Lion King Rant

I know this board does not accommodate haters, but still... After shelling out 180 dollars, I fell asleep in the first act and hated the bland Can YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT, which I couldn't. I was quite surprised there was a standing ovation in the end. In spite of the amazing opening number, everything that follows in the show just keeps going downhill. The problem is that it doesn't flow and keeps dragging.

I know it might amaze first-time theatergoers, but how does the word of mouth work for the more seasoned? Any thoughts?

I have pretty eclectic tastes, I'll admit, but I see a lot of theatre and I love this show. I'm very familiar with the movie, though. Maybe I wouldn't like the play as much if I wasn't.

Dancingthrulife2 said: "I know it might amaze first-time theatergoers, but how does the word of mouth work for the more seasoned? Any thoughts?"

Beats me. There are a fair amount of shows I did not enjoy but at least found some redeeming quality somewhere, in someone, or something. I loathed this show - hate is not a strong enough word.

My friend said you couldn't pay her enough to watch it again.

I saw the movie practically on repeat (yay for VHS!) as a kid. It's my second favorite classically animated Disney movie. Extra disappointing.

Updated On: 3/28/16 at 10:42 PM

In agreement with Roxy on this one. How Lion King became the Big American Classic of the two is beyond me. I understand that the title appeals to families, but dos the SHOW? I feel like a lot of folks force themselves to enjoy it, especially that second act slog. Big fan of the film, willing to sit through nearly everything. I think this show is a real bore.

Granted, I never cared for the movie even as a kid, but I didn't understand the fuss over this show when I saw it. It's a stunning opening number followed by two hours of pretty imagery and not much else. I was bored out of my skull the whole time, and I'm always a little surprised when people say they love the show.

Well I have never seen it on Broadway but I recently saw it on tour and thought it was absolutely terrible. (My 7-year old goddaughter loved it though, and it was her first "big show" so that's what really matters. I've already promised to take her for her first Broadway trip to go see Frozen.... For my own sake I hope I like that more although in the end it doesn't matter as long as she's happy). I've been contemplating revisiting it in New York because I've heard such great things and thought maybe it was just a poor touring production and that was the reason I didn't like it. But maybe it isn't just the tour...



I'd always heard how the costumes were just so incredible. They were cool and all, and maybe they were really innovative and impressive 15 years ago, but now with the incredible puppetry we've seen in recent years with shows like war horse, maybe the impact of the costuming for its time is diminished?

I think its a solid show nothing more

It jump started the career of Julie Taymor who gave us the monstrosity known as Spiderman.

At least the Ragtime score was honored or else the whole thing would have been a travesty.

Also, Disney released a 360-degree video version of the opening number—which I concur is not only the best part of the show, but simply bona fide, gorgeous theatrical gold. Unfortunately, though, releasing this video means that I'll never again feel compelled to ever buy a ticket to the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y_S5vDS7q8

Easily one of the most boring and overhyped shows to ever grace Broadway. I've seen it on tour and in NYC, and was not impressed with either production. The first five minutes are incredible, but from then on it's just downhill dreck..

Agree it's dull, and the actors often seem very bored.

Apart from the opening, 'He Lives in You' is a highlight, but the final battle...

I liked it....but I was watching it through the lens of my kids' eyes.



Different strokes.