Runs through March 30, 2025
By Luqman Gbnero, Nova Southeastern University
There’s still time for South Florida to prowl around Pride Rock. The live stage production of Disney’s The Lion King ends its run at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts on March 30, 2025. Theatergoers may know the story, but Eric Bean Jr., one of the touring productions’ original cast members believes there’s something about this show that will resonate with everyone in attendance.
“A lot of times people are like, ‘it’s Lion King. It’s a kid show.’ No, it’s not a kid show. It’s an everyone show. It’s a human show. Whether you’re five or 55 years old, it doesn’t matter; we all can connect to this show and find meaning through it,” said the dancer swing and former interim dance captain for the show.
Bean’s role as a dancer swing requires him to be flexible, physically and in his performance.
“A swing is a very important role within any Broadway show. Our job is to understudy all of the ensemble parts,” said Bean. “I cover 12 different ensemble tracks, and I could go on at any given moment.”
There’s an element of unpredictability with any live performance, and The Lion King is no different. Bean says he’s had to go in for cast members who were sick, injured, or otherwise unavailable. While cast members may step in for each other, they are far from replaceable. The bonds in this tribe run deep.
“The only way we are able to do what we love and maintain this beautiful show is [through] support and community. That’s one of the things we as a company and as a cast strive to do,” said Bean.
The importance of supportive relationships is one of the show’s central themes, and its cast reflects this. New cast members are embraced wholeheartedly, much like how Timon and Pumbaa accepted a young Simba into their family.
“When new people come into the show, we always have a special moment to make them feel welcomed and let them know they are part of our pride. We have celebrations, a birthday club, and we travel with little kids, our cubs, [so] whenever they graduate, we always do a ceremony for them,” said Bean. “These things keep us connected and keep us feeling like a community.”
Performers from all walks of life come together to bring the circle of life to the stage. Each cast member brings their unique experiences to flesh out the show, with it being especially important that some cast members had connections to the show’s setting.”
“Most people don’t realize, but every production of The Lion King around the world has a certain contingent of South Africans in it, and it’s something that Julie Taymor, the show’s director, wanted to make sure happened because the music and story is steeped in their culture,” said Bean.
The nuances of an authentic performance may be hard to spot, but their presence gives the show its heart.
“Three or four cast members are all native South Africans. They speak the language, they understand the culture, and it’s through their understanding that we’re able to transform the space and bring that spirit to the show,” said Bean.
The Lion King is a story about identity, connection, and growth. These themes resonate just as deeply with the cast as they do with the audience. As the show’s run at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts comes to a close, one thing is clear: the story of the Pride Lands is one worth roaring about.
Luqman Gberno is a student reporter in NSU’s feature writing course taught by Dr. Megan Fitzgerald in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.
