Wimoweh

The Lion King Comes to Abq!  Broadway in New Mexico! In case you haven't heard, Popejoy Hall is one of the premier stages in New Mexico. And there is certainly something for everyone in this season's Popejoy Presents, starting with

Experience the phenomenon of The Lion King. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar®-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” Let your imagination run wild at the Tony® Award-winning Broadway sensation Newsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment.”  New Mexico’s most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto Popejoy’s stage this season.

To get you In The Mood (with apologies to Glenn Miller), here is a snippet of Wimoweh:

You may not be used to hearing "Wimoweh" in Hebrew - but, everyone knows that all animals speak (and sing) Hebrew. Abq Jew would also like to inform you that the song was first performed and recorded in Israel (then Palestine) in 1946 by Paul Newman and Eva Marie Saint.

However, that turns out not to be true, although that is what Abq Jew was always told. It turns out, says our old friend Wikipedia, that

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight", also known as "Wimoweh" and originally as "Mbube", is a song recorded by Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds[1] for the South African Gallo Record Company in 1939. It was covered internationally by many 1950s pop and folk revival artists, including The Weavers, Jimmy Dorsey, Yma Sumac, Miriam Makeba, and The Kingston Trio. In 1961, it became a number one hit in the U.S. as adapted by the doo-wop group The Tokens. It went on to earn at least 15 million US dollars in royalties from covers and film licensing. Then, in the mid-nineties, it became a pop "supernova" (in the words of South African writer Rian Malan) when licensed to Walt Disney for use in the film The Lion King, its spin-off TV series and live musical, prompting a lawsuit on behalf of the impoverished descendants of Solomon Linda.

Legal action! Suits, counter-suits, and The Weavers! That's why we call it Jewish music!

Just Too Good To Be True? Can't take your eyes off Timon? OK! Here is The Hula Song:

If Wimoweh and The Hula Song don't drive you to Popejoy Hall (parking is up to you) for The Lion King, Abq Jew doesn't know what will.

However, that also turns out not to be true. Remember Abq Jew's Oh, What A Night!? 

It turns out that Jersey Boys will also be at Popejoy Hall at the end of the season.

Abq Jew's advice? Do whatever it takes! See it!

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Shabbat Shalom, Albuquerque!

Good Shabbos, New Mexico!