The Lion King: the cult musical at the Théâtre Mogador - our review

Since 1997, the musical The Lion King has captivated audiences worldwide. From its debut in Minneapolis, it has charmed over 110 million spectators, from Broadway to London, Paris, Hamburg, Tokyo and Singapore, marking its triumphant international presence.

The fusion of Hans Zimmer's musical talent, Tim Rice's profound lyrics and Garth Fagan 's captivating choreography shapes this masterful piece. What sets this show apart, however, are the puppets and costumes, ingeniously designed by Julie Taymor, that bring the savannah fauna to life.

The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a lion cub predestined for the throne. Following the heartbreaking death of his father, Mufasa, Simba goes into exile, finding solace in his loyal friends, Timon and Pumba. Their teaching emphasizes the value of friendship and duty. His destiny takes a new turn when he encounters Nala, his first love, inspiring him to rediscover his heritage. Through his adventures, the musical explores notions such as identity, redemption and the personal quest, celebrating at the same time family ties and the natural cycle of life.

• To be read
• Tips for the week of December 23 - 29, 2024 in Paris: free or cheap outings
• What to do in Paris in December 2024? Discover this month's events in the Paris Region
• Shows and plays to see in Paris in December 2024

Following a well-deserved standing ovation last year, The Lion King returns to the Théâtre Mogador for a memorable fourth season. Reserve your seats for a magical evening, and rediscover the saga of Simba and company in the heart of Paris. Théâtre Mogador also offers performances adapted for the visually and hearing impaired.

Our review:

Extraordinary! The Lion King is an enchanting show that will take young and old on a journey. In the Théâtre Mogador, spectators are completely immersed in the world of the cult Disney film Lion King, Disney's cult film.

To understand why the musical has been playing around the world for years, all you have to do is attend one of its performances. As soon as the show opens, the audience is treated to a magnificent first tableau, in which all the animals of the savannah gather on stage. It's an impressive staging, which heralds a very promising sequel!

And indeed, you won't be disappointed: the various scenes unfold before the audience's eyes, enhanced by incredible costumes. The dancers and singers become one with their costumes, so that you almost forget that there are actors underneath. The costumes are articulated, so that the actors dance and sing while driving the gestures of their costumes, to give a cartoonish feel.

The beauty of the costumes is matched by spectacular choreography, particularly the hyenas and Scar's choreography, which is a real explosion of sight and sound. The musical carefully respects the film's story, and you can't help but get teary-eyed at Mufasa 's death or laugh out loud at Timon and Pumba 's jokes.

The young actors playing Nala and Simba are as impressive as the rest of the cast. It's impossible not to be transported by the actors' voices, especially that of the monkey Rafiki. The Lion King is a pause in time, and a real pleasure for the eyes and ears. A must-see show in Paris!