For the first time, the multi-award-winning Disney musical The Lion King comes to Thailand. Based on the 1994 animated film, The Lion King follows the adventures of Simba, the orphaned lion cub who seeks to avenge the death of his father and take his rightful place as the King of the Pride Lands. The spectacular show mixes themes of family, friendship, love and betrayal.
The musical version of The Lion King is an extravagant production, featuring actors in animal costumes alongside giant puppets. Its ambitious scale has established a new level for musical theatre, from its staging, costume and choreography to its distinctive animal characters.
Since its Broadway debut in 1997, The Lion King has continued to win over audiences worldwide. It is currently the third longest-running show in history and has been performed in over 100 cities in 20 countries around the world.
Jordan Shaw, Mike Schaperclaus, Zodwa Mrasi and Amanda Kunene. BEC-Tero
Stars Jordan Shaw, Zodwa Mrasi and Amanda Kunene, who play Simba, Rafiki and Nala respectively, and musical director Mike Schaperclaus, were at the recent press conference for the show in Bangkok. B spoke with them about their touring experience and what makes the show still stand out after 20 years.
How are you enjoying being on tour?
Kunene: It's been great! We're having a lot of fun, being able to go to different countries and experience different cultures, as well as meeting different people and audiences every night. It's been such an exciting journey so far.
Shaw: I just joined the show in March, so this is my first tour with The Lion King. I'm originally from London, so this is a massive cultural change, but a lot of fun.
Mrasi: I'm so excited to be working with talented actors and an amazing crew. Getting to travel while doing what we like to do has been a really great experience.
Is there much difference between the productions in each country?
Schaperclaus: The main difference is the cast. It's completely different in some countries. In the previous production, we had six South African singers, but here we have four. We've had to adjust a little bit, but the ultimate goal to perform onstage is the same.
The Lion King BEC-Tero
Kunene: Language is also something we all have to adjust to. Our previous production was in Mexico, and we had to speak Spanish all day and night. We'll be performing in South Korea soon. The show will be in English, but we've learned a few words in Korean. It's like we get to learn a new language everywhere we go.
How does it feel to be part of such a huge production?
Mrasi: For me, it's an overwhelming experience to be part of a production that has been viewed by over 95 million people, and to be on a tour that goes to perform in a hundreds of different cities around the world.
Kunene: I'm just so excited to be able to share our story with the world, getting to see the way people react to our show every night.
Shaw: I was a Lion King fan as a child. I've been acting in theatre all my life, playing different roles, but The Lion King has always been an inspiration for me. So when I got this job, it was a dream come true. It changed my life.
The Lion King BEC-Tero
What makes the show still stand out after so long?
Kunene: It's such a unique experience in the theatre. It's like something you've never seen before.
Schaperclaus: When people talk about The Lion King, they talk about how big the production is. But I think what makes the show so great is the story. Every night, I look at how the audience responds; some burst into tears, some have big smiles on their faces. That's the power of The Lion King. The story has something that everyone can relate to.
For those who have never seen The Lion King, should they watch the film first before seeing the musical?
Shaw: Not necessary. It's best to just come and enjoy it with a fresh perspective. There are so many things to see and experience, and if you come to see it without any expectations, the show will blow your mind.
Schaperclaus: Just come with an open heart, that's the most important part. You could come see it twice or more. Every time, you will find something else in the show that will touch you.
How do you prepare for each show?
Kunene: When I prepare to play Nala, I usually find time to meditate. I try to control my emotions and stay focused, and not talk to many people before the show.
The Lion King BEC-Tero
Mrasi: There are so many parts for me to sing. I have to do vocal preparations for about 30 minutes before each show.
Shaw: Simba's young and has so much energy. He always wants to explore the jungle every chance he gets. I choose to stay alert, talking and connecting with people before the show. I also do a lot of exercise.
The show features many different musical styles, such as pop, African music and hip-hop. Why did you decide to include hip-hop?
Schaperclaus: Hip-hop has heart and soul. That's what The Lion King is all about. We also use a lot of African beats and rhythms in order to bring an atmosphere of the vast savannahs of Africa into the picture. It's interesting to see how a show like The Lion King can be transcendent, with many types of music. It's all intertwined into one beautiful message.
The Lion King BEC-Tero
The Lion King will be staged from Sep 14 to Oct 13 at Muangthai Ratchadalai Theatre. The show will be performed in English with Thai surtitles. Tickets range from 1,500 to 5,700 baht, available via Thai Ticket Major outlets or visit http://thaiticketmajor.com
