Based on the Disney film of the same name, the storyline follows the life of a young lion cub named Simba who is heir to the throne in the Pride Lands. His father, Mufasa, explains the circle of life to his young son and how one day he will be the ruler. However, Simba’s bitter uncle Scar has plans of his own to take over the kingdom that he believes was rightfully his until Simba was born. Scar lures the father and son duo to the plains where he hoped a stampede of wildebeests would accidentally kill them both. Simba manages to escape but after believing Scar that it was his fault his father died, he runs away. Simba then meets up with Timon and Pumbaa and was raised “Hakuna Matada” — with no worries. But when Simba hits his youthful years, something was yearning inside him and after reuniting with his long lost friend Nala, he decided to his homeland where he faced the damage Scar had done to the kingdom. He faced bravery straight on remembering his father’s words.

This is a spectacular production from start to finish. The music, the choreography, costumes, and set design work are awe-inspiring. Some of the most well-loved Disney “stick with you forever” kind of songs including Circle of Life and Can You Feel The Love Tonight (music by Elton John and Lyrics by Tim Rice) are performed by some of the most unforgettable voices. The opening sets the tone for the musical with Rafiki the Mandrill (played by Mukelisiwe Goba at our performance) in her iconic celebratory call for all the animals in the kingdom to gather for the exciting presentation of the new cub. Mufasa, the Lion King father, (Gerald Ramsey) has a deep and confident voice that lives up to the bar set by  James Earl Jones — the voice of Mufasa in the Disney film. We were particularly blown away by Nala (Nia Holloway) in her absolutely heartfelt performance of Shadowland.

What also makes this musical exciting is how the production incorporates a variety of costumes and puppetry to tell the story. The range of motion in some of the costumes that are custom fitted onto a few of the performers’ bodies need to be seen in real life. Zazu, the Red-billed Hornbill (Greg Jackson) has some of the best punchlines in the script (and some off script) as the King’s majordomo and caretaker of Simba. Jackson is very entertaining, who doesn’t miss a beat as the Hornbill and his alter-ego dressed as a butler. Timon, the Meerkat (Nick Cordeileone) is attached to his costumes but fills the shoes completely of the Meerkat with his sarcasm and quick wit. Pumbaa, the Warthog (Ben Lipitz, who’s performed with Lion King in over 5000 shows! ) is one of the most loveable goofy characters in the show. Lipitz is positioned around the belly of the costume as you soon realize his character is always hungry.  Laughing Hyenas Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed (Martina Sykes, Keith Bennett, and Robbie Swift) are deliciously evil with their protruding heads. At first glance, they look a bit scary but then quickly even the youngest audience members come to realize the hyenas are just silly and mischevious. It’s not just the main cast that is mesmerizing to watch — keep your eye on the Cheetah (Sasha Caicedo) in particular. Her movements are breathtaking.

The Lion King and it truly is a real treat for the summer months here in the city. So much more to experience in a live performance from the beautiful costumes and set design to the movements and entertaining moments. Highly recommended to see for the first time or to see again.

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards including  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

Having played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history. We can see why.

Disney’s The Lion King is now on stage at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto through till August 4, 2019. More info at www.mirvish.com.

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Disney’s The Lion King: June 13 to August 4. Princess of Wales Theatre. The highly popular musical returns to Toronto with one of the most breathtaking productions ever. The spectacular Serengeti comes to life with all the familiar songs and an unforgettable storyline.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day: June 2, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Central YMCA (20 Grosvenor Street). Free.   It’s all about healthy emotional and social development in early years that help lay the foundation for mental health and resilience in life. At this fun day event, children can enjoy fitness, camp and other activities (hello Slime!) while parents have the opportunity to learn about diverse opportunity their kids can take part in now or grow into.

Yorkville Exotic Car Show: June 16, 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. Along Bloor Street from Avenue Road to Bay Street – closed for pedestrian access only. Car enthusiasts of all ages enjoy an afternoon of checking out shiny Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches and more. This car show is an annual Father’s Day tradition in the city in support of raising awareness for Prostate Cancer Canada. Free admissions. Donations accepted. By the way, it’s Ferrari’s 70th anniversary this year! Bring your camera.

Urbani_T: June 27 to 29 at Nathan Phillips Square: Launching on Canadian Multicultural Day is this three-day event that celebrates urban culture. Enjoy and discover talented creatives in music, dance, fashion, arts and entertainment performances. This year, Urbani_T has collaborated with Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group to bring live Hip Hop and contemporary dance auditions. Dancers are invited to try out for a potential opportunities with the company. There will also be a Student Zone with activities, workshops, podcasts, and exhibits. There’s also an open casting call for “real people” to participate in the runway fashion shows. Details will be announced soon on their social media channels.

