The Lion King: A Roaring Review from fyi50+ Theater Critic Mila Vincent
Ten-year-old Mila and her grandmother Johannah share why this Broadway hit belongs on your summer must-see list
Ten-year-old Mila Vincent, a longtime fyi50+ theater reviewer and Dallas’ youngest theater critic, was excited to review the national tour of The Lion King at Broadway Dallas with her grandmother and co-reviewer, Johannah Luza. Check out what “Mila Says” — and why she thinks you should take your grandkids, too!
Mila: My grandma and I were so excited to see The Lion King! She’s never seen it. I’ve watched the movie lots of times, but I’ve never seen the Broadway musical. I had to explain some of the characters to my grandma because I knew them all.
I loved, loved, loved the show. I knew it would be good, but I didn’t think it would be great! Pumbaa, the warthog, was one of my favorite characters because he made me laugh. He looked funny and said funny things, too. And I liked Nala. She was Simba’ s friend when they were growing up, and then they got married. Nala always tried to get Simba to do the right thing.
The costumes of all the characters were amazing and so colorful. I loved how the tall giraffes walked. I liked all the dancing. I’m taking dance lessons and hope I can dance as well as they do someday. I could tell they practiced a lot!
I knew many of the songs, so I could sing along with the characters. There was just one small part that felt a little scary because the music was so good. It was when Simba disobeyed his dad and went to the elephant graveyard.
There was a big surprise right before the show started, but you’ll have to see it for yourself. Make sure to be in your seats early to experience it! I’ve seen lots of theatre shows, but The Lion King was one of the best. I promise that you and your kids or grandkids will love, love, love it, just like I did.
Johannah: WOW! I’ve wanted to see The Lion King for years and was not disappointed at all. Although I wasn’t as familiar with the characters as Mila was, I could not take my eyes off the stage. The costumes were fabulous, and I am amazed by the creativity of the designers. The dancing was phenomenal, and the set design was beautiful. And of course, the music was outstanding. Seeing it with my granddaughter made it even more enjoyable since she knew the story so well.
If you have the chance, The Lion King will be one of the highlights of your summer. Mila is right. You will love, love, love it!
Where: The Music Hall at Fair Park | 909 1st Ave., Dallas
When: Through July 3
Web: www.broadwaydallas.org
