Displaying items by tag: Elton John

Those familiar with The Lion King will recognize the opening cords of “Circle of Life.” Rafiki (Mukelisiwe Goba) enters and as she sings, the animals begin to take their places on the stage. Zebras. Birds. Cheetahs. Gazelles. And of course, lions.

However, what is especially magical about this Disney musical is that the animals are not simply costumed actors. Director Julie Taymor, in collaboration with Michael Curry, takes theatricality to a whole new level through their puppet designs. Larger than life creations not only take the stage, but even the aisles. As giraffes and elephants walked down through the house at this performance, cheers erupted, and gasps could be heard from audience members of all ages. You may even find yourself wondering how actors could control a puppet so intricate – especially while climbing stairs to get to the stage.

Many of us are familiar with The Lion King in some way. The original movie was released in 1994, and I know I personally have lost count of how many times I have seen it. However, you might just find that no matter how well you know the story, Taymor and her team managed to transform it into something completely unique as they brought it to life. No matter where one looks on stage, there is always something exquisite to take in – whether it's a new puppet, backdrop, or something in between. It’s no surprise that this piece won 6 Tony Awards with its original production – including Best Musical.

"The Lion King” is now playing at Cadillac Palace.

Like the Disney movie, The Liong King begins with Young Simba (Bryce Christian Thompson and Julian Villela, depending on the performance).  Full of rambunctious energy, his father, Mufasa (David D’Lancy Wilson) tries to prepare him to one day take over as King. However, when his father suffers from an untimely death, Simba runs away – where he finds new friends Timon (Robert Creighton) and Pumba (Danny Grumich) who teach him a very different, more relaxed way of life. As much as he loves basking in this new perspective over the years, an older Simba (Gilbert Domally) eventually realizes he must return home to Pride Rock and take on the responsibilities he at one time left behind.

With music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, the award-winning score features famous hits including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Be Prepared.” The ensemble as a whole is strong – in particular Domally and Thembelihle Cele as Nala. You might find that their “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” is full of heart, and a sweetness that left the audience almost silent as it ended.

At the root, The Lion King is a story about legacy, and the idea that loved ones live on within us. “He Lives in You (Reprise)” marks an especially breathtaking moment in the musical when Simba realizes that while his father is gone, his spirit is still very much alive. Scenic Designer Richard Hudson and Lighting Designer Donald Holder collaborate to transform the space with a full constellation of stars. As the ensemble sings and the theater is consumed with the gorgeous, but haunting harmonies, you might find yourself starting to become lost in the beauty of it all - much like Simba. Perhaps in a world that often feels lost in the chaos these days, there is even more necessary space for a story that encourages us to find the light.

With stunning design, a powerhouse ensemble, and a story full of hope, The Lion King remains a story that surpasses the test of time. Whether you are a long-time fan or introducing a child to the musical for the first time, there is a little magic for everyone.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The Lion King runs through October 19 at the Cadillac Palace Theater. For tickets and information, see the Broadway in Chicago website.

The McAninch Arts Center (The MAC) located at the College of Dupage kicked off the holiday season with one of the most entertaining Christmas shows one could hope for. Actor/singer Craig A. Meyer, who was featured in last year’s sold out event “The Piano Men: A Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel”, reprised his role as recording artist Elton John in a holiday event to remember, “Almost Elton John and the Rocket Band: A Very Elton Christmas”.

Meyer, whose vast array of credits include Broadway’s Meet Me in St. Louis, a national tour of Cats and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, has also worked with both Elton John and Tim Rice on The Lion King. After the hard-working actor was approached numerous times about his likeness and his capability to sound like the legendary singer who brought us such greats as “Yellow Brick Road” and “Your Song”, Meyer formed Almost Elton John and went on to take his act around the world, giving fans another outlet to experience the excitement of an Elton John concert.

The positive response Meyer received at The MAC was proof positive that this Elton tribute act might just be one of the best around.

“Almost Elton John and the Rocket Band: A Very Elton Christmas” was divided into two sets, the first being that of Elton classics and the second a wide variety of Christmas songs.

