Photo by Joan Marcus

Disney's The Lion King Where: Mandalay Bay Cost: $53 and up When: 8 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 4 & 8 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Info: (866) 80-SHOWS

When The Lion King continued a string of Disney films that helped resurrect the genre of animated features in 1994, few could imagine how to translate the images of animals on the African savanna to the stage. But director/creator Julie Taymor, summoned to the challenge by Thomas Schumacher, now producer and president of Disney Theatrical Group, met the daunting task with a breathtaking blend of puppetry and masks, vibrant lighting and striking choreography.

The result is a stunningly crafted night of musical theater that tells a solemn story rooted in classical mythology. Just look at the inventive costumes that represent a majestic elephant, proud lions, regal giraffes, stalking hyenas and wildebeests.

From the opening note, audiences are in for something special. Animals fill the aisles in the opening sequence on their way to the stage to celebrate Simba's birth in "The Circle of Life." The philosophical King Mufasa prepares young Simba to ascend to the throne, but Scar, the king's evil brother, has other ideas. Scar convinces Simba the cub is responsible for Mufasa's death and takes over the kingdom. How Simba recovers his self-esteem and returns to Pride Rock from exile is the focus of the action after intermission.

In addition to several instantly recognizable tunes from the movie, other songs build and sustain characters. Percussionists in lofts on both sides of the stage augment the orchestra. Endlessly clever stagecraft, including pop-up cactus plants, grasslands headdresses and a battery-operated Pride Rock, helps propel the story.

With the action shifting effortlessly from somber to playful, menacing to loving, the production commands "everything the light touches."