Goldberg appeared in a variety of surprise cameos throughout the 8 PM Lion King performance after an announcement was made live on ABC's "The View" on the morning of January 14th.
The cameo appearances marked the return of Goldberg to the Broadway stage after her stint in Xanadu (2008) as well as a return to The Lion King after originating the voice of Shenzi the Hyena in the 1994 Disney animated feature.
Here's a look at Whoopi Goldberg in action:
Whoopi Goldberg rehearsing as "Shenzi The Hyena"
Steve Fenn/ ABC/ © Disney 2010
Whoopi Goldberg rehearsing as "Rafiki"
Steve Fenn/ ABC/ © Disney 2010
Whoopi Goldberg rehearsing as "Bird Lady" (in the opening number)
Steve Fenn/ ABC/ © Disney 2010
Whoopi Goldberg as "Bird Lady" (in the opening number)
Steve Fenn/ ABC/ © Disney 2010
Tshidi Manye, Dashaun Young and Whoopi Goldberg (as "Rafiki")
Steve Fenn/ ABC/ © Disney 2010
Whoopi Goldberg as "Rafiki"
Steve Fenn/ ABC/ © Disney 2010
Whoopi Goldberg takes a bow with The Lion King company
Steve Fenn/ ABC/ © Disney 2010
Whoopi Goldberg with The Lion King director Julie Taymor
Steve Fenn/ ABC/ © Disney 2010
Disney Theatricals producer and president Thomas Schumacher, Whoopi Goldberg and The Lion King director Julie Taymor
Steve Fenn/ ABC/ © Disney 2010
For more information, visit The Lion King online at TheLionKing.com.
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