‘Lion King’ original cast holds reunion
Lee Lessack hosts Lion king reunion with Grammy winner Heather Headly. They laugh about the good times while performing the show.
April 25, 2021
Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway is one of the longest-running Broadway shows still going, and for good reason. This show offers viewers a unique experience into the plains of Africa through music, wardrobe, puppets, and great acting. Since the show has been going for over two decades, the original cast has all moved forward in their careers, losing contact with each other. This was true until they were reunited for a special Lion king reunion held on March 10 for the Hennepin theatre.
The cast was happy to be reunited since they haven’t seen each other in so long. Especially due to COVID-19, people have been feeling lonely so a reunion is a perfect way to lift spirits.
“It’s nice to see people experiencing joyful moments when it’s been a lot of challenging moments,” the host of the event, Lee Lessack said.
Global superstar and Grammy winner, Heather Headly was one of the headliners for the event. Lessack was unsure if he could get Headly to come to the event.
I think what they created with all the puppetry is the best part of the show. That opening moment was groundbreaking. I don’t think anything Broadway had seen anything like that before.
“I would be excited about this you know like if we could get Heather Headley, but that’s never gonna happen, I thought. So I tracked down her manager, and she said yes, and so that was just a thrill,” Lessack explained.
The Lion King on broadway has been running for around 23 years, with an entirely different cast than from when it started.
“The Lion King has been around for so long, they’ve had so many casts,” Lessack said.
The show itself is known as a masterpiece, with something to offer for anyone coming to watch.
“The plot and everything and then there’s also music, and the plots are easy to fall along with, and then the music and the acting is really well done,” said junior Kendra Stanton who watched the show a few years ago.
Something the show is especially known for is the incredible puppetry, and how they utilize the puppets as a unique medium to bring the animals to life.
“I think what they created with all the puppetry is the best part of the show. That opening moment was groundbreaking. I don’t think anything Broadway had seen anything like that before,” Lessack explained.
Another great quality of the show is how family-friendly it is. The story is easy to follow along with and the performances are spectacular, making this a musical great for adults and kids alike.
“I recommend it too also because it is a children’s show, so it’s good for all ages,” Stanton said.
Overall this show was so fun to watch and rarely presented a dull moment. Not only were the visuals stunning, but the music was incredible. This show gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
