On Friday, we went to see The Lion King as part of our season tickets for Broadway Across America. This is the second time it's been part of our package, and while I thought it was quite good the first time I saw it years ago I think I was a bit disappointed (I went back and found my original "review" back from January 2005). I don't think anyone can not be impressed with the creative genius and execution of this show, but last time I think I was a little a bit cold on the emotional end of it. Not so this time, I have to admit I got a bit verklempt during the opening Circle of Life number - which I think I have to officially name as the most incredible opening of any show I have ever seen (and that's saying something).
I think there are a couple of reasons why I had a more positive reaction to the show this time. As I was trying to say at the end of my 2008 year in review book post, I think when you experience a show, book, movie, etc. your view of it is going to be dependent on where you are in life and what you are (or are not!) bringing to the table. In this case, 3 years later... it's 3 years more life experience... definitely 3 more years of a handful+ of craptastic shows to make me appreciate this show even more... and I think most of us would agree "life" is not perhaps as carefree as it was 3 years ago... and I'll try to not burden this blog down too much by these continuing feelings... though it appears I haven't timed my mid-life crisis very well! But that said, I was really pumped up leaving the show... I think nothing beats live theater.
As you may have caught in my Twitter sidebar item, we had an extra thrill of having Muhammad Ali sitting 6 rows ahead of us. I knew that he has lived in the Valley for awhile, but still you don't expect to see him in person. It was kind of funny, I nudged Todd and asked if he thought if that's who it was... and about that same time, there was this rumble of recognition throughout the audience... many who began went on to applaud "The Greatest" - it was a very nice thing, but I thought a bit strange too. What I really didn't like was at intermission with folks obviously gawking and sticking cameras and mostly cell phones and taking pictures. I hoped they asked if it was okay, but I still thought it was a pretty rude.
Hmmm... I had suspected this would be more a mid-life crisis mode post, but perhaps today I should just leave it at this. So, something to look forward to... or not, if I change my mind... ha!
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