Mukelisiwe Goba Photo by Matthew Murphy

The story centers on young Simba, son of King Mufasa and his queen Sarabi. The curious and mischievous cub learns that someday he will become king and inherit the Pridelands, much to the displeasure of his jealous Uncle Scar, who is determined to keep his place in line to the throne at any cost. Scar, with the help of his hyena minions, sets in motion a plot to initiate a wildebeest stampede with the goal of killing both Mufasa and Simba. Simba survives, but Mufasa is killed after Scar pushes him into the gorge to be trampled to death. Scar convinces Simba that he is to blame for the king's death, and that Simba should run away, never to return to the Pridelands. Scar then takes his place as king, placing the hyenas in charge over the lions.

Simba runs away, and is discovered close to death by Timon, a fast-talking meerkat, and Pumbaa, a good natured and flatulent warthog. Together, they save Simba, convince him that they are friends, not food, and teach him their philosophy of "hakuna matata": "It means no worries for the rest of your days."

Time passes, and Scar and the hyenas have depleted the savannah of its food and water. Nala, Simba's childhood girlfriend, leaves the Pridelands to search for help. Nala finds Pumbaa, who is saved from becoming her next meal, by Simba. The two reunite, and Nala relates the misery that has happened in Simba's absence. Simba refuses to return to the Pridelands, still guilt ridden about his father's death. After meeting the wise and shamanistic baboon Rafiki, and seeing his father's spirit in the stars, Simba is convinced to return home and take his rightful place as king. Upon his arrival he is confronted by Scar and forced to admit to everyone that he was responsible for Mufasa's death. Scar arrogantly taunts Simba, confessing that it was he who killed the king. Simba pounces, and Scar, terrified, tells Simba that the hyenas are the real enemy, and that everything was their fault. Scar falls from the top of Pride Rock, only to be confronted and killed by the betrayed and very angry hyenas. Simba and Nala take their place on Pride Rock, accompanied by Rafiki, who presents their own cub to the gathered animals, thereby celebrating and completing the circle of life.

From the opening vocals of Circle of Life, and as the animals of the savannah progress down the aisles of the theater, The Lion King is a pageant, and the audience is included in its morality tale. The line "there is more to see than can ever be seen" is more than just hyperbole; with animals on the stage and in the aisles, and percussionists to the side of the stage, the audience is immersed in the action, providing unique visual experiences even upon multiple viewings. The saturated colors of the costumes and scenery, set against the matte lighted background, also keep the eye moving, further enhancing the visual appeal.

It is impossible to separate the story from the costumes and choreography. Much of the story is expressed through its scenery, as personified by the ensemble, who not only represent individual animals, but also abstract concepts such as cooperation (a group of lionesses hunting together as a single unit), groupthink (the hyenas' persuasion to join forces with Scar), and natural aspects such as the savannah itself and blades of grass. These conceptual, precise, and refined moments of movement produce a suspension of action that simultaneously propel the narrative.

As rich and varied as the visual experience is, The Lion King is essentially a hero's journey. Simba is forced to leave the world he knows, learns lessons in a foreign environment, and returns home transformed with the power to triumph. This cycle mirrors the very "circle of life" that is at the core of the narrative itself. The song "He Lives in You," sung in Act One by Mufasa (David D'Lancy Wilson) and reprised in the second act by Rafiki (Mukelisiwe Goba), beautifully illuminates the nuanced concept.

M. Goba brilliantly portrays the sagacious Rafiki. She is the focus of every scene she is in. Her character commands respect but is infused with enough warmth and humor to make even the most bitter truths palatable. And her voice! The steely strength she delivers in the opening number and the certainty she expresses in "He Lives in You" are infectious and inspiring.

The role of Nala, played at this performance by Jennifer Theriot, shows more courage than Simba, as she willingly risks everything to search for help in the face of Scar's tyranny. M. Theriot poignantly expresses her fear and resolve in her Act Two prayer "Shadowland" and heartbreakingly expresses the multifaceted line, "I remember my pride."

Josiah Watson and Marley Gomes (young Simba and young Nala respectively) are fearless and a joy to watch. They own the stage in the Act One number "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," which is a feat considering they are sharing the stage with giant cartoonish and abstract animals.

The Lion King continues to delight and impress audiences even after 28 years on stage and shows no signs of stopping. It is a show that can be seen multiple times, with the viewer leaving with a different experience following each performance. It is a prime example of theatre proving that even familiar stories can showcase complexity and nuance.

The Lion King runs through January 4, 2026, at the Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle, WA, 98191 For tickets and information, please visit stgpresents.com or call 888-729-4718.

Disney's The Lion King is part of the 2025/2026 Premera Blue Cross Broadway at The Paramount series, presented by Seattle Theatre Group, with support from Premera Blue Cross as the series title sponsor.