A few months ago, my family and I went to see The Lion King at The Minskoff Theater on Broadway in New York City. It was an absolutely grand experience. After I returned home from New York, I knew I wanted to share this experience with my friends, so a group of us traveled to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. After doing some research when we returned home, we found that the show was playing in Atlanta.

I couldn’t believe the show was only in Atlanta for three weeks, and October was a really busy time for my family. However, I knew I had to get back to this show and take friends along. Although my children had seen and thoroughly enjoyed this play in New York a few months ago, the Atlanta show was different.

Not only did the kids experience a phenomenal show, but they were able to meet the character of Mufasa, Nala, a dancer, and a “swing” in a private session after the show. I had never heard of a swing before. Swings have to learn several different parts for several different characters in the event a character is unable to perform. It is a critical role because you have to learn so many parts. The show must go on, and it cannot go on without a swing.

The beauty in all of this is that the children were able to ask questions. There was no waiting in line, and the actors were phenomenal with the children. I later found out that several of the children were interested in theater. The cast spoke to the children about perseverance, consistency, and improving their skills. They told stories of how they made it in this industry and gave the children pointers on being their best. This was an experience these children will never forget. As an adult, I learned so much from these amazing men and women.

We were able to purchase seats in the center aisle, which were the best seats in the house. If you are in the center aisle, you experience the animals and characters coming down the aisles when the show begins. The animals and their stealth-like movement are a sight to see.

If you are ever afforded the opportunity to see this play, I would urge you to do so. I promise you won’t regret it!