When The Lion King animated movie came out in 1994, I did not know that this movie/franchise would become a major factor in my life. Now, nearly 30 years later, I find myself to be a lionkeeper and a fan of anything lion related (except, as a native to Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Detroit Lions!). I first saw the Broadway show (On Broadway!) back in 1998, and it changed my entire perception of what a Broadway musical was. It also presented a fresh, stunning telling of this now classic tale. Counting the three times I just saw it in Reno, I have seen the show nine times now, and hope to see it at least nine more times before I, too go to join the Great Kings of the Past. I have seen stronger and weaker performances of this musical, and these were definitely among the stronger ones. I identify very strongly with Mufasa (and all of the male lions of which I have had the pleasure to work with have been Mufasas!), and I thought that Gerald Ramsey did a fine job in that role. I was lucky in one performance to have a good view of the actor's faces under the masks, and his facial expressions told me he was really trying to be what Mufasa embodies. But I think the really outstanding acting in these performances was by Mukelisiwe Goba playing Rafiki. It was great to see an actor who could speak fluent Zulu playing this role. I am involved in the Constructed Language community and now take an active interest in linguistics. Her mastery of this language added significantly to the performance of this challenging role. And could she sing! Rafiki has some of the most important singing parts in this story from instruction to priestly to utter anguish. She did all of them brilliantly! I will remember these three performances for many years to come, and it makes me anxious to see the show again, likely in some other city. For those of you who have never seen a Broadway show, or this particular show, I believe, as many others do, that the Lion King on Broadway redefines Broadway in a really amazing way and pushes the limit of what can be done with Theater. If you have never seen this show, definitely GO! And take your kids. There are not many Broadway shows that can be understood and appreciated by children. The Lion King on Broadway is a major exception.