By Jacy Nails, Student Writer | From the moment the sun rises on the Pride Lands, to the iconic “Circle of Life” Disney’s The Lion King is a visual and auditory spectacle that reimagines this story beautifully…You just had to be in the room!
I was honored to be invited to a showing of this play at the Broward Performing Arts Center for the Divine Nine/HBCU Night. This wasn’t just any night out; it was a celebration of community, culture, and the priceless magic of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The pre-show party was a testament to the enduring legacy of Black Greek organizations and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Stepping into the venue felt like entering a kaleidoscope of colors. Each sorority, fraternity and HBCU supporters brightened the room, representing a dazzling display of their respective shades. From crimson and cream to old gold and purple, and pink and green, the room was a living testament to the rich history of the Divine Nine!
After we dined on delicious hors d’oeuvres from this intimately beautiful gathering, we were directed to the main theater where the play was being held. Even before the show officially began, the theater aisles transformed into the African savanna. Realistic, larger-than-life puppet animals roamed! From a graceful giraffe stretching its long neck, to a curious zebra trotting by, and even a majestic elephant stepping with grace and poise, all animals of the Pride Lands moved among and interacted with the fascinated audience.
Now these weren’t just your average props; they were intricate creations brought to life by skilled puppeteers. Their movements were so fluid and natural that it truly felt as if these creatures had wandered in from the Pride Lands themselves. This immersive touch, having these 3D puppet animals walk right past our seats, elevated the experience from a mere theatrical performance to an enchanting journey.
As for the play itself? It was absolutely breathtaking! From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening chords of “Circle of Life” resonated through the theater, I felt the magic! The costumes were a vibrant explosion of color and texture, each one a work of art that beautifully captured the essence of the animal kingdom.
It was evident that the actors poured their hearts and souls into their roles, as their voices soared with emotion and power. Witnessing Simba’s journey, Mufasa’s wisdom, and Scar’s villain origin unfold live on stage was an experience that is just unmatched. Every song was delivered with such passion, making the entire experience an absolute pleasure!
But the magic of the evening didn’t end with the final curtain call and bows. To my absolute delight, we were invited to stay for a post-show “TalkBack” discussion panel featuring some of the incredible actors from the play. We were graced to hear from two proud members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Martina Sykes and Maurica Roland.
Martina Sykes embodied the character Shenzi, the main hyena in the play. Sykes is from St. Petersburg Florida and a proud graduate of the University of Florida. Maurica Roland embodied many roles, as she switches as needed from playing Sarabi, to being a part of the ensemble. Roland is from Pensacola, Florida and a proud graduate of Louisiana State University. It was an honor to be in the presence of such “Black Girl Excellence!”. During the panel, they gave valuable tips for aspiring Broadway actors on how to succeed in this very demanding field.
Here’s a quick glimpse of their responses…
Question: What advice would you give to those who might be interested in walking in your shoes?
Martina Sykes: “I would say utilize all your resources, whether it’s community theatre, churches, you would be surprised how those teachings and discipline stays inside of you! Always remember that your integrity will get you into places where your talents can’t always get, so make sure that the name you make for yourself holds weight!”
Maurica Roland: “For the kids, learn everything that you can, even if you’re not interested, sometimes the boring stuff is what will launch you. Learn all aspects of the stage, regardless of if you want your job to be on stage or behind the scenes. Parents…no matter what role your child wants to take on, just support your babies, because your applause is the applause that they look for!”
Question: Give us some insight into how you prepare for a role?
Martina Sykes: “I get a lot of rest because everything that I do during the day is absolutely going to affect me at night. Even with going to the gym I can’t do a lot of leg days because I’m on all fours for 2 ½ hours in a 25-pound suit and harness. I also try to go to the spa as much as possible and remain hydrated. To get into character, I watch National Geographic and study the Hyenas to gain insight on their mannerism so that I can implement it into the show!”
Maurica Roland: “I get as much rest as I can, go to the gym, I eat well, I don’t smoke or drink, and I don’t do drugs, because my body is my instrument. As far as character preparation, I just think of the character as a person (What do they eat? What do they drink? How do they carry themselves?) and I embody the character into my own body. I’m really big on self- preservation, some may say I live like a Nun, but I just really love my house!”
Thank you to Chandra S. Lewis, of the The Allen Lewis Agency, for organizing this theatrical experience for our Fort Lauderdale community. From the beauty of the play to the enchanting interactions with these wonderful actresses, the magic of the night will forever be engraved in my mind. I will always remember the feeling of being in the Pride Lands!
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