What do you get when you combine more than 11,000 performances, 124 million attendees, and six Tony Awards? You have arguably the most successful and impactful Broadway show in its history. The Lion King debuted in 1997 and has since helped lift the art form and its patrons up, spreading the joy of its work across the world through its many productions. The show, helmed by multi-time Tony Award-winner Julie Taymor, has helped jumpstart countless careers and sparked general interest in live theatre, a theme in this episode.
Host Alex Birsh brings on his father, Phil Birsh (Playbill's Chairman and CEO), to talk about the indelible mark the show has made on Broadway, and they reminisce about Phil bringing Alex to The Lion King when he was eight years old.
Alex then brings on two cast members, Gavin Lee (Scar) and Lindiwe Dlamini, who discuss what it's like to bring this show to life every day, from the perspective of the newest cast member (Lee) and the one who has been with the production since the very beginning (Dlamini). Yes...since 1997!
Listen below.
“The two most common questions anyone at Playbill gets from friends or family are: 'What's on Broadway? And what should I see?,'" says Birsh of the inspiration behind the new project. "The Playbill Podcast is here to help. Whether you’re a Broadway veteran or just starting to explore, we'll bring you the magic of Broadway, one show at a time.”
Along with Birsh and stars from each spotlighted show, episodes feature conversations with Playbill's resident theatre experts, aka the staffers that spend all their days writing and working on theatre and most nights seeing shows. The Playbill Podcast connects listeners with the savvy and fun theatre fans you've been looking for, whether it's to help you find your next ticket to buy or just give you a place to geek out about your favorite show.
Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi in The Lion King
Pearl Khwezi and Vincent Jamal Hooper in The Lion King
Pearl Khwezi in The Lion King
Vincent Jamal Hooper in The Lion King
Vincent Jamal Hooper in The Lion King
Company of The Lion King
L. Steven Taylor in The Lion King
Company of The Lion King
Jayden Theophile, L. Steven Taylor, and company of The Lion King
Company of The Lion King
