De one with The Lion King

Nants ing-onyama-bagi~thi baba (There comes a lion)

Sithi~uhhmm ingonyama (Oh yes, it's a lion)

Saturday evening was like a three-dishes course. Only in reverse sequence: Entree with desserts; followed by main course; and the end with anticipation of what's to come.

Dessert was definitely sweet and private, albeit having the next table just centimeters away. Perhaps it was start up and/or the presence of proximate audiences to our conversations, so the atmosphere was alittle still and quiet. But nonetheless, I must say with the first-time dinning experience at T.W.G, accompanied with an authentic pleasant tea-savoring and jotful dinning companion, the 30 to 40 minutes fared an overall 4/5 teaspoons.

From SplashMagazines

From Bam's blog

The curtain unfolds to reveal an African lady in hue make-up and obvious costume that gave her role away as Rafiki, the Baboon. Her bright voice announced the opening to the glamorous performance of "Circle of Life", a familiar tune that left a deep impression the very first time I watched Disney production in 1996. As if we're in an episode of Glee, the remaining cast, dressed up in elaborated animals costumes (there were herons, elephant, oryx, gazelle, giraffes, zebras, cheetah) flocked in through the aisles. The "Glee" technic. Haha.

I was impressed with the stage props actually. The glittering stars, fireflies bulbs, geyser eruptions, the trishaw gazelles, birds on kites. I love the scene of the stampede. The dimensional display of the approaching wildebeest was an eye-opener. It was like going for range and all the various size of targets are dancing on stage. And of course, the actors and actresses left a good impression with their powerful voices, singing familiar pieces composed by Elton John, musical by Hans Zimmer (one of my all-time favourite music composer). Special compliments goes to young Nala who had an incredible strong voice that appeals to the ear. They even present a few new songs (one rock-and-rock hyenas song, the others by grown Nala and Simba).

From A.M.Richardson

Finally, there were pretty humorous scenes. Particularly coming from Zazu (with his "Rasa sayang" song) and Timon (who roared the audience with his "Singlish")!

What wasn't very nice was certain parts fell short of expectations. The aircondition and seats weren't that fantastic. Stage's alittle too small. And certain scenes like "Can you feel the love tonight" should have been more romantic; the lioness crying with too long streams of ribbons..please; if only the magnificent prop of Mufasa spirit could move, woah, it'd have been better!!

With courtesy of Disney Dreaming

Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 bones for the musical. If only the programme book cost 10 bucks less, I might just give another 0.5 bone to the rating. Haha. 

It was pretty late, so we headed home shortly after the show. I thought, that was the end but well, there was more to look forward to... Wonderful evening. The lion, dinner and home trip!