Trying to find the words to adequately describe "The Lion King" is a fruitless endeavor. The closest words that would be even remotely appropriate would be something like: mish-mash or a casserole. That's no knock against the show, which has officially opened its month-long engagement at the Milwaukee Theatre. In fact, it should be a compliment.

The show, based on the hit animated Disney movie, is a blend of so many different artistic styles and elements -- and does it so well -- that it would be impossible to isolate any of them.

From the shrill -- yet oddly soothing -- opening call for the animals, to the final presentation of the new baby lion, the audience is treated to an amazing array of sounds.

There are African drums, sweet electric guitar riffs, sounds that couldn't even be described. The dancing is a blend of classical ballet, modern dance, tap and traditional African steps. The mixture is perfect. The vocals find just the right balance between authentic African chants and the modern score, arranged by Elton John and Tim Rice.

What really sets the show apart from any in recent memory, though, are the costumes. Instead of placing the actors and actresses in unbelievable animal costumes, the designers appeal to the audience's ability to suspend disbelief.

That is necessary. The humans don't dress up as animals as much as they blend with them. Actors on stilts portray giraffes; another operates a bicycle-like apparatus that resembles a pack of charging jackalopes.

A prime example of this blend between human and animal, reality and imagination is one of our own. Waukesha-native Michael Dean Morgan plays Zazu, a red-billed hornbill that serves as an assistant to King Mufassa.

Instead of donning an oversized bird outfit, Morgan instead blends with the character. The bird becomes an extension of his own body, his own personality mixed with that of Zazu. By the end of the show, it's easy to forget that there is a human providing the voice and powering the motions.

The show isn't just confined to the stage, either. Heads move as birds soar above the audience, characters enter the stage from various parts of the venue and the costumes extend well beyond the reach of reality.

"The Lion King," which runs through March 2, is a family-friendly treat for the eyes, the ears and the imagination.