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Disney's THE LION KING Celebrates First Rehearsal in South Africa |
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Monday marked the first rehearsal for the 10th anniversary production of Disney's THE LION KING. In attendance were the production's Tony Award winning director Julie Taymor. |
Monday marked the first rehearsal for the 10th anniversary production of Disney's THE LION KING. In attendance were the production's Tony Award winning director Julie Taymor, producer Thomas Schumacher, co-composer Lebo M, and veteran theatre producer Pieter Toerien.
Julie Taymor said, "To be in South Africa for this production has been the realization of a dream 10 years in the making. When I first listened to Lebo's Rhythm of the Pridelands, I knew THE LION KING had to keep its roots firmly in South Africa. As THE LION KING has expanded beyond Broadway, I am proud to say that South Africans have been a part of every production worldwide and with Monday's rehearsal, I am proud to say we have brought the show home."
Thomas Schumacher said, "When we were preparing to launch the Broadway production, Julie was adamant that South African nationals be a part of the cast. This idea was met with substantial resistance by parties outside the production. She remained true to her extraordinary vision for THE LION KING and as a result the South African cast members who have appeared in our many productions worldwide have been instrumental in this global phenomenon. Julie's vision and the fundamental elements of THE LION KING have made the show a worldwide cultural and financial success.
During the traditional meet and greet, every member of the South African company introduced themselves with several electing to deliver their introduction in their native tongues.
During his introduction, co-composer and South African licensee Lebo M, told his story about the inspiration for his world famous chants for "Circle of Life," one of the show's landmark moments. As he sang the chorus of the song, many cast members spontaneously joined him.
Schumacher said, "I have been to many first rehearsals for THE LION KING, but this week's first rehearsal was moving beyond words. As Lebo began to sing "Circle of Life," and the cast joined him, we were all overcome with emotion at the significance of what we were witnessing. With Lebo M making his producing debut in a commercial production alongside veteran theatre producer Pieter Toerien, we all are very proud and deeply moved to be a part of this historic engagement and to experience THE LION KING returning to its roots in South Africa."
The new production will feature a local South African cast, many of whom have been in other productions of THE LION KING around the world and are now coming home to perform in their native country including: Buyi Zama (Rafiki) who has appeared in the US National Tour, London, Australian, and Shanghai productions; Sello Make (Mufasa) who has appeared in the London company; and Andile Gumbi (Simba) who has appeared in the Australian and Shanghai productions.
To date, THE LION KING has employed almost 100 native South Africans in its productions worldwide. After rehearsals wrap at the Pretoria State Theatre, THE LION KING will officially open in the Montecasino Theatre in northern Johannesburg, which has been built for this production.
The official 10th anniversary production of Disney's THE LION KING, is supported by principal sponsor South Africa Telkom (SA) Telkom and media sponsor SABC. Disney's award-winning musical will officially open on June 6th 2007 in Johannesburg.
Since opening on Broadway in 1997, THE LION KING is the winner of over 70 major awards worldwide and has become a global phenomenon seen by over 35 million people. In addition to New York City, where the record-breaking show is currently in its tenth triumphant year, THE LION KING can also be seen in London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Seoul and two touring companies throughout the United States. A new production will open later this year in Paris, France.
THE LION KING follows the adventures of lion cub Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of manhood and his future role as king. THE LION KING is the winner of six 1998 Tony(R) Awards including Best Musical, eight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Musical, the Evening Standard Award for the Theatrical Event of the Year, two Olivier Awards, a Theatre World Award, the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography, two Drama League Awards and a GRAMMY(R) Award for Best Musical Show Album of 1998.
Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony(R) Award for Best Director of a Musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for the show. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design is by Richard Hudson, costume design is by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay. The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, and additional musical material by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.
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