like this.’’

• When buzzards hovered over a deserted Pride Rock during Scar’s (Patrick R. Brown) reign, she picked up on the birds’ imminent threat and questioned, “Is that bad?’’

I asked her during intermission if she was having a good time. As she fought to keep her own seat from folding her in half, she looked back at me and nodded her head. Her dad apologized on her behalf, thinking her youthful voice was ruining the show.

“She’s the best part,’’ I assured him.

When I wasn’t soaking in the crowd reaction, gauging the amazement of the folks surrounding me, I was consumed with what was going on onstage.

Taymor, who doubled as both director and costume designer, created pieces and masks which can only be described as stellar — comparable to nothing else Broadway has ever produced. The music and lyrics are enthralling and written by none other than Sir Elton John and Tim Rice. The production is New York’s highest-grossing Broadway show of all time.

Seeing the show’s magic and glory first-hand was every bit as incredible as I’d hope it would be. I’m willing to bet the grandparents and grandkids, dads and daughters, mothers and sons, and young couples yet to have kids (but still very much family) would say the same.

‘The Lion King’’ National Tour plays at the Boston Opera House through Oct. 12 with a special autism-friendly performance on Oct. 11. For tickets and show information, visit www.LionKing.com or the Boston Opera House Box Office at 539 Washington Street in Boston. Phone: 1-866-523-7469.