The Lion King at Segerstrom Center for the ArtsFor more than 20 years, the North American touring productions of The Lion King have beenseen by over 21 million theatergoers. Having already played more than 9,000 performances inover 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now returns to Costa Mesa, CA at theSegerstrom Center for the Arts.

The production features Peter Hargrave as “Scar,” Gerald Ramsey as “Mufasa,” Mukelisiwe Goba as “Rafiki,” Nick Cordileone as “Timon,” Nick LaMedica as “Zazu,” John E. Brady as “Pumbaa,” Darian Sanders as “Simba,” Khalifa White as “Nala,” Forest VanDyke as “Banzai,” Martina Sykes as “Shenzi” and Robbie Swift as “Ed,” with “Young Simba” alternating between Mason Lawson and Julian Villela and the role of “Young Nala” alternates between Jaxyn Damasco and Aniya Simone.

Photo-by-Matthew-Murphy

Now spanning three decades since the original 1994 animated film, the legacy of The Lion King--story, music, performances, adaptations--transcends generations. What is so unique to experiencing the Lion King musical live and in-person, is that the audience is transported to the Sahara and Pride Rock through the scale of its sets, beauty and artisanship in the costumes, and especially the authenticity of the African inspiration with additions of traditional songs chanted in Swahili.

From Rafiki's opening call to usher in "The Circle of Life," the theater welcomes the animals: puppeteered gazelles, antelopes, flying birds, stilt-driven giraffes and the multi-manned (though the cast is largely balanced and diverse) elephants, all entering from every aisle to see the presentation of protagonist Simba. If lucky enough, try to select a seat near an aisle to fully appreciate the details of the animal characters who will sing and interact as they make their way to and from the stage. The humanity under the masks is what keeps The Lion King compelling and timeless.

Photo-by-Deen-van-Meer

Photo-by-Joan-Marcus

In Costa Mesa, The Lion King will play Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

Tickets are available at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts Box Office, by calling (714) 556-2787 Monday-Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, or at SCFTA.org.

Photo-by-Matthew-Murphy