CIRCLE OF LIFE | First Rehearsal Performance | LION KING - Musical Theatre Coach Reacts

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Video Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:45 Reaction
7:05 Breakdown & Analysis
In this video Musical Theatre Coach Marc Daniel Patrick discusses Circle Of Life, first rehearsal performance from the West End Production of Disney's The Lion King.

[@Phelie315]

I think everyone who has ever been into live theatre, professionally or not, knows the magic of that one moment when the choir first comes together and all the harmonies just hit. And so we all understand the magic of that moment when you haven't been allowed to experience it for 16 months and then you return with an iconic song like this ... absolute chills.

[@theterrible_singer91string52]

Agree I did my senior musical and we got to perform at the cappies at the Kennedy center and it’s always been my dream to be on stage abd I swear I blacked out it happens so fast and the addernaline after and then winning it was the best moment ! Definitely have to agree!!

[@Caitio22]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@imalilpirate]

I appreciate you - on a spiritual level - for not interrupting the first listen through.

[@firewheels90]

Same.

[@59771006]

This performance shows you why The Lion King is the highest-grossing Broadway show of all time it’s just perfection I’ve seen it twice and I absolutely loved it

[@clairemurphy4563]

I was there with them for every single note. Absolutely sobbing 😭

[@buddawg88]

If you’ve never been able to see this live, it is so powerful, so moving and so indescribable. With them all in costume, moving through the audience on all floor levels signing. The call and response across the theater, yet still fills every ounce of the theater with sound. Its so immersive, if listening to it here didn’t make you choke up you will live. Ive seen it 6 times now. Will ALWAYS go see it when its in town. If you haven’t…. Trust me, Go!

[@africanslivingabroad6222]

Just amazing. South Africans are vocally gifted. Their country should invest more in theatre because they know how to tell a story. Who remembers Sarafina?

[@sarahbusch4300]

This video depicts something so special and can probably represent how most Broadway actors feel at this time. For over a year their livelihood and craft was stolen from them. I can just imagine how it must feel to be one of those people who finally gets to reunite with their cast and prepare to perform again. Of course this particular piece of music is so majestic that you can’t listen without chills.

[@ulrikaandersson1463]

They probably feel the same in Broadway, but just to clarify this is from West End and not Broadway.

[@mikezey1405]

@@ulrikaandersson1463 tell em

[@Sia_Meleni]

We as South Africans we are known for our Singing we are probably the best Country in Africa that can bring the message and full emotion and meaning to a song. This record will live for many years to come after we have departed this Beautiful land we call Earth.

[@TheWiseGrif]

My breath caught when she started, but i got full body chills and started weeping at the "sithi uhm" harmony, it shot straight to my core

[@dearinsomniadontletthebedb9237]

What does sithi uhm mean?

[@august1837]

I can’t imagine how it must have felt to be in the room that day. Hands down one of my favorite numbers ever, whether it’s this or the movie version. I can’t listen to it without breaking down

[@johnwisniewski8712]

The small intimate room..filled to the brim with the cast…I can only imagine what that room sounded like …I mean the intangible emotive quality that one receives when being present to live music. I don’t know if I’m able to get it fully across …this is just effing amazing!!! 😂😂😂

[@ES-pc8kf]

Now I understand one of the reasons why I love musical theater. The people performing actually love what they do and are giving praise every time they sing.💜❤️💜❤️💜❤️

[@danski2260]

First note and the tears started flowing. That is the sign of an amazing performance

[@adrianaavila8853]

I know agreed!!

[@debbihobson6954]

Literally ugly crying in my kitchen. I’m a theatre professional in nyc and the joy, release, and emotion behind this is beyond powerful. I’m envious of the first audience that will sit in the midst of the Circle of Life for their first performance back. It will be overwhelming. 💖

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

💕

[@Bakerboy1958]

Why do I sob when this starts? I was able to take my granddaughter to see the show 3 years ago and this is just as beautiful now as it was then. Thank you.

[@luxlifelondon]

Three years on from the start of the pandemic and this video still makes me cry so much every time I see it. The first show I went to see when everything 'opened up' again, was Les Mis. We've seen it dozens of times, but I took my mum, and as soon as the orchestra started playing we both instantly stared balling our eyes out because we just couldn't believe that we were in a theatre again a whole year since the pandemic had begun! So many emotions. I saw The Lion King again shortly after, and had the same reaction all over again!

[@KKLT228]

This is simply beautiful. Never worry about being emotional. We are right there with you. Thank you Marc!

[@perrydianaj83]

Let's all share a 16 minute happy cry fest. I'm down.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

😂

[@michaelcatania4955]

I shed some tears it was beautiful just beautiful and the talent was just amazing I love it

[@joannaglasby2596]

The way the music just swelled like a wave it hits you right in the gut

[@maryblakley3590]

I feel this video so much, and sobbed while watching it. I am a choir nerd through and through, and it has been heartbreaking to not have that community of song. Videos like this remind me that there is hope, and that things are getting better.

[@MissSunflower242]

This moment brings me back to the chills I felt during the live rehearsal performance of "This Is Me" for Greatest Showman. I was literally sitting in my local library crying like my heart was torn in half. My mom surprised me with 7th row, aisle seats for the Lion King on Broadway and I cried myself to sleep. Since I was 5yrs old, it will forever be my ALL TIME favorite film, movie adaptation, Broadway show, soundtrack, life-lesson story, spiritual connection. 23yrs, It's still everything. Don't come for me, it's just fact. Thnx Mark for honoring this cast and this moment. