From Screen to Stage: The Lion King ‘Roars’ back in Detroit

In the darkened Detroit Opera House theater, the audience’s anticipation builds in the silence. The room–excited but so quiet you could almost see the smiles and wide eyes from one side of the auditorium to the other.

Then, Rafiki’s call echoes from wall to wall; the sun begins to rise, antelopes emerge from the corners and balcony; Giraffes trot across the main stage; and a four person-operated elephant waddles through the audience and makes its way to the stage. 

And, for a split second, it looks real. 

It’s the Circle of Life–literally. Almost every creature in the animal kingdom is represented through life-like puppetry and dance as the audience is treated to this classic performance that appeals to all generations.  

The scene ends. The audience, in such awe, claps and cheers in amazement. 

The Lion King, which is the longest running show on Broadway after The Phantom of the Opera and Chicago, has made its way to Detroit for its sixth stop this tour. This particular production is so large that it doesn’t quite fit every stage; but, luckily for Detroit, it fits like a glove at the Opera House. Arriving on 17 semi-trucks, it has more than earned its reputation as a global phenomenon. From each city, stage, providence, and territory across North America, audiences see the magic The Lion King brings, but there is also a massive operation happening behind the scenes not everyone knows about. 

Jose Solivan is the company manager and for the past six years he’s been making sure that the Disney magic we know and love in The Lion King comes to life. 

“Sometimes The Lion King is the first Broadway show someone has ever seen, and we introduce people to the theater in a really big way”, said Solivan. “I always say we spoil audiences, because there’s something so immersive, so nostalgic, and so special about this production that you don’t always get at this scale”

Solivan is the direct supervisor on the road for about 120 people while also being representative for the producer and the general manager on the road. In his role, he maintains travel, housing, and administrative work. He also works closely with press and marketing, human resources, payroll, and union benefits. 

However, Solivan, who is of Puertorican descent, started his career in theater as a performer before becoming the company manager. 

“I started as a performer, singing in school and doing theater growing up. I always knew I wanted to be part of this world. Over time, I transitioned into company management after working closely with stage management teams. I’ve now worked on about 20 Broadway productions, and each experience has shaped how I approach this role.”

From Pride Rock to the chariot of gazelle’s, each is ‘tetrised’ (as Solivan says) across the stage and maneuvered in just an eloquent way that beautifies the connection between each actor and puppet, showing a work of art in real time. Throughout the entire showcase, every costume, puppet, and engineered prop becomes more intricate yet astonishing, according to stage manager Michelle Scalpone, “some of the costumes and attachments add about 45 pounds in weight to the dancers”

And for this production rehearsal is 365 days a year, every day and every night for the Lion King. The cast, who play such an important role in how audience members connect themselves to this story also come from an array of backgrounds and parts of the world. Each ensemble casts about 8-12 performers from South Africa to honor and ensure authenticity of culture, language, dance, and singing. 

“I want people to see the community and diversity it takes to put on a production like this”, said Solivan. “This is one of the most diverse productions that’s been touring for over 20 years, and it shows what’s possible when people from different backgrounds come together to create something meaningful.”

In the two hour and thirty minute musical, The Lion King stretches far beyond the stage and shares a deeper meaning in real life.Through laughs, tears, and the occasional sing-along, it is more than just a show, it’s a tradition shared amongst a multitude of people of all ages. This production is the highest grossing musical production for a reason and it does not disappoint. 

“This show is one of a kind. I don’t know if there will ever be anything quite like it again. That’s why it’s so important for people to experience it—it’s still unlike anything else, even after all these years,” said Solivan

The show is currently on the road all over the continental U.S. You can catch the magic of The Lion King until April 5th in Detroit and in Grand Rapids from April 8th-26th. For tickets or for more information, visit www.us.atgtickets.com/Detroit.