A Las Vegas Family Christmas

Disney's The Lion King at Mandalay Bay (Source: Mandalay Bay)

On December 23^rd my entire family went to see Disney’s award-winning Broadway production The Lion King at Mandalay Bay (a Christmas present from my mother) before it leaves Las Vegas on December 30^th. I was fortunate enough to see this show during its opening week as part of the media back in 2008. I loved it then and looked forward to seeing it one last time.

Most exciting, my two year-old great-niece attended as well. I was a bit worried the puppets would freak her out and the ticket would go to waste (my mother had to pay full price for a “lap child” – yikes!), but she loved it along with all the other little children in attendance. Only few melt downs toward the end from other tikes, which was completely okay since it’s the full version.

IPI 'N TOMBI. Original Cast Recording. Hinged Double Album. Cover (Source: bidorbuy.co.za)

The last time we went to see an acclaimed Broadway production as a family was in the late 1970s when my parents took me and my siblings to see Ipi N’tombi: A South African Music Celebration at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. I remember that night as if it was yesterday. My sister still has the original LP (although the image is not her album.)

Christmas this year was wonderful and full of joy and a focus on family and a new generation to share lasting memories. It was our little version of Circle of Life (yes, I went there.)

Brielle (great niece), Alex (nephew)

Sierra (niece), Mario (niece), Jaslynne (niece)

Carri (sister), Frank Sr. (dad), James (boyfriend)

Patti (mom)

Mario, Sr. (brother-in-law)

Thank you for reading

Adrienne xo