Earlier in January, the Family and I made a quick jaunt up to the largest port in Germany, Hamburg. This was my second trip to this brick city but this time the trip was centered around a cherished childhood story. I was only 7 about to turn 8 when The Lion King hit theaters. My sisters and I excitedly sat in our seats while the big screen lit up. I watched and my tweenie obsession grew. Afterwards I wanted all things Lion king. I even had a cassette tape I would play every night before bed. When the VHS came out, we bought it and I played the VHS ribbon thin. As I grew older my obsession for the cartoon waned, but still held a warm place in my heart. Then while living in Hawaii’i my excitement for The Lion King was renewed. For several months the musical was to play. Sadly when I had the time, I did not have the money or interest of friends to go with me. I missed my chance and thought I had missed it forever... so dramatic :-p. I told Dominic my sad news and he lifted my spirits by reminding me of the popular 13 year running German version König der Löwen, and as a Christmas gift from his parents we received tickets to the show.
In short the musical was awesome and I started crying within in the first 5 minutes. I was unnecessarily worried about understanding the german script, since the language was relatively simple, and I knew the film by heart. They did add their own spin to some parts of the story, like a sexual advance from Scar on Nala, and random Perchten (as mentioned in an earlier blog) in the background. I will admit I couldn’t help but think of the stereotype of the happy African as the musical unfolded. Most of the characters were African or of African descent with the white actors being completely covered unable to discern their ethnicity. Other than finding that amusing, I found the musical lovely and everything I had hoped for.
While we were Hamburg, we took in a few sites, as well as a few tours. I recommend for anyone new to a city to do a off tour to orient yourself. There are other walking tours one can take, many for relatively cheap or only for tip. We did the hop on hop off and a boat tour. It was a bit cold but luckily I was packed under lots of During the high tourist season they have more English speaking tour guides. All in all it was good time spent with the family.
In short the musical was awesome and I started crying within in the first 5 minutes. I was unnecessarily worried about understanding the german script, since the language was relatively simple, and I knew the film by heart. They did add their own spin to some parts of the story, like a sexual advance from Scar on Nala, and random Perchten (as mentioned in an earlier blog) in the background. I will admit I couldn’t help but think of the stereotype of the happy African as the musical unfolded. Most of the characters were African or of African descent with the white actors being completely covered unable to discern their ethnicity. Other than finding that amusing, I found the musical lovely and everything I had hoped for.
While we were Hamburg, we took in a few sites, as well as a few tours. I recommend for anyone new to a city to do a off tour to orient yourself. There are other walking tours one can take, many for relatively cheap or only for tip. We did the hop on hop off and a boat tour. It was a bit cold but luckily I was packed under lots of During the high tourist season they have more English speaking tour guides. All in all it was good time spent with the family.
The above shots were taken at Hamburgs miniature wonderland. It was an interesting site to see so many countries and historical events put into miniature. The experience was diluted a bit from how many unruly children were also present, but other than that it was very interesting to see all the stories conveyed and finding the perversion of the crafters. My hint for those looking for the perversion, there were lots in the mountainous region of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. :-p must be something about the mountains that bring out the naughty.