Cadillac Palace Theatre Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

A majestic production is gracing the stage in Chicago.

“The Lion King” is currently running through Oct. 19 at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The show is a must-see production and shines on stage with a colorful set, fascinating costumes, creative puppetry elements and a strong cast.

In promotional materials for the show, it’s touted as “the world’s #1 musical” and that’s definitely not hype. “The Lion King” surely draws audience members in with its strong theatrical elements from powerful vocals, colorful sets, a standout soundtrack and more.

“The Lion King” tells the story of the young cub Simba, who after the death of his father Mufasa, must eventually take control of the throne. There are many adventures awaiting Simba as he grows and he must battle his evil uncle Scar on his way to the throne.

This hit production has been touring North America for nearly 25 years and has been capturing theatergoers’ hearts throughout its celebrated run. It originally opened on Broadway on Nov. 13, 1997.

Starring in the current touring production are Peter Hargrave as Scar, David D’Lancy Wilson as Mufasa,, Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki, Robert Creighton as Timon, Nick LaMedica as Zazu, Danny Grumich as Pumbaa, Gilbert Domally as Simba and Thembelihle Cele as Nala.

Standout out musical numbers include “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.”

FYI: “The Lion King” continues to Oct. 19 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets are $45 to $180. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

Fans of the classic tale of “Beauty and the Beast” won’t want to miss the stunning production currently on stage in Chicago.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” which is on a national tour, continues to Aug. 2 at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The theatrical production, directed and choreographed by Matt West, is based on the popular 1991 movie.

The “tale as old as time,” tells the story of Belle, a small-town French girl, who is a lover of books and reading. One day, while in search of her father, who is missing, Belle stumbles upon a castle where a former priest who has been turned into a Beast resides. She is captured and while there she interacts with the Beast and all the other inhabitants of the castle. Lessons learned in this story revolve around love, kindness as well as beauty being in the eye of the beholder. It is only true love which will transform the Beast back to his princely form and it is Belle who is the catalyst for this.

Actors Kyra Belle Johnson as Belle and Fergie L. Philippe as the Beast are dynamic in their starring roles and both display strong voices. The production’s ensemble group of actors are excellent as well.

“Beauty and the Beast” features stunning costumes, rousing dance numbers and a score of catchy tunes. Among highlighted numbers are “Be Our Guest,” “A Change in Me,” and “If I Can’t Love Her.”

Musical theater lovers will definitely be drawn into this show.

FYI: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” continues to Aug. 2 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. For more information, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.