FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The six-time Tony Award-winning musical The Lion King has arrived at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, bringing its breathtaking costumes, intricate puppetry and the spirit of Africa to South Florida audiences.
The Broadway sensation, which has captivated more than 100 million people worldwide, is one of the largest productions to grace the Broward Center stage, in Fort Lauderdale.
Transporting audiences to the Pride Lands took 17 semi-trucks filled with elaborate set pieces, masks, and puppets — bringing the animated classic to life in a way that continues to amaze theatergoers.
It takes a village, as each performance requires the work of 134 people, including 59 cast members, 19 wardrobe staff, and a collection of puppets inspired by traditional African art.
Behind the Magic: Puppetry and Performance
Michael Reilly, a puppet supervisor for the production, explained how the show seamlessly blends human movement with lifelike puppetry.
“Most people didn’t believe it could be done,” Reilly said. “Because these were animals that were drawn, how are you going to put that on stage? Julie Taymor really thought about it and was like, we’ll have the humans and animals at the same time and play with that dichotomy. That opened up the show and made it a more authentic and beautiful experience.”
The show’s puppets incorporate materials sourced from Africa, further enhancing the authenticity of the production.
“Like the cane on that antelope actually comes from Africa,” Reilly said. “We actually have somebody who makes the cane for us there and sends it to us.”
Miami native Sasha Caicedo, a member of the ensemble cast, performs as a cheetah in the production — an experience that required mastering both movement and puppetry.
“I felt like Bambi,” Caicedo said. “I wasn’t sure how to incorporate my back, legs, with my arms, my neck, and I have to sing and dance and breathe at the same time.”
Her transformation into the cheetah is made possible through an intricate headpiece attached to her movements.
“She has two little holes on her ears,” Caicedo explained. “This is what’s connected to my wig. Whatever movements I make with my neck, she mirrors me and makes it look as realistic as possible.”
The Music That Brings the Story to Life
Beyond the striking visuals, The Lion King’s iconic score plays a crucial role in immersing audiences in the world of the Pride Lands.
Darlene Drew, a flutist in the orchestra pit, brings a unique sound to the production.
“I play this vast array of flutes that add a very unique Lion King sound to the score,” Drew said. “And they are flutes from all over the world.”
She also incorporates an unusual instrument that provides rhythmic depth to the music.
“You notice this looks very different than all the others,” Drew said, holding up a flute. “This I play more as a rhythm instrument.”
A Homecoming for South Florida Talent
For Caicedo, performing in her hometown adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
“Sometimes I don’t know who’s out there unless I know,” she said. “So it gets a little nerve-racking, but I’m actually really excited to be home.”
Audiences have until March 30 to catch The Lion King at the Broward Center. Click here for more ticket information.