Review: THE LION KING at Broadway Grand Rapids
is currently playing through Sunday, April 26, 2026 at DeVos Performance Hall. Having already played more than 10,000 performances in over 90 cities across North America.
Disney's The Lion King is currently playing through Sunday, April 26, 2026, at DeVos Performance Hall. The Lion King is back in Grand Rapids for the 2nd time after its Grand Rapids debut back in November 2019.
The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 23 years, and during that time has welcomed over 25 million theatergoers, making it North America’s longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour. Having already played more than 10,000 performances in over 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to the DeVos Performance Hall.
Michigan talent takes center stage with Disney’s The Lion King, as several accomplished musicians bring their artistry to the acclaimed production. Music Director Karl Shymanovtiz, born in Southfield and raised in Warren, uses his Michigan upbringing to lead the orchestra. Guitarist Robert Tye, born and raised in Detroit and now a resident of Birmingham, adds dynamic rhythm and texture to the show’s powerful score. Flutist Darlene Drew (Interview), born in Detroit and raised in Dearborn Heights, and a Comstock Park resident, brings elegance to the woodwind section. Keyboardist Eric Banitt, from Marquette, contributes depth and energy to the production’s vibrant musical landscape.
The magic of the orchestra, with its unique instrumentation, is only part of the larger picture that brings The Lion King to life night after night. The costumes and puppetry - seen in cheetahs, giraffes, gazelles, antelope, and other animals - are stunning, with puppeteers and actors vividly bringing the show to life. Julie Taymor, who conceived and directed the production and is its Costume Designer and mask co-designer, created a very much larger-than-life production, including 200 puppets. Two actors trained in stilt-walking climb six-foot ladders to fit inside four 18-foot exotic giraffes. The largest and longest animal in the show is the Elephant. At 13 feet long, 12 feet high, and 9 feet wide, the puppet requires four actors to carefully walk her down the orchestra aisle. It takes 134 people involved daily to put on a tour production of The Lion King.
“Circle of Life” is a very majestic opening number, bringing all the large puppets and many others to life. It is, I believe, one of the more vocally challenging numbers in the show, where the character Rafiki sings in Swahili. There are multiple African languages spoken in the show: Zulu, Xhosa, Sesotho, Setswana, and Swahili.
The production's visual design is extraordinary. The costumes and masks, created by Julie Taymor with collaboration from Michael Curry, are worth the price of admission alone. Bright colors, African-inspired fabrics, and meticulous beading make the stage striking from every seat. The hand-carved masks clearly express each character’s personality. The actors’ visible faces create a compelling blend of performer and mask.
The performances match the visual splendor. Rafiki (Zama Magudulela), Zazu (Nick LaMedica), Mufasa (David D’Lancy Wilson), and Scar (Peter Hargrave), along with his hyena cohorts, deliver strong character work that balances humor, heart, and menace. The younger cast members - Young Simba (Aaron Chao, who alternates the role with Josiah Watson) and Young Nala (Marley Gomes, who alternates the role with Journey Compas) shine in “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” while Timon (Nick Cordileone) and Pumbaa (Danny Grumich) provide standout comic moments in “Hakuna Matata” and “In the Jungle.” Adult Simba (Gilbert Domally) and Adult Nala (Sarita Amani Nash) make a powerful impact through emotionally charged performances of “Endless Night,” “Shadowland,” and “He Lives in You,” with newer songs integrating seamlessly into the beloved score.
Disney's The Lion King definitely lived up to everything I had heard about the show. We are so lucky to have The Lion King playing back in our city. I would 100% recommend seeing Disney's The Lion King while it's in Grand Rapids.
Disney's The Lion King is currently running through Sunday, April 26, 2026, at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids. For tickets, visit: https://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/820969.
Connect with Disney's The Lion King on X at @TheLionKing, on Instagram at @thelionking, on Facebook at facebook.com/TheLionKingUSA, and www.lionking.com
Connect with Broadway Grand Rapids for complete info on its 2026/2027 season,
including the newly relaunched tour of The Phantom of the Opera, at
www.grandrapids.broadway.com, on X at @BroadwayGR, on Instagram at
@broadwaygr, and on Facebook at facebook.com/BroadwayGR.
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