Disney California Adventure played host to the “Tale of the Lion King” during a limited summertime run in 2019. The Tale of the Lion King brought to life by the Storytellers of the Pride Lands, a troupe of traveling performers who present Simba’s beloved and timeless journey in a unique story-theater style with live music and dance that celebrates the spirit of Africa. The lead narrator, Mwongozo (Swahili for “guide”) leads the 18 performers in this live adaptation. The performance was presented in a contemporary story-theater style that retold the tale through language, song, and dance.
“The approach that we’ve taken with ‘Tale of the Lion King’ is that this is a story that was passed on from generation to generation, and now it’s come here to Disney California Adventure Park,” said Susana Tubert, Creative Director, Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “The Storytellers of the Pride Lands have come to share this ancestral story of how a cub became a king.”
With new musical arrangements of classic songs including “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Hakuna Matata,” among others. The live drumming and singing, along with the set and costumes all celebrate the cultural roots of this beloved Disney story.
The tale was performed several times a day at the Palisades Stage, with the Incredicoaster and the Pixar Pier around in the distance, a portable stage that vanished long before World of Color was performed. I was able to catch one of the performances between sessions during the D23 Expo 2019. Thanks for watching.
For More from Disney California Adventure: Blue 13 Dance Company, Holiday Toy Drummers, Avengers Campus Opening, Mariachi Espectacular, Blue Sky Cellar Pixar Pier, The Grand Opening Special, The Tale of the Lion King, Pixarmonic Orchestra, Red Car News Boys, Five & Dime, Viva Navidad, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, World of Color, Disney Grand California from the Travel Channel, California Screamin, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
[…] culture of the Lion King. Post pandemic, the show returned as “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” a modified version mindful of the continuing pandemic conditions at the time, Adjustments took […]