'The Lion King' Is Back In Denver: Does The Magic Remain?

DENVER (CBS4) - Disney's "The Lion King" has been a huge hit on Broadway and around the world for the past 18 years. It's back in Denver for another extended run and Critic at Large Greg Moody wanted to find out of the magic remains.

"The Lion King" is based on the animated movie of 1994 and the musical took Broadway by storm three years later.

"There was always just so much happening on stage -- the music, the story, the sets, the costumes and performances -- so much done so well by everyone involved for each and every performance," Moody said. "But that's what Disney does and has with 'The Lion King' from the very start."

In 2002 CBS4 went backstage in New York for rehearsals and training as new performers became comfortable with their characters and costumes. Now, as the show returns to Denver for the fourth time, 13 years later, with a new cast and crew; the question becomes, is the magic and the imagination still alive on stage?

"It's as beautifully done now as it was when it first went out on the road, which was good to know because each time 'The Lion King' roars into a new city, there's a new audience, young and old, just waiting to become part of the magic for the very first time, or all over again," Moody said .

"The Lion King" is on stage at the Buell Theatre through Nov. 29. Visit denvercenter.org for tickets and information.