My excitement level went through the roof the moment I found out that one of the biggest, most popular and loved musicals of all time, The Lion King was opening in Manila and is going to kick off its first international tour in the Philippines.
Imagine my reaction when I got invited to an open rehearsal where I got to see the costumes and puppets up close and meet and chat with the people behind the show including the extremely talented cast who performed a few songs from the show. I couldn’t control my tears when Ntsepa Pitjeng who is playing the role of ‘Rafiki’ sang Circle of Life. It was spellbinding to say the least.
Aside from Pitjeng I also got to meet Mthokozisi Emkay Khanyile ‘Mufasa’, Antony Lawrence ‘Scar’, André Jewson ‘Zazu’; Jamie McGregor ‘Timon’, Pierre Van Heerden ‘Pumbaa’, Candida Mosoma ‘Shenzi’, Bjorn Blignaut ‘Banzai’, Mark Tatham ‘Ed’ and South African performers Calvyn Grandling, playing the role of ‘Simba’, the up-and-coming star Noxolo Dlamini as ‘Nala’.
I was so proud to see six young actors from the Philippines in the cast. Sharing the role of Young Simba are Julien Joshua M. Dolor Jr., Gabo Tiongson, and Omar Sharief L. Uddin; sharing the role of Young Nala are Sheena Kirsten Bentoy, Uma Naomi Martin and Felicity Kyle Napuli.
Some fun facts about The Lion King
- This is the first time The Lion King will be seen in the Philippines.
- There are 18 nationalities in the company, 45 are from South Africa making this particular show extra special.
- The show is on its 20th year after opening on Broadway in 1997 and won 6 Tony Awards including Best Musical.
- Director Julie Taymor made Broadway history by being the first woman to win the Tony for Best Director in a Musical.
- Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice won the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 67th Academy Awards for the song Can You Feel The Love Tonight.
- The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.
- There are 6 indigenous African languages spoken in the show, Swahili, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana and Congolese.
- There are more than 200 puppets used in the show.
- The Lion King has played over 100 cities in 19 countries.
- The Lion King’s worldwide gross is US$8.1 Billion.
Disney’s The Lion King will open in Manila on March 18 and will run until May 6, 2018 at The Theatre at Solaire, presented by Michael Cassel Group and Concertus Manila in association with Disney Theatrical Productions.
I am telling you now, do not miss this show. I have seen it four times and it never gets old. It is still as beautiful, majestic and exhilarating as the first time I saw it in late 90’s on Broadway.
Hakuna Matata!
For further information about THE LION KING, visit: TheLionKing.ph
Blessings,
