By Jane Caldas, Guest Contributor

Le Roi Lion has been in production in Paris since October 2007 and has been playing to packed houses ever since. Having thoroughly enjoyed Disney's Lion King, I was looking forward to seeing how it would transfer to the stage and being swept away to the African savannah for a few hours.

The opening number was nothing short of dazzling: the theatre was transformed into the heartlands, with antelopes leaping across the stage, birds swooping over our heads and elephants lumbering through the aisles to the rhythm of an African beat. There was so much taking place that I wasn't quite sure where to look at times, but it was a beautifully choreographed and energetic scene. My companion almost got head-butted by an over-enthusiastic giraffe, but she emerged from the attack unscathed.

The imaginative and well-documented use of puppetry, stunning make-up, costumes, headdresses and masks, designed by Julie Taymor, are perhaps the most impressive aspects of the show. Cast members are even integrated into some of the less elaborate sets as bushes or grass to add movement to a scene. The show is nothing if not visually exciting. Yet it can, at times, feel a little overwhelming and detract from the action on stage.

The opening scene unfortunately doesn't deliver on what it promises: a high-octane, energetic piece of musical theatre. The rhythm lagged in a few places and I could feel my mind wandering towards the middle of the first half-- in fact, I was pleased that I had seen the Disney film, otherwise I might have been unsure as to what was going on. Some of the actors looked positively weary and seemed to be sleepwalking through their roles, while some bounded around the stage with the same enthusiasm they must have had on opening night.

A few scenes really stood out, including Scar (Olivier Breitman) and the hyenas during their wonderfully menacing number Be Prepared, and Rafiki (Zama Magudulela) singing He Lives in You. The Zazu character, a puppet controlled by David Egurien, provided comic relief and brought a pump of energy back to a show that didn't always have the polished feel of most Broadway musicals.

The orchestra, comprised of 17 musicians, cannot be faulted. The production includes Zulu music written by Lebo M, which adds a touch of authenticity to the show. The most popular songs from the film have been translated into French, but were ultimately disappointing due to a few wrong notes and faulty microphones. This, along with some wooden acting, brought the level of the show down a notch, which is unfortunate in a production that is so beautifully designed. Some new, pop rock numbers, which, while not as catchy as some from Elton John's original score, add a modern vibe.

Ultimately, the show lacks that extra something to make it a real masterpiece, but you're still guaranteed a fun, family evening packed with energy, music, humor and color.