If the world was ending and you could only see on of those shows, which would you pick? I thnk beauty and the beast is the stronger peace. Lion King is a bit slow and has too many anti climatic scenes. I'm talking about the original production of BATB, not the Networks cheap show.
The Lion King represents what is so great about theatre in terms of its physical production. It's creative, theatrical and at times spellbinding.
However I'd choose Beauty and the Beast as it's a better constructed show in terms of story and also captures what's great about Disney better than any show they've done. It's magical (based on original production)
I don't think it's really fair to be making those comparisons because they're both two completely different shows, you could never do them the same way. So if you ask me, they are both great in their own right!
But I will agree with you about the cheap touring version of Beauty & the Beast...
But if I had to choose...Tarzan (directed by Diane Paulus)!
Updated On: 9/20/14 at 08:02 AM
I just think BATB is better constructed. The be our guest number is 9 minutes of pure lavish broadway kickline heaven! The best thing about Lion King is the beginning and then it doesn't really go anywhere. You never feel that POP or rising action again.
Beauty and the Beast is magical, thrilling and entertaining throughout. A pure delight from start to finish and a prime example, in my opinion, of Disney "magic" on stage.
The Lion King, while beautifully crafted, staged and designed, lacked that Disney "magic" throughout. The Circle Of Life is so incredibly well-done and overwhelming that the rest of the show simply doesn't compare, and left me pretty bored, to be honest.
Original Broadway BATB ... it's just so classic with an uplifting message. The music is exceptional and one of my favorite soundtracks. The Lion King is ok. It's very creative and the music is beautiful, but the storyline falls flat. Plus I remember leaving the theater with death on my mind :/. I would be an emotional mess during Tarzan. As cheesy as it was ... I did enjoy The Little Mermaid a lot.
Well, I mostly post on the off topic board. All of my on-topic posts are about theater. For example, in today's Shakespeare at Fenway thread. And in the horror on Brodway thread. Hope that helps, mjohonson2. Keep up your scintillating writing!
Namo, I agree. I spend a good part of every day wondering why you're on the boards here. You only have things to say and when you say them, they're in response to other things said. You don't seem to like the things that you're not a fan of and the things you are a fan of you seem to speak positively about. I just don't see what you could possibly get out of joining a conversation on a message board about a topic that might or might not interest you.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST transferred a lot better to the stage than THE LION KING because BATB is just better in almost every way when it was an animated film. I do think that there was really no reason for either to be stage shows, and the movies can readily be watched and enjoyed (or in the case of BATB: loved) without having to spend $100+ to see a show.
Anything regarding shows stated by this account is an attempt to convey opinion and not fact.
Obviously I didn't say that. I just enjoy the movie versions of both shows more than their live counterparts. There are plenty of movies turned into musicals where I enjoy the musical better or just as much as the movie.
Anything regarding shows stated by this account is an attempt to convey opinion and not fact.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST HANDS DOWN!!! It has great songs, magic, and a great message. All the big numbers are spectacular, and the sets and costumes are gorgeous!! The original production that is, all of the tours and stuff are watered down lol. LOVE that show soooo much. The lion king just didn't do it for me sorry not sorry.
Ha ha. I get it. You are saying the same thing to me that I said to you to make fun of me. Hilarious. However, I, unlike you try to discuss theatre on this board instead of making horrific jokes about the dead or insulting others because they don't post what you want them to.
Anything regarding shows stated by this account is an attempt to convey opinion and not fact.