The Lion King: The Musical

On a recent trip to New York, I endeavoured to do something I had never done before. So with that said, what better thing to see than a musical on Broadway! I’ll tell you there is nothing quite like seeing a live show in the heart of Times Square. What made it all the better was what we saw—the all-famous, award-winning musical The Lion King.

For those that saw it when it came to Australia, you know what I mean when I say it simply takes your breath away. For those of you who missed out, you truly did “miss out.”

Most of us know The Lion King story from the Disney animated film of the 90s. But the live musical adaptation brings it to life in a whole new way.

All your favourites are there: Simba, Nala, Timone, Pumba, Rafiki, even that annoying bird, Zazu. But the writers of the show took what Disney created and allowed the audience to live it through a series of creative sets, awesome acting and brilliant music.

They even added some new scenes just to keep the audience guessing.

I’ll tell you, there is nothing like hearing the climactic “Circle of life” performed by a group of African voices live on stage.

What was once viewed as a simple child’s cartoon now transcends all ages, races and demographics. It is a musical that can be loved by all.

Many of us know the story: Scar accuses Simba of being responsible for Mufasa’s death, causing the young cub to flee to the jungle. There he meets Timone and Pumba, who show him a whole new way of life. But his responsibilities as king eventually return him to Pride Rock to restore the Pride lands from the destruction Scar has brought upon it.

We cannot run away from our problems. As much as it is the easier thing to do, they will eventually catch up with us. Even Jesus said, “if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God” (Matthew 5:23,24, NLT).

It’s important to God that we do not hold grudges against other people. And, as hard as it may be, to love those who do wrong against us (see Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27).

Don’t ever let your worries and struggles get you down. “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 55:22).

Let God’s love show you how to live.