Uplifting musical ‘perfect for school holidays’
What: The Lion King Jr
Presented by: Hamilton Musical Theatre
Venue: Riverlea Theatre
Details: Disney’s The Lion King JR
Reviewed by: Abby Dalgety
First time Director Fiona Greaves has set a high standard for Hamilton Musical Theatre with their latest production.
The Lion King Jr is a family-friendly abbreviated version of the Broadway musical sensation. It was hard to believe it was performed entirely by youth in the Waikato arts community aged 10-18.
The uplifting, coming-of-age tale had everything you expect from the classic Disney production, with the bonus of a 90-minute running time including intermission, perfect for the school holiday boredom buster.
Although it was shorter, it still included all the hits “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”, “He Lives in You”, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”, and “Hakuna Matata”.
I took along my 5 and 7-year-old, and they were the perfect age to experience the future of Kirikiriroa’s theatre scene. They were captivated the entire show, singing along to the songs they knew, and begging me to get them into musical theatre the entire drive home.
The troupe of specialist dancers was the highlight for me. First time choreographer Priscilla Leow created a dynamic presence on stage, with the polished dancers adding to the storytelling and almost blending into the stage at times for added depth and excitement.
Kyra-Mae Wilson as Nala and Alxyz Adove as Simba, were both showstoppers. These teens made me excited for the new regional theatre and the growing talent pool we have of young performers here in the Waikato.
Honestly, the entire show really blew me away. Normally, I’d recommend buying tickets immediately, but the entire season has sold out before the opening performance. Hamilton should be proud of being a creative hub, with a bustling musical theatre scene.
