by Anne Larison
“What’s a Warthog Doing in Las Vegas?”
This was the subject line of an email I received back in March ’09. The answer to this question is that a Broadway-caliber musical was set to open in May at the Mandalay Bay Theater – Disney Presents The Lion King.
I was thrilled since I had a business trip planned for May in Las Vegas. The preview performances began May 5th with the official opening of the show scheduled for May 15. My mom, a sister and myself were able to snag tickets for one of the preview performances on Friday, May 8. All I can say is – amazing!
I had previously seen The Lion King when the Broadway show traveled to Denver a few years ago and I knew that it was worth seeing again (and again). My mom and sister had never seen it. The music, the scenery, the costumes, and the performances are first class.
This show appeals to adults as well as children. If you have only seen the animated movie classic, I hope you someday have a change to see the stage musical. The costumes and manner in which they portray the animals will delight and amuse you. Everything about the show is exciting.
Here is a tip – we arrived at Mandalay Bay early to pick up our tickets from Will Call. If you do purchase your tickets online, get there a few hours early, to actually pick them up from Will Call. The Will Call line was extremely long closer to the start of the performance.
Another tip – the House of Blues restaurant is located in the Mandalay Bay. We found a Happy Hour special from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.. They have special drinks and appetizers for only $5.00! We shared three appetizers and wouldn’t have been able to get a meal for that low price most anywhere else along the strip. It was very yummy!
