The orchestra in rehearsal before the show
e.tv and eMovies are making a roar about The Lion King this month to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the film franchise.
i.e. We're being saved from yet another repeat of the Anaconda movies for a night or three.
The whole shebang's also part of the build-up to the new film Mufasa: The Lion King that's being released in December this year.
Three movies are airing along with a tribute special that was filmed here in Mzansiville, for a live audience at The Linder Auditorium on 19 July.
It airs on e.tv on Sunday 18 August at 17h00 and features the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra performing songs from the original movie and stage show.
It repeats on eMovies on Monday 19 August at 19h00.
Who sings?
Former Idols. It's a reunion. There are others too but it's interesting to see four Idols alumni in the line-up: Shekhinah, Monde Msutwana, Brandon October and Tracey-Lee Oliver.
They're joined by Lira, Vusi Nova, Monique Steyn, Zita Pretorius and Lebo M.
The orchestra conductor is Eddie Clayton - we've never heard of him but it sounds in-the-know to say it.
Someone who was at the show tells us it was "goosebump stuff" so let's see if we agree.
Here's a short teaser, followed by the schedule of the movies with a trailer for each, including the new film:
Movie schedule
| Movie |
Channel |
Day and Time |
| The Lion King (1994) |
e.tv |
Saturday 17 August at 20h00 |
| The Lion King (1994) |
eMovies |
Sunday 18 August at 18h20 |
| The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998) |
eMovies |
Sunday 25 August at 18h30 |
| The Lion King 1 ½ |
eMovies |
Sunday 1 September at 18h00 |
Trailers
Flash fact: They're airing the original film and not the 2019 remake.