The Circle of Life

"From the day we arrive on the planet, and blinking step into the sun. There's more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done. There's far to much to take in here, more to find than can ever be found. But with the sun rolling high through the saphire sky, keeps great and small on this endless round. It's the circle of life. And it moves us all."

From the moment the curtain opened and I the first line was sung I was completely transported into the Pride Lands. No longer was I sitting in an audience, I was completely swept away to Africa. With the flying birds, the galloping antelope, the life-size elephant and hippo, the graceful zebras, the tall giraffes, and the majestic lions and lionesses completely surrounded Pride Rock as Simba, the new prince was presented to the land as the future lion king. The animals came from everywhere including the audience. I couldn't believe the costumes. Every performer was transformed into their animal form in such a completely magical way. It blew my mind how real it all seemed.

The story of the Lion King is a classic Disney story of a young lion who is born with curiousity and an adventurous spirit. His father, Mufasa, is the king of the Pride Lands. His brother, Scar, would like to be king but the only way he can do that is by getting rid of Mufasa and his new heir. Keen to his nephews desire for adventure, Scar tricks Simba into going to an elephant graveyard where a trap has been set for hyenna's to turn Simba into an appetizing dinner. But have to no fear, Mufasa gets word of where Simba is with the help of Zazu and saves Simba.

Simba then learns a valuable lesson from his father. We are all connected in the great circle of life. Our ancestor's live in the stars and look down on us to help guide us back to where we need to go.

But all does not remain so sentimental as Scar is still determined to find a way to be king. He lures Simba to a gorge where a stampede of antelope begin to chase him. Mufasa saves Simba from being trampled but is killed in the process. Telling Simba it is all his fault for his fathers death, Scar scars Simba into the wilderness where he lives a wanderers life. Poor Simba feeling all alone in a wilderness of guilt meets two unique friends, a wild hog named Pumba and a meerkat named Timon. With the help of his new found friends whose life's motto (what's the motto with you?) is Hakuna Matata, which means no worries. Simba grows to a become a wanderlust lion with no direction in a carefree life.

Meanwhile, back in the pridelands, Scar has allowed the hyena's to take over the land and it has become a barren wasteland with no food and no water. Nala, a young lioness decides to leave to find help to save their home. She finds a lush wilderness and to her great surprise, her long lost friend Simba. Not only do they rekindle their childhood friendship, they also feel sparks as they begin to feel the love tonight. But Simba is not quite ready to leave his life to go back to the Pride Lands. He needs help from an old, wise monkey Rafiki and a special visit from his father, Mufasa, to help him see who he really is. Mufasa teaches us to remember who you are and the royalty that you were born to be.

Rafiki also helps motivate Simba to with a knock on the back of the head with his staff. When Simba asks why he hit him Rafiki responds, "it doesn't matter it's in the past." Simba responds saying, "ya, but it still hurts." With all of Rafiki's wisdom he teaches this great lesson to Simba. "Yes, the past can hurt. but we can either run from it or learn from it."

A new king arises as Simba returns to the pridelands. He defeats Scar and clears the hyenna's out of his land. Reunited with friends and family Simba reclaims his inheritance of the pridelands and the circle of life continues once again as Simba starts his own family.

I love this story and the message it teaches of being loyal to the royal within you. You are a princess Kara as you are the daughter of a King and the inheritance He has in store for you is greater than you can ever imagine. Wonderful show. Astounding costume and design. A great lesson comes to life.