Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

"The Lion King" Returns (thru September 4th)

When it was first announced that they were making a Broadway musical from "The Lion King", most people thought, "How could they?". Well they did and audiences throughout the World have loved every moment (and it has a lot of moments at over 2 hours), first when it toured here in 2003 for a nine month stay, and now for a Summer run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.I must say this production is even better! This is a masterpiece of theatrical production teamwork- the sets (Richard Hudson), Costumes (Julie Taymor), lighting (Donald Holder), mask and puppet design (Julie Taymor and Michael Curry) and sound (Steve C. Kennedy) all add to the wonderment (if there is such a word- if not there should be, just for this show) for the family. Don't forget , the music is by Elton John and Tim Rice (what more could you want?) This is truly Disney at its best.

From the opening until the end, even the little ones are caught up into the story of the announcement of the birth of Simba, heir to the throne held by Mufasa. The animals coming down the aisles are a sight to behold. In fact, for this one, I suggest the middle of the house and back or the front section of the balcony- this is a sight to behold! The cast is perfect! The evil "Scar" , brother to Mufasa, who wants to be the King, is handled once again by Chicago's own Larry Yando (who has made this part his own) Rufus Bonds, Jr. is also returning as Mufasa. Gugwana Dlamini is the wise Rafiki and truly sets the tone for the show with her opening call to the wild. Young Simba is the delightful and energetic Khaleel Mandel Carter and older Simba is handled deftly by Wallace Smith. The comic roles are handled with style and grace by Derek Hasenstab as Zazu, Phil Fiorini as Pumbaa- the warthog and Timon the meerkat , Damian Baldet. Just watching these three performers are worth the price of admission, but Broadway in Chicago gives you a lot more for your dollar- a complete package, a memory for you to share with you and your loved ones (even if you don't have children, don't miss this one).

"The Lion King" will run through September 4th at the Cadillac Palace Theatre located at 151 W. Randolph Street with performances as follows: Wednesday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Prices range in price from $21 - $85 and can be purchased at any of the Broadway in Chicago box offices, the Broadway in Chicago Ticketline at 312-902-1400, all Ticketmaster locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com.