The Lion King

‘The Lion King’ Review – Victoria Theatre Association – Amazing Artistry

June 10, 2016 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Disney’s “The Lion King” still has a mighty roar.

Photo caption Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki in Disney’s “The Lion King” (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Five years after its sold-out premiere engagement at the Schuster Center, this global phenomenon, winner of six 1998 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the season finale of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series, returns to Dayton to deliver its incomparable blend of atmospheric splendor and imaginative razzle dazzle. The latest national tour treads a delicate course (the energy level on opening night was surprisingly off-kilter), but it satisfies visually nonetheless bolstered by terrifically firm performances.
Gifted director/designer Julie Taymor certainly broke the mold devising “Circle of Life,” a mesmerizing, tear-jerking and applause-inducing procession of birds, elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, zebras, and more revealing a key component to her marvelous vision. Stressing duality, particularly in the superb masks co-created by Michael Curry, she offers what she calls “the double event,” which enables the audience to see the characters as animal and human simultaneously. What a sight to behold! Her avant-garde pedigree also elevates the action from her clever use of shadow puppets to vivid moments of high drama (the wildebeest stampede) and emotional poignancy (the sight of lionesses in mourning).

Still, in a testament to the strengths of the story, this engaging if character-overloaded and awkwardly cutesy tale of a young lion’s struggle with doubt, insecurity and fear following the premeditated murder of his father resonates beyond the technical wizardry. Librettists Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi retain the charm and heartbreak of the original 1994 screenplay co-written by Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton. An array of strikingly authentic and distinctive African-infused tunes from Lebo M., Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Taymor and Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer also seamlessly accent Elton John and Tim Rice’s original songs including the Academy Award-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” In an attempt to make Act 1 tighter and breezier, “The Morning Report,” an upbeat but superfluous tune written for the stage version by John and Rice, remains cut as it was in the previous tour.

The very entertaining, roughly 50-member cast is uniformly strong. As the villainous Scar, Patrick R. Brown, approaching the role with a Rex Harrison, sing-speak sensibility, is deliciously sarcastic and vain. As Mufasa, the dynamic Gerald Ramsey, offering a moving rendition of “They Live in You,” is a comforting and dignified authoritarian. The delightful Mukelisiwe Goba wholeheartedly embraces the show’s flavorful African essence as kooky, wise shaman Rafiki. Aaron Nelson brings warmth and conviction to his portrayal of the spirited, soul-searching Simba, particularly in his tender rendition of “Endless Night.” Nick Cordileone (Timon), Drew Hirshfield (Zazu), Ben Lipitz (Pumbaa), Keith Bennett (Banzai), Tiffany Denise Hobbs (Shenzi), and Robbie Swift (Ed) provide witty comic relief, especially Cordileone and Hirshfield who find refreshing new avenues to explore within the silliness. Nia Holloway (Nala) nearly stops the show with her heartfelt interpretation of the gorgeously evocative ballad “Shadowland.” BJ Covington and Savanna Fleisher respectively provide spunk and sass as Young Simba and Young Nala, roles shared by Julian Rivera-Summerville and Imani Pullum.
In addition to Taymor’s astonishing costumes, a particularly radiant explosion of color in “One by One,” Richard Hudson and Donald Holder respectively supply a truly magnificent set and lighting design. In fact, over 700 lighting instruments were used to create the show’s lighting plot. Garth Fagan’s crisp, exuberant choreography effortlessly captivates. Music director Rick Snyder leads a solid orchestra featuring percussionists Stefan Monssen and Reuven Weizberg.
Seen by more than 85 million theatergoers worldwide and blessed with stagecraft that will leave you breathless, “The Lion King” is an extraordinarily eye-catching spectacle unlike any other. Don’t miss it.

Disney’s “The Lion King” continues through July 3 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Performances are Tuesdays-Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $25-$157. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

VTA’s Starring Role Online Auction Benefit Discovery Series for Kids

December 5, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The 4^th annual Victoria Theatre Association online auction runs from Monday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 8. Titled, Starring Role, the auction features more than 200 one-of-a-kind items such as theatre memorabilia, restaurant gift certificates, unique travel experiences, and much more! Proceeds from the auction will support The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series, which offers live theatre experiences for schoolchildren.

Looking for the perfect gift? Look no further! Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction offers a myriad of items including:

4 day trip to California’s Wine Country
Cooking class for 8 w/ Chef Tim Schonsheck of Citilites at the Schuster
Gift certificates to local restaurants
Theatre Packages to SISTER ACT, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALTON BROWN: THE INEVITABLE EDIBLE TOUR and more!

