“Lion King” Cast/Crew give Q&A at ICC
Loyd Kirby, Arts at ICC curator (far left), with members of The Lion King / PHOTO: Wes Brooks
October 20th, 2018 – East Peoria, IL – “Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba Sithi uhm ingonyama” is the beginning chant of the song “Circle of Life” by Elton John and Tim Rice, which, if translated from Zulu to English, means, “They say the lion is calling Dad, Say uhm a lion.” This is just one of the songs of many that is performed by the cast and crew of the The Lion King Broadway Musical. 6 members of the 114 traveling entourage stopped by the Performing Arts Center at ICC in East Peoria on Wed., Oct. 10th for a Q&A forum with ICC’s students.
These extraordinary artists of their craft were filled with insight, life lessons, wittiness, and guidance. The panel consisted of Kim Shaw (Tour Company Manager), June Abernathy (Front Light Operator), Ben Lipitz (Pumbaa), Eric Bean Jr. (Ensemble Dancer), Courtney Thomas (Ensemble Dancer), Michael T. Brown (Bassist), and Robert Tye (Guitarist). Students asked questions such as “how does it feel to always be on the road?” Bassist Michael T. Brown answered that you have to have an adventurous spirit; you will have to make adjustments being in hotels. He continued and said, “the flipside is that I’m always on vacation; you know, I’m on a perpetual vacation.”
The panel gave advice on how to maintain a good work relationship with employers and co-workers. Eric Bean Jr., a dancer from Las Vegas, originally from Bermuda, stated how: even though employers may have many choices to choose from for employment, know your worth and don’t let someone take advantage of you. Company manager Kim Shaw summed up a work ethic that all potential actors, dancers, vocalists, performers, etc., should have, and that is kindness. She stated that an employer would prefer to work with an employee with less talent but with a good attitude than someone that has great talent and a bad attitude.
Towards the end of this enlightening discussion, the cast and crew came off stage and mingled with the students. They took pictures, asked about their studies and current projects. The Lion King is an inspirational story that the world has cherished for almost 20 years. The personalities of each of the members that came to ICC reflects its life and character. VIDEO BELOW
By Wil Baker | Video by Wes Brooks
Other videos:
- Dancer, Eric Bean Jr. Interview
- Bassist, Michael T. Brown Interview
- Q&A will be uploaded soon