I’ve yet to see a show at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center that didn’t leave me spellbound. Those folks pull out all of the stops when it comes to entertaining an audience, and leaving the show-goers satisfied and beaming as they walk out the door.

So when I read that their end to the 2012-2013 year was The Lion King, I expected nothing less than to see things end on a high note. What I did not expect was to rediscover why the Disney favorite captured the hearts and imaginations of every child when it came out.

This is the most colorful show I have ever seen on stage, with vivid hues just popping out at you at every scene. Observing the costume designs alone is worth the ticket price, as the designs are both inventive and stunning. A mass of people dressed as various animals from the plains and jungles of Africa, moving in tune. The stage is actually empty at several parts, with the exception of characters that fill the space with their costumes and energy. It’s really easy to see why this story remains popular with kids.

Being an adult who grew up with the movie, I can now look back and say that there’s a depth here you really don’t appreciate as a child. “The Circle of Life” takes on a whole new significance, as does young Simba’s naive nature, his father’s concern for his son and Scar’s sickening hunger for power. Their depth takes on a level that echoes Shakespeare. You see the poetry and almost Jungian psychology behind locations like Pride Rock and the Elephant Graveyard, and their significance to our conditions as humans.

The story and music are at their best here. The performances were incredible, and the execution without flaw. There were people crying in their seats next to me. The show, which has taken on a life of it’s own, is proud and powerful, just like a lion.

The show plays through June 2 at TPAC. It’s a show you’ll want to take your whole family to see.
Tickets and information for the show can be found here. If you’ve yet to attend a show this year, do yourself a favor and make this the one.

I’m already looking forward to the fall.