UPCYCLED HANDBAGS TO BENEFIT ARC OHIO

Do you love the Broadway musicals WICKED and THE LION KING or know someone who does? Bid on handbags and totes created from a Broadway WICKED or THE LION KING banner. Local artist Tim Titer creates functional items by upcycling materials that were headed to the landfill and has transformed the banners hung outside the Schuster Center into beautiful and functional messenger bags and totes. Each one is unique in design! 10% of the proceeds from the sale of the bags will go to benefit AIDS Resource Center Ohio!.

Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction is the perfect way to get your holiday shopping done and support Victoria Theatre Association at the same time.

With a goal to raise $35,000, the online auction committee has been working hard to create creative and meaningful packages for Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction. Every item purchased through the auction will support The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series which reaches more than 30,000 students throughout the Miami Valley. Your support helps local kids experience the arts through Victoria Theatre Association. Be a hero this holiday season and buy the perfect gift through VTA’s Starring Role Online Auction!

Prices of the auction items range from $15 to $5,000 and all purchases will be received mid-December for holiday gift giving.

“Our committee worked hard to have a wide variety of auction items that appeal to a variety of interests,” says Karen Meade, VTA Advancement Director. “It’s fun to think of it as convenient, one-stop shopping in the comfort of your own home – or office – that benefits Victoria Theatre Association’s extensive education and outreach programs.”

How do I participate?

Visit http://victoriatheatre.com/support/auction and view all the auction items in advance of the auction start date. Or simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to www.biddingforgood.com.
Step 2: Find the “bidders” tab in the upper right corner of the homepage and click “Register.”
Step 3: Fill out the free and no obligation personal information fields.
Step 4: Once you have registered, enter your username and password in the upper right corner and click the “Sign In” button.
Step 5: When you are signed in, using the search field, search for Victoria Theatre Association.
Step 6: Bid on items you like.
Step 7: Check back and check often to make sure you aren’t outbid!

Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction ends at 8 p.m., December 8, 2013. Winners will be contacted regarding details of collecting their purchases. Dave Ahlstrom (Sebaly Shilito & Dyer) serves as the 2013 Online Auction Chair with committee members: Nina Anglin (Oakwood Florist), Jocelin Baker (Logos@Work), Mimi Combs (Oakwood Florist), Jennifer Enseleit (Harris Systems, Inc.), Kris Hopkins (Community Volunteer) and Regina Menza (Premier Health Partners).

For more information about Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction, visit http://victoriatheatre.com/support/auction, call Karen Meade at 937-228-7591 ext. 3063 or email her at [email protected].

Jane’s Best Bets (6/22 – 6/26)

June 21, 2011 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Holy moly, there are a ton of things going on this week! Speaking of “holy,” this week there are several church festivals…plus many more great events. Let’s check them out!

On Wednesday during your lunch hour, get moving with The Square Is Where… Dayton YMCA Presents Zumba at Courthouse Square. If you feel like having a drink, head to A.Y.O.B. at Archer’s Tavern, where a new craft beer will be featured starting at 5PM or to Franco’s for Dayton Green Drinks, where they will be discussing the Pathways out of Poverty Program. I do believe it is officially summer, so even though you may not be taking that big European vacation you’ve dreamed about, you can still have a Summer Around The World Wine Dinner at The Wine Loft. If cycling is your thing, you will not want to miss seeing Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning feature-length documentary about the Race Across America, being featured at The Neon. All women who are looking for an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others in the Dayton area should consider attending the Junior League of Dayton New Member Social. This amazing group makes great contributions to our community, and you have the opportunity to be a part of it…as long as you’re not a man! If you’re in need of a good laugh, make your way to Wiley’s for their Dirty Little Secret Sideshow – Deuxième Exécution. And if you’re a Harley lover that also enjoys live music, head to Jackass Flats for Buddha & The Boogie Down Gig/Bike Night.

On Thursday, complete some of your grocery shopping at the Centerville Farmers Market. If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, consider helping the cause by attending Orientation to the Grants Information Center at the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch. You will be able to hear live music at the Dayton Art Institute as part of their Twilight Concert. Jim McCutcheon, a very talented guitarist (who also taught me two semesters worth of guitar when I was at UD!), will be one of the performers. If you wish to show a bit of your athleticism, make your way to Wings Sports Bar & Grille for their Weekly Cornhole Tournament. You know I’m corny, so I had to put that in here. And finally, if you have not yet had the opportunity to check out The Lion King at the Schuster Center, now is your chance!

