Broadway’s ‘Lion King’ Roars Into Costa Mesa With A Great Return

By JACKIE MOE

Orange County patrons can get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to the Pride Lands — the much-anticipated “Lion King” Broadway Tour will return to the Segerstrom Center of the Arts on Feb. 1 for a three-week engagement. 

The spectacular stage production, inspired by Disney’s animated classic, is not just a show; it’s a mesmerizing experience that promises to captivate the hearts of theater enthusiasts of all ages. 

The Lion King, a theatrical masterpiece that debuted on Broadway in 1997, has become a global sensation with its stunning visuals, captivating storyline, and timeless music. 

The performance is scheduled to commence on Feb. 25, providing attendees with the chance to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Simba, Mufasa, and the Circle of Life.

Backstage SoCal had an exclusive interview with Forest VanDyke, who brings the hyena Banzai to life in the production. From funny anecdotes on stage to his personal journey with the show, VanDyke shares the magic of Disney’s classic tale.

Q: Congratulations on “Lion King” being your Broadway debut! How long have you been with the tour? 

A: I started January of 2022. January 4th was my two year anniversary. It is wild to think about. Some days it feels like it’s been five, and some days it just feels like it’s been six months. Yeah, time is a little strange on tour. But I’m very thankful.

Q: What attracted you to the role of Banzai?

A: Well, just to be given the chance to be a part of ‘Lion King’ is something monumental. I was asked to put myself on tape, so I did that, and I came in for a call back and it was just fun.

It’s just fun being Banzai; you sort of have a license to do and say things, and behave in ways you couldn’t normally. So there’s a license to kind of go crazy. And it’s just fun.

Q: Are there any funny anecdotes or moments that’s happened on your tour? 

A: Oh, sure. The most fun ones, because it’s live theater, anything can happen. There are times where a strap might come off from your leg; as a hyena, you’re on all fours and you have to deal with that. But sometimes, you go up on a line or you forget your line.

And I remember in the song “Chow Down,” I forgot my line which goes, ‘My stomach’s on the growl, son. and it just came out as gibberish. (laughs) But you just have to keep going. 

Q: Have the production seen any changes since it came through Costa Mesa in 2017?

A: So that was before I came. But I believe in 2017 it was still this current set and of course, costumes change based on the new actors that come to the show. But there’s a sense of continuity over these past however many years.

So it’s likely that you’ve seen the same things. Disney is really good about that; trying to bring the same level of quality to each show that they put out,

Q: What advice would you have for aspiring actors, especially those that are interested in touring production?

A: I would say. if you love the craft of acting and performing, try to do that wherever you can. Whether that be reading scripts with friends in your apartment, studying the classics, watching performances and trying to learn something from them.

Whether that be things you enjoy or things that maybe you don’t enjoy and try to explore why you feel that way about those things. I believe when you pursue what you love, you land where you’re supposed to land.

Q: So how do you prepare for each performance as Banzai? Are there any rituals or anything fun that you do?

A: Well, I try to go to the gym five times a week because it’s such a physical role. So at some point I try to get to the gym and do cardio and some form of weight lifting. But also have certain artists I listen to; Chaka Khan is my favorite artist.

Beyonce is on heavy rotation because there’s something about her that’s so motivating and inspiring as a performer, and somebody that is sort of so aggressive in their energy, you know what I mean? So I love listening to them.

There’s certain podcasts I listen to but something to sort of bridge the gap between the time that I leave wherever I’m staying and the time that I arrive at the theater.

And then I also do the same thing on the way back from the theater, back to the hotel or wherever I’m staying. I sort of have a mind warm up and a mind cool down.

Q: So obviously with the Lion King, the motto Hakuna Matata carries throughout. But you’ve embodied the character of Banzai now for two years – what would you say Banzai’s personal motto would be?

A: That’s hilarious. Oh, that’s a good question. I haven’t thought about that. Let’s eat, let’s chow down. I could see that for sure. Yeah, that’s what’s always on his mind. Food. 

Q: Is there anything that you personally want for your audience to take home with them after seeing the show? 

A: Sure. The show is for everybody and there’s a reason that it’s timeless. I still find moments where I’m inspired to rediscover who I am. Where I rediscover my connection with my own ancestors. But also when you come to the show, you’re gonna see something that you have maybe never experienced before.

And if you’ve seen it before, you’re gonna experience it in a new way. I mean, “Circle of Life” is stunning alone. And I think that’s gonna be something that audiences will be able to carry with them for years.

I think it’s the same reason why you are still so excited about the show. You know, after seeing it back in 2017 – the costumes, the lighting, the songs are like nothing that you have ever seen and maybe will never see again. So come on out and enjoy it.

The Lion King

When: February 1-25, 2024

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

How much: Tickets start at $39

More info: scfta.org

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