In an thrilling alternative for Jamaican dancers and singers, The Walt Disney Firm’s international sensation, The Lion King, is opening its doorways to expertise from the Caribbean island.
United States-based casting brokers will host auditions right now, Monday, January 22, at The Little Theatre in Kingston, permitting locals to grow to be a part of the worldwide theater legacy.
Recognizing Jamaican expertise
In an unique interview with LOOP Leisure, Thomas Schlenk, the final supervisor of all Disney Firm’s international productions, expressed his pleasure in regards to the immense expertise current in Jamaica.
He acknowledged that the expertise of each singers and dancers is “extraordinary.”
Schlenk revealed that Jamaica has already contributed considerably to Disney’s productions, with over 10 Jamaican artists solid in numerous roles, together with lead characters like Nala and Mufasa.
Native pleasure and expertise on show
Michael Holgate, creative director of the Ashe Firm and head of the Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Inventive Arts on the College of the West Indies, Mona, is spearheading the coordination of the native auditions.
Holgate has beforehand led two Lion King auditions in Jamaica, in 2013 and 2019, with help from coordinators Conroy B. Wilson and Deby-Ann Stern.
Holgate shared with LOOP Leisure the thrill and buzz surrounding the auditions, noting that phrase of mouth has generated vital curiosity.
Encouraging aspiring artists to take the leap, Holgate shared that auditions are vital in an artist’s journey.
The Lion King’s theatrical legacy
The stage adaptation of Disney’s 1994 animated basic, The Lion King, that includes iconic songs by Elton John, made its Broadway debut in November 1997.
It shortly earned crucial acclaim, profitable six Tony Awards in 1998, together with Greatest Musical, Greatest Choreography by Jamaican Garth Fagan, Greatest Costume Design, Greatest Route of a Musical by American Julie Taymor, and Greatest Lighting Design by American Donald Holder.
Since its Broadway premiere, The Lion King has seen 25 international productions, fascinating over 110 million individuals worldwide.
Two productions have run for 15 years or extra, whereas 4 others have achieved the extraordinary feat of working for over 20 years.
