On repeat play: The Lion King Musical
If you’re like me and grew up on Disney movies, and/or if you love musical theater, then I’m pretty sure that you’ll love The Lion King Musical (if you don’t yet). I’ve had this album for years now, and every time I take it from my shelves and put it on my player, it almost always stays there for weeks.
The Lion King musical debuted 1997, and is faithful to the 1994 animated Disney film of the same name, save for a few new scenes. Which is awesome. I’ve seen movie-to-musical adaptations that were not executed well at all. Unfortunately, Disney’s The Little Mermaid musical is one of those. This, however, is spectacular.
Check out the official website for a sample.
Listen to Circle of Life
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Um…yeah. I said that the musical is absolutely faithful to the movie…but there’s one teeny tiny change: Rafiki is turned into a female mandrill. Ahahaha. But I think the characterization is very good, anyway. Still mysical, and still crazy. Haha!
The musical also includes some music from the Rhythm of the Pridelands album. I already liked that album, but the musical renditions of the selected songs are even more awesome.
I’m not sure why, but it’s great for work music! It gets me a good morning jolt at the start of the workday, and keeps me awake after lunch. There’s really something about that ethnic beat and deep harmony. Take One by One, for example. A brilliant, briliant number, and the lyrics are beautiful, too.
Hold on tight, my people / Don’t get weary / Don’t lose your strength
They wanted to hold us back / One by one / They will not succeed / One by One / We will win . . .
We will win / because we know who we are . . .
The color of my skin / That is dark / I’m proud of it
Like I said: BEAUTIFUL.
Listen to One by One
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Although I’ve never actually seen the musical, the music affects me so much. Some of my favorite instrumental songs from the movie’s original soundtrack were turned into ensemble numbers, like Nala’s Shadowland. If this song doesn’t tug your heartstrings even for a little bit, there must be something wrong with you.
Listen to Shadowland
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The grown Simba also has a solo number, Endless Night, a very emotional but uplifting song. I love, love, love it!
Listen to Endless Night
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Aside from being my office music, it also works as a soundtrack to the commute home in the afternoon, since the African chants goes with orange savannahs, as well as sunsets through the city.
Listen to The Lioness Hunt
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The Lion King musical. Music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice along with the musical score created by Hans Zimmer with choral arrangements by Lebo M. Directed by Julie Taymor. The show is produced by Disney Theatrical. The music samples in this post were from the 1997 Original Broadway Cast recording.
Track list
- Circle of Life
- Grasslands Chant
- The Morning Report
- The Lioness Hunt
- I Just Can’t Wait to Be King
- Chow Down
- They Live in You
- Be Prepared
- The Stampede
- Rafiki Mourns
- Hakuna Matata
- One by One
- The Madness of King Scar
- Shadowland
- The Lion Sleeps Tonight
- Endless Night
- Can You Feel the Love Tonight
- He Lives in You (Reprise)
- Simba Confronts Scar
- King of Pride Rock/Circle of Life