Donned in glittery pants and high-heeled- silver boots, big sunglasses and a studded top hat, the caped singer quickly won over the crowd the first few songs in his set including “Bitch is Back”, “Philadelphia Freedom”, “Yellow Brick Road”. The first act went on to include “Crocodile Rock” and “Bennie and the Jets”. Meyer’s likeness to Elton was uncanny, but the similarity in voice even more impressive.

Throughout the show, Meyer quipped with the crowd, even delivering often misinterpreted lyrics in song. As a fan, and having seen Elton perform in Singapore, I couldn’t help but be awestruck at the way Meyer captured the essence of Elton.

As the second act began, Meyer returned to the stage, this time in a red glittered outfit, sequined Santa hat and all. Meyer again delivered. Rolling through Christmas faves that included “Angels We Have Heard on High”, “White Christmas”, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, and a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night” there was no shortage of Christmas spirit in the acoustic friendly theatre. Meyer even managed to take “Jingle Bells”, a holiday song I could do without, and turn it into a fun, energetic number that bounced and was decorated with unique and enjoyable harmonies. He ended the set with his encore medley of “Another Hallelujah / O Holy Night”, a medley that was as moving as it was celebratory of the reason for the season.

Almost Elton John is an electrifying concert experience that I would recommend checking out whenever in performing in the Chicagoland area. Charismatic and able to reach his audience, Meyer is exceptional as Elton and carries along with him a talented band and back up singers that make the entire package the next best thing to the real deal. Concert dates and more information on this very fun band can be found at www.almosteltonjohn.com.

The MAC is also an impressive theater. Comfortable seating (not a bad seat in the house) and fantastic acoustics highlight this modern theater that also includes a full snack and drink bar and an art gallery to check out before or after the show. Home of the Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, The MAC will also be host in December and January to “Presley, Perkins and Cash: A Million Dollar Christmas”, National Theatre Live’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” with Daniel Radcliff and Joshua McGuire, “The Nutcracker” National Theatre Live’s “Obsession” with Jude Law, “Moscow Festival Ballet: Cinderella” and famed trumpeter Chris Botti. For show dates and to see other upcoming events, visit www.atthemac.org.

A dazzling high-energy jukebox musical with history and astonishing talent, Black Ensemble Theatre's “Men of Soul” is sure to be a smash-hit! Brimming with electrifying artistry, the show brings to mind another long-running Chicago musical favorite “Million Dollar Quartet”, which features an array of 1950’s icons. “Men of Soul” shares the delicious romp through iconic American music history, featuring stunning replications of some of our most beloved performers and songwriters through virtuosic performances and upbeat entertainment!

“Men of Soul” celebrates the passion and power of musicians who triumphed over personal and social struggles to achieve success through song. Featuring a hilarious, spot-on, rousing rendition of Elton John’s “Benny and the Jets”, an incredibly energetic performance by Kyle Smith as Prince with “Purple Rain”, and including singing so remarkably similar to the original artist Ray Charles that I thought “Georgia On My Mind” was lip-synced! Dancing as only James Brown can in “Sex Machine”, crooning “On the Wings of Love” and “A Whole New World”, and rocking away to Billy Joel’s “My Life” and a medley of Bill Withers favorites such as “Lean on Me” and the unforgettable “Ain’t No Sunshine”, makes “Men of Soul” a summer performance to enjoy and remember!

I was especially impressed by the director and writer of “Men of Soul”, Daryl D Brooks. Seamless transitions, exciting lighting displays that incorporated the entire audience, and impeccable casting and musical direction brings this hilarious, high energy show to the pinnacle of success! Associate Director of Black Ensemble Theater, I look forward to the entertainment Mr. Brooks will bring the Chicago community in the future!

“Men of Soul” is the perfect summer show to bring friends and family to see, playing all through the month of August! Tickets can be found at www.blackensemble.org or by calling (773) 769-4451, with discounts for students, seniors and groups. Valet parking available.

Tw@birunjibaby