On Friday, there are an enormous number of wonderful events from which to choose! In the afternoon, if you don’t have lunch plans, consider joining Generation Dayton for their 4th Friday Lunch Speaker Series. Or have some fun at Courthouse Square with the Team Void Summer Twist Party. In the evening, join me in attending the Hops Over the Moon Preview Party at the Boonshoft, which will feature too many great things to list…seriously! (For more info, check out this article.) If you’re in shape, run the 5th Annual 5 For the Kids 5K to benefit CARE House. And even if you’re not, that is okay too! There are several festivals happening around town, including the Fenwick Festival (my alma mater!), the Ascension Festival, and the St. Peter Parish Festival. At Yankee Trace, many people will be playing golf as part of the 2nd Annual Glow Fore Wishes Golf Scramble to benefit A Special Wish Foundation. Although registration is full for the event, there are still several sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, so if you are able to help, I encourage you to do so! And if you feel like catching a show, Hair Spray at La Comedia and The Lion King at the Schuster Center are possible options!

On Saturday, start the day off with another 5k – the First Annual Back to Health 5k, held at Indian Riffle Park. Up in Troy, get some great produce as part of the Troy Farmers Market. If you are a teacher, consider going to the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch for the Grants for Classroom Projects. There are a lot of family friendly options for Saturday, including the Family Fun Day Beach Party & Cruise in at Hueston Woods, the Fenwick Festival, the St. Peter Parish Festival, and the Ascension Festival. In addition, if you’re of the corny type, Ascension will have its very own Festival Cornhole Tournament. At RiverScape, rent a kayak and ride the river. Make sure you wear a life jacket as I once flipped over in an “unflippable” kayak, or so I’m told. Just leave it to me to do the impossible (I’m sure this won’t happen to you, however)! In the evening, make your way to the Boonshoft (kids are welcome!) for Hops Over the Moon, which is sure to be a great time, and also supports a great cause! There are a couple other fun events, including the Clambake For Kids’ Sake at McCormick & Schmicks to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and Party Arty! at the Commander Aero Hangar (Dayton Wright Brothers Airport) to support Culture Works. Theater options include The Lion King (Schuster Center) and Hair Spray (La Comedia). And if you’re downtown and love summer concerts, listen to the sounds of Kick-n-Flava as part of the Free Summer Concert Series down at RiverScape. Wow, my fingers are getting tired from typing all this stuff going on around town!

On Sunday, if you (and your kids) have any energy left, make your way to one of the great festivals going on around town – the Fenwick Festival, the St. Peter Festival, or the Ascension Festival. If your kids are Disney lovers, consider taking them to Dayton Disneyana at the Holiday Inn close to the Dayton Mall. Listen to some of the best local female jazz vocalists as part of the Downtown Summer Music Series – Michelob Women in Jazz Festival at Dave Hall Plaza. Or at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater, listen to live music as part of World Music Fest! And finally, hurry up and get to the Schuster Center to see The Lion King if you haven’t already done so!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

How does a man on the moon cut his hair?

Eclipse it.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar. There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today! Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE! And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (6/15 – 6/19)

June 14, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

After two weeks free of Jane’s Best Bets, you may have thought that you had successfully gotten rid of me (and my dumb jokes). Sorry to burst your bubble, but that is not the case. Here is a listing of some events going on this week, including the opening of The Lion King. Speaking of lions, let’s go ahead and get to the “mane” events!

On Wednesday, bring out your creative side with Creative Card Making at the Dayton Art Institute. For those of you thinking of starting your own business, make your way to The Entrepreneurs Center for their New Business Information Session. At the Fraze, enjoy the Austrian Festival Spass Nacht…which is absolutely free! Listen to Jazz on the Green at Yankee Trace Golf Club. And finally, I’m not “lion” to you when I tell you that you don’t want to miss Disney’s The Lion King, which is being performed at the Schuster Center. (It is being performed through July 10^th, so even if you don’t get to see it this week, you’ll still have an opportunity!)

On Thursday, all you gardening gurus can put your talents to good use at Riverscape as part of RiverScape Gardeners. I’m definitely not in that crop. Instead of planting my own garden, I’d prefer to get vegetables at the grocery or at a place like Centerville Farmers Market, located at Centerville Shopping Center. If you are all about networking and live up north (or don’t mind making your way up there), attend ‘Be An Exceptional Presenter’, which is a free networking event featuring Gary Mull as the guest speaker at Club 55. At the Dayton Art Institute, attend the Twilight Concert (not to be confused with that Twilight vampire series, which I am still clueless about). Let your hair down (or put your hair back) and head to La Comedia to see the popular musical Hair Spray. Or go to Veteran’s Park Amphitheater for Annie Get Your Gun. And if you feel like singing yourself, make your way to Champps for Karaoke Thursdays.

The Fabulous Menus!

On Friday, all live music lovers will want to attend the Ole’ Tyme Music Festival at Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village. If you’re not there, then I order you to catch one of my favorite bands, The Menus, as they play at Sharkey’s. Beer lovers should make plans to attend the 6th International Beer Fest at Jungle Jim’s. At Fifth Third Field, watch as the Dragons take on the Lansing Lugnuts. And if you want to experience theater, be sure to get your tickets to see Hair Spray at La Comedia, Annie Get Your Gun at Veterans Memorial Park, Disney’s The Lion King at the Schuster Center, or The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show at The Loft Theatre

On Saturday, visit Practice Yoga on Fifth for their Birthday Party/Open House, which will include FREE classes, live music, mini-massages, and much more! Don’t know how to bake but love to decorate? Consider heading to Ele Cake Company and decorate a cake for your dad for their Father’s Day DYO Cake. It’s picnicking season, so find out about Healthy Picnic Foods at PNC 2nd Street Market. While downtown, you’ll also be able to participate in the Kayak Float/Ride the River Rentals at RiverScape and then later listen to the sounds of Bonneville as part of the Free Summer Concert Series. All you 80s music lovers should go go to the Fraze to catch the GoGo’s and the B-52’s as part of Mix 107.7 Summerfest. I just couldn’t keep my lips sealed about that one. If you would prefer to stay inside, then catch one of these shows: Disney’s The Lion King (Schuster Center), Hair Spray (La Comedia), or Annie Get Your Gun (Veterans Memorial Park). And if you want to get groovin’, head to Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village for the Ole’ Tyme Music Festival.

On Sunday, be sure to wish the fathers you know a Happy Father’s Day. Several places will be offering brunch, including the Dayton Woman’s Club (I find that kind of ironic), Boulevard Haus, Blind Bob’s, or the Dublin Pub. Afterwards, take your dad to watch the Dragons play the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth-Third Field. And if he likes doing outdoor activities, take him to RiverScape where there will be Ride the River Rentals.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What do you call a show full of lions?

The mane event.

Have a great week Dayton!

Roaring Deals for ‘Lion King’ Patrons

June 3, 2011 By DowntownPartnership 1 Comment

When Broadway’s version of Disney’s The Lion King comes roaring into town this month, ticket holders’ royal treatment will extend beyond the theater.

Downtown Dayton Partnership and the Victoria Theatre Association teamed up to provide roaring deals and promotions for the show’s patrons. For a full list of venues with special deals, be sure to check out the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website, but here are the highlights:

Some restaurants and bars downtown will be serving specialty themed drinks. Feeling parched? Pounce into The Dublin Pub and try its “The Pride of the Pub” drink or swing by De’Lish Café to sample a Mufasa Mojito. If roaming the jungle has your stomach growling, Coco’s Bistro, Citilites and the Dayton Racquet Club will all have themed meal specials.

Looking more meal deals? Numerous restaurants around town — including Boulevard Haus, Blind Bob’s, Thai 9 and The Wine Gallery — will be offering a discounted menu to patrons with Lion King tickets.

For those who seek lodgings fit for a king, look no further than Inn Port Bed & Breakfast Suites, where ticket holders can stay in the King Suite for 20 percent off of its regular price. The Crowne Plaza Hotel also will have discounted room rates.

The royal treatment doesn’t stop there. Bonito and Cannery Art and Design Center both will be offering a 20 percent discount to those who present a Lion King ticket stub. At Omega Music, patrons will receive a 10 percent discount off new CDs and a 15 percent discount off of used music. Additionally, ticket holders will receive $2 off of a ticket to the Dayton Visual Arts Center’s 20^th anniversary celebration.

Tickets are available for Disney’s The Lion King. To purchase tickets and for more information on the show, visit the Victoria Theatre Association’s website or go to www.ticketcenterstage.com. Ticket Center Stage may be reached by phone at 937-228-3630 or 888-228-3630.