#1
Posted: 4/26/08 at 7:10pm
I am not one to review shows that I have seen. Especially a show that I have seen a million times on Broadway. But going to support my fellow actors I came across a really good touring cast. I won't really go into it because I am sure everyone pretty much has seen this show. But I will tell you that it would be in your best interest to try and see this cast. More importantly for the Rafiki. She is absolutely AMAZING! Phindile Mkhize brought life to this role that I haven't seen from a Rafiki in a long time.
We can start with her voice which is to say the least BRILLIANT! Range..control! She clearly stole the show! This is already a very good role..but with the right person. I literally was looking forward to her coming back on stage! Usually Rafiki's I have seen are only good at one thing..but her comedic timing was great as well! She really put a new stamp on the character and I loved her! But her voice!!!!...being a performer I really appreciate a nice sound...especially at the matinee! Thats not easy! She blew me away! We should see her on the Great White Way real soon! I would put her right up there with the original Rafiki..if not better, and thats going some!
Now if it wasn't for her I'm not sure how much I would have enjoyed it. Simba(Dashaun Young) was pretty good! One of the best I have seen! Also a good voice and brought life to the role! Nala(Ta'rea Campbell) also was pretty good and had an amazing voice as well! Both of them should be on Broadway in this role soon! Scar(Timothy Carter) was pretty much okay! I have seen better he could have added a little more to the role! Pumbaa(Ben Liptitz) was also good..not memorable though! Also I have seen some really good Timons but to the norm (Mark Shunock) does the job...that also goes for Mufasa(Dionne Randolph) but come on! Has anyone ever topped Samuel?..I haven't seen it! LOL!
Banzai(Randy Donaldson..who is also an amazing dancer), Shenzi(Jayne Trinette), and Ed(Michael Nathanson) were all in all pretty funny together. I still prefer the Tracy Nicole version of Shenzi. But they kept me laughing. I'm not sure which of the Young Nala and Young Simba were on..but they both were equally pretty good! With nice voices!
I will say that the ensemble singers did not ever give me that full sound that I was soooo use to hearing. Which was kinda aggravating..also the dancers seemed to be a little well tired! But if you haven't seen the Broadway version you are still in for a treat! And if you have..I think you would still enjoy it! The Rafiki alone is worth going to see! Trust me! She is AMAZING! I cant stress this enough!
We can start with her voice which is to say the least BRILLIANT! Range..control! She clearly stole the show! This is already a very good role..but with the right person. I literally was looking forward to her coming back on stage! Usually Rafiki's I have seen are only good at one thing..but her comedic timing was great as well! She really put a new stamp on the character and I loved her! But her voice!!!!...being a performer I really appreciate a nice sound...especially at the matinee! Thats not easy! She blew me away! We should see her on the Great White Way real soon! I would put her right up there with the original Rafiki..if not better, and thats going some!
Now if it wasn't for her I'm not sure how much I would have enjoyed it. Simba(Dashaun Young) was pretty good! One of the best I have seen! Also a good voice and brought life to the role! Nala(Ta'rea Campbell) also was pretty good and had an amazing voice as well! Both of them should be on Broadway in this role soon! Scar(Timothy Carter) was pretty much okay! I have seen better he could have added a little more to the role! Pumbaa(Ben Liptitz) was also good..not memorable though! Also I have seen some really good Timons but to the norm (Mark Shunock) does the job...that also goes for Mufasa(Dionne Randolph) but come on! Has anyone ever topped Samuel?..I haven't seen it! LOL!
Banzai(Randy Donaldson..who is also an amazing dancer), Shenzi(Jayne Trinette), and Ed(Michael Nathanson) were all in all pretty funny together. I still prefer the Tracy Nicole version of Shenzi. But they kept me laughing. I'm not sure which of the Young Nala and Young Simba were on..but they both were equally pretty good! With nice voices!
I will say that the ensemble singers did not ever give me that full sound that I was soooo use to hearing. Which was kinda aggravating..also the dancers seemed to be a little well tired! But if you haven't seen the Broadway version you are still in for a treat! And if you have..I think you would still enjoy it! The Rafiki alone is worth going to see! Trust me! She is AMAZING! I cant stress this enough!
Updated On: 4/26/08 at 07:10 PM
