February 5, 2010
Forget the recession and have a Hakuna Matata evening with an exquisite and colorful performance of the Lion King at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The Pride of Mandalay Bay, with music by Elton John and Tim Rice – how can the pride’s youthful cub Simba go wrong. With exceptional staging and soulful drumming, Simba’s uncle Scar assures that the naïve lion cub is denied the throne as Lion King after Simba’s father, Mifasa dies violently in the elephant graveyard.
Simba is outcast and for years wanders in the jungle with his new mates, an adamant warthog and spooky cheetah. As an adult Simba roams the perimeter of the Pridelands until he finds out the truth about the death of his father – and his uncle Scar.
Will Simba ascend to the throne of the Pride Rock? Will he recapture the love of his live, Nala? Will the oracle of the Rafiki Tree be fulfilled?
I exceptionally enjoyed the staging of the falling water in the gorge scene and the colorful silhouettes of the rhythm of the wildlife across the savannas, and the adroit reticulating giraffes. The humor of Rafiki was most delightful, played by Buyi Zama, who has won numerous international awards for her singing.
The puppetry and dance sequences are choreographed by many behind-the-scenes Tony Award winners and nominees. With the music sequences woven into the story by exceptional singers and dancers, The Lion King is sure to delight all members of the family.
The Disney Theatrical Production is certain to take your mind off the recession, because after all, Hakuna Matata in Swahili basically means “no problems”.
For a full version feature with colorful photos, please read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about The Lion King at Mandalay Bay.
Disney’s The Lion King—now in its twelfth sold-out year on Broadway—opened in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay on May 15, 2009.
Worldwide, The Lion King is the winner of over 40 major awards, including: six 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Musical; eight Drama Desk Awards; six Los Angeles Ovation Awards; six New York Outer Critics Circle Awards; three Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards; two Laurence Olivier Awards; the London Evening Standard Award for 1999 Theatrical Event of the Year; the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Musical; a 1998 Theatre World Award; the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography; a Drama League Award; and a 1999 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album.
Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for The Lion King. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design is by Richard Hudson, costume design is by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder.
The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay for The Lion King. The score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Mandalay Bay Box Office online at
www.mandalaybay.com/entertainment 
Specials that are offered with your Lion King ticket stub while at the Mandalay Bay include:

Receive 20% off at Lupo from your total restaurant check when you present your Lion King ticket sub to your server.
The menu at Trattoria del Lupo is inspired by the regions of Rome, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. The Wolfgang Puck restaurant at Mandalay Bay has an innovative touch that includes gamberetti e facioli, sautéed shrimp with rosemary and garcis accented white beans, osso buco, slow-braised veal shank with ricotta gnocchi and broccolini; and zappole, a ricotta doughnut with vanilla and caramel dipping sauces.
The spacious bar surrounds a wine room; the indoor patio is ideal for people watching.
For reservations: www.wolfgangpuck.com  or call 702/740-5522.

http://www.jetsettersblog.com/vegas/vegas.html
http://www.vegasviphottiehosting.com/