More than 3,000 Angelenos Celebrate “THE LION KING DAY” with Special Performance by Mandalay Bay Cast at The Grove, Los Angeles
Vegas Cast of THE LION KING Heads to LA to Celebrate One Year on the West Coast
Friday, Angelenos arrived in force to celebrate “THE LION KING Day” at The Grove in Los Angeles, featuring performances by Mandalay Bay principal cast members Kissy Simmons (Nala), Buyi Zama (Rafiki), Jelani Remy (Simba) and LA’s FAME Choir. The show was part of THE LION KING’s one-year anniversary festivities. The production is celebrating one year in its permanent home on the West Coast.
More than 3,000 adults and children flooded the popular shopping and entertainment district to attend the free event and sing along to favorite songs like “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Endless Night” and the dramatic “Shadowland.” Throughout the day, guests joined in the fun by creating their own LION KING-inspired masks with Ann Closs-Farley Designs.
Hosted by The Wave’s legendary Pat Prescott, the event gave the crowd a glimpse into the spectacular production and a chance to hear from the talented actors:
* Jelani Remy feels a parallel between his role in THE LION KING and his life experience. At 22 years of age, Remy is the youngest principal cast member in THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay, outside of the ‘cubs.’ Remy said, “Like Simba, I was thrown into a new world – Las Vegas – when I accepted this role, and had to find a new family. Instead of the characters Timon and Pumbaa, it was castmembers of THE LION KING who embraced me, allowing me to grow up with them and blossom into the person I am today.”
* In discussing the production’s South African roots, native Buyi Zama said, “It’s amazing to be in America, yet be on stage speaking my native tongue; it makes me feel at home every night. THE LION KING is a tribute to the soul of South Africa; its spirituality, music and people.”
* Kissy Simmons agreed with Zama and said, “THE LION KING is the embodiment of Africa coming to life in Las Vegas. Because we have so many South African castmembers, the energy comes across as authentic. The audience may not always understand what Rafiki is saying, but the emotion transcends all languages; it speaks volumes."
Disney’s THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay is performed Monday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. with weekend shows at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. For additional information, visit: www.LionKingLasVegas.com.
Photo Credit: Charley Gallay/WireImage.
