Review: THE LION KING Comes to The Bushnell

Disney's The Lion King opened at The Bushnell for its three-week showing in Hartford, bringing the popular movie to life on stage.

The Lion King musical is as moving as it is beautiful, with a sentimental story of family, love, loss, and the courage to believe in yourself.

The audience is taken on a journey through young Simba's eyes (Salahedin Safi), a rambunctious small lion cub who is also King Mufasa's (Gerald Ramsey) son. At first, we see him having fun with his pal Nala (Danielle W. Jalade), but soon life takes a dark turn for the cub and everything Simba knows is changed forever.

As Simba grows into an adult (Jared Dixon), he is constantly looking for comfort and a place to call home with the help of two hilarious new friends, Timon (Nick Cordileone) and Pumbaa (William John Austin). Of course, the all-knowing and slightly zany Rafiki (Mukelisiwe Goba) also helps clear the path, too.

But evil is always lurking in Pride Rock, thanks to conniving uncle Scar (Mark Campbell) and his gang of hyenas. However, with his velvety smooth voice and cat-like movements, he's hard to despise.

The show is stunning with an impressive set design that is fluid and enchanting. With giraffes roaming the stage, elephants in the aisle, and birds flying overhead, the audience is instantly transported to Serengeti. And the show wouldn't be complete without its well-known ballads (created by Elton John and Tim Rice), such as "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," "Hakuna Matata," "Be Prepared," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," and the "Circle of Life."

The Lion King is currently running at The Bushnell from now until August 19th.

(Photo courtesy of The Bushnell)