I love this show! I have heard some people describe it as commodified and soulless — I couldn’t disagree more. The Disney movie (about the abiding love between a “lion king” father and his son) on which the show is based never quite topped its surging, epic opening number “The Circle of Life.” That song is given a famously spectacular staging here, replete with life-sized “puppet” elephants cavorting down the aisles. Even better, though, director Julie Taymor has given the story and achingly soaring musical climax with “He Lives in You.” It’s a big emotional and spiritual pay-off that tops anything from the movie, not to mention most shows on Broadway. Overall, The Lion King is one of the most moving experiences to be had on Broadway today.

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