Searched the board and didn't find this topic, so I thought I'd post it.
I think Beauty and the Beast is much better done, with much more substance then the Lion King, and has some good new matierial, unlike the Lion King, where the New matierial sucks.
Thoughts!
I wouldn't say the new material sucks.
I enjoyed TLK for what it was worth. Though it did seem like a showcase of African culture...and that sometimes stole away from the plot.
I was pretty bored with the new stuff, it seemed forced, like it was there only to have another song in the musical, whereas the stuff in Beauty and the Beast was done in a fashion that made it seem part of the story.
Lion King is better as a professional show and having pizazz, etc...
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
I enjoyed TLK a lot more than what I enjoyed Beauty and the Beast
The Lion King is an artistically revolutionary piece of visual theatre. Beauty and the Beast is a 3D replica of the film with a couple of new songs to be spoken through.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/9/05
Neither!...except if I had to vote I would just pick Circle of Life...yup just that song....
lol theaterboi11
Beauty and the Beast.
though maybe I'm biased. 'cause I already LOVED the movie.
I have to say the the Lion King made me want to fall asleep. I really loved the costumes...and the performers themselves were good...but it was just the material that really bored me.
The new material in The Lion King is usually the only thing I listen to when I listen to the obcr. I love "Shadowland" and "They Live in You" especially.
I do like "They Live in You" but don't really like Shadowland, or Chow Down, or The Madness of King Scar, or the Morning Report.
Morning Report is from the original animated movie. Just cut.
Chow Down is fun - but the music is just out of place.
I love THEY LIVE IN YOU (REPRISE) (Rafiki).
And Shadowland is nice - great to have words that go with the theme music in the animated feature ("and where the journey may lead you...")
Of course, some of the music is right out of TLK 2 (I think They Live in You was from TLK 2).
I enjoy The Madness of King Scar - I believe that something of that nature was needed for the animated movie, but they decided not to have a song. Or I'm thinking of Aladdin...which had a deleted song for Jafar...
P.S. The best new villan song has been written for Ursula in THE LITTLE MERMAID. "All Good Things Must End"
Chorus Member Joined: 12/3/05
I'll always be a Beauty and the Beast kind of girl.
Oh my gosh, I know I am bias, but please, TLK all the way. Beauty and the Beast is way on the child side of Disney musicals. TLK is in the middle. Anywho, I think the newer music is better in Lion King and as a whole is good, but I won't totally diss Beauty and the Beast because it is a fun kids musical.
Beauty and the Beast. hands down.
Ugh, I hated BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. I felt like I was watching Disney On Ice, only without the ice.
THE LION KING, all the way. I found the plot more appealing, and I liked how Julie Taymor made the impossible possible, while also bringing out the story's mythical elements.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Theatreboi11 took my response. I've seen both and in retrospect, really liked neither. I was significantly younger when I saw them and thought they were alright at the time, but listening to most of the music now makes me cringe or fall asleep. I suppose The Lion King would get my vote simply because it has the better score, but why these two musicals are still on Broadway baffles me (well, not really considering the widespread family appeal, but damn).
The Lion King. I think it is absolutely stunning musically and visually.
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite stories! I saw BATB and thought is was great, but I have no desire to see TLK.
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
when did they add the "new material" in TLK?
Beauty and the Beast is certainly less pretentious. If forced to sit through one of them, I’d choose Beauty, just for Ashman and Menken’s great score. Lion King is crap trying to disguise itself as art. Taymor is overrated. In my opinion, of course.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/05
lion king
i think its more creative, and i loved the new stuff (even more than the original songs and all)
i especially loved "shadowland"!
All this talk of the new songs in Lion King and no one named my favorite one -- Endless Night! I think it's a GORGEOUS song.
I also think If I Can't Love Her and Me from Beauty and the Beast are great...
If forced to choose, I'd probably pick Beauty and the Beast.
Are you kidding???? Wow thats like trying to chose between food or water lol. I have seen both original touring casts and they were fomaninal (mental block on spelling) I would say TLK cuz the production and sets were just outstanding and the adaption made the movie look terrible. B&B is great too and it has been running for a very long time, but TLK has a better culture aspect to it.
I like both.
But I adore Beauty and the Beast.
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