Josiah Watson

Review: THE LION KING at Providence Performing Arts Center
by Andria Tieman - May 22, 2026

The Lion King swept the Tony awards when it was on Broadway, and even for this semi-skeptical theatre reviewer, it’s easy to see why.  It seems impossible to translate a cartoon about the lives of animals into a stage production performed by people, or at least, it seems like it will be corny.  This production, however, is completely unlike any other theatrical experience.  It hews faithfully enough to the story to satisfy the super fans, but adds so many new elements that it’s astonishing and delightful to watch.