Indigenous Arts Festival at Fort York: June 18 to 23 (times vary) annual celebration of traditional and contemporary Indigenous arts including music, dance, theatre, film, storytelling, crafts and food. Saturday, June 22 Na-Me-Res will have a traditional Pow Wow in recognition of National Indigenous People’s Day with over 100 drummers and dancers.

Love is Love Family Clay Day at Gardiner Museum: June 16, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Front Plaza in front of this museum will be transformed into a Pride Family Garden. Clay activities, music, story time, and face painting. Kids will also have the chance to create a special Father’s Day gift. The museum will also host Pride-inspired Family Days every Sunday in June. Admission is free for visitors 18 and under. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (admission applies to adult),

Redpath Waterfront Festival: June 29 to July 1. A fleet of majestic Tall Ships are returning to Toronto for this festival. Docked along the waterfront the public will have (ticketed) access to some of the historical vessels. Visit the Bluenose II, U.S. Brig Niagara, CCGS Griffin, and others.  Festival will also feature Maritime eats, and nautical fun for the whole family.

Communal Table at The Bentway: Begins June 13 every Thursday. The Bentway will host weekly communal family-style dinner series curated by The Depanneur. Explore Toronto’s diverse culinary traditions featuring local chefs including Jamie Kennedy, Greg Couillard, Shawn Adler (Pow Wow Cafe), Jose Arato (Pimento), Erwin Joaquin (Big E Hawaiian Grinds), and Tsewang Chodon (TC’s Tibetan Momo). Pre-registration highly suggested ($12 per person) walk-ins only if there is availability). Guests are asked to bring their own dishes and non-perishable food item for donation to local shelters. This is an inclusive, diverse celebration of food’s capacity to connect people with places, history and a sense of belonging.

Yoga in the Park at Ontario Place: Saturday and Sunday mornings for the summer beginning June 1. 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Trillium Park. For all ages and all levels. Yoga session is a combination of Vinyasa and Hatha styles led by renowned instructor Alexandria Santaguida. Bring your own yoga mat. Weather permitting.

The Mac and Cheese Festival: June 7 to 9. Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd. Free admission. North America’s largest Mac and Cheese Festival returns for the 5th year. Bring your appetite and cash to sample some unique versions of our childhood favourites. Last year’s event features mac and cheese dishes including Loaded Mac and Cheese Taco Bowl, Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese, Deep fried ravioli with mac and cheese. Event raises funds and awareness for Epilepsy Toronto.

Leslieville Tree Festival: June 15, 12:00 to 4:00 pm. 1158 Queen Street East. Join in to celebrate our urban trees. The afternoon includes environmental exhibits, live music and entertainment, kids activities, local artisans, and food. Co-hosted by LEAF – a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the city’s urban forest.

Yonge & Lawrence Village Day: June 8, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Yonge Street between Lawrence Avenue to Yonge Boulevard. Another neighbourhood worth exploring. Stroll the street and enjoy the live musical entertainment, activities for kids, sno-cones, cotton candy, jumping castles and bbqs as the local shops and businesses spill onto the sidewalks for this annual event. Family and pet friendly.

Fleur de Villes at Yorkville Village: June 13 to 17. This breathtaking exhibition combines fresh florals with Canadian design talent to create unique high fashion displays. Free admission.

Luminato House of Mirrors: June 7 to 23. Harbourfront Centre. East Campus. Make your way through this 12-foot tall optical adventure in this house-sized kaleidoscope for all ages. Nothing is what it appears and getting out is an art. Luminato is an international arts festival showcasing Canadian and international artists.

ROM 3rd Monday Nights Free: June 17. The public is invited to experience the Royal Ontario Museum free of charge, one night a month. On 3rd Monday Nights Free, visitors can explore the art, culture, and nature of the Museum’s 40 galleries.

Big Draw Create-a-Thon: Distillery District. June 15 & 16. 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Join fellow amateur and professional artists in drawing, sketching, painting, sculpting, writing and being creative in any way at this outdoor event. All participants will also get a free BBQ lunch.

Distillery Family Yoga: Every Sunday during the summer months. Two sessions 11:00 am and 12:30 pm. Yogis aged 7 to 12. and their families are invited to join the outdoor sessions with some of the best instructors in the city presented by OmT.O. Bring your own mats

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