Wednesday, January 29, 2003
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Wednesday, January 29, 2003 |
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Disney's "The Lion King" comes to life in Atlanta By MICHAEL
BOYLAN Disney's animated classic "The Lion King" was recently re-released to IMAX theaters across the nation. The film was one of Disney's more successful modern animated classics and featured a soundtrack by Elton John and Tim Rice that soared to the top of the pop charts during the film's initial theatrical release. After Disney created a successful adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway, they created "The Lion King." The musical won six Tony Awards among a long list of others and has just marked its sixth sold-out year at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. Now, the show is coming to Atlanta from Jan. 31-March 16. Atlanta audiences taking in "The Lion King" will see a phenomenal cast with lots of Broadway experience. Patrick Page, who played Lumiere in "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway will play the role of Scar, while Alton F. White, who has performed in "Miss Saigon," "Ragtime" and "The Who's Tommy" on Broadway will play Mufasa. Fredi Walker Browne who created the role of JoAnne Jefferson in "Rent" will play Rafiki. Atlanta will also be represented on the stage as Alexandria Payne of Atlanta will share the role of Young Nala with Caji Fellows Johnson. In addition to experienced actors and actresses, "The Lion King" is known for its use of hundreds of masks and puppets. Director Julie Taymor, the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director, will direct this production. She, along with Michael Curry, created the masks and puppets. Taymor also was the costume designer for "The Lion King." For those who are unfamiliar with the story, Mufasa, the head lion, is murdered by his brother, Scar. Scar makes sure that Mufasa's son, and heir, feels responsible for his father's death. Simba runs away and spends some time away from the other lions. Eventually, he returns to take his rightful place as leader. "The Lion King" will be presented at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center at 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays with matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices range from $21-$132 for VIP seating and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 404-817-8700 or on-line at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com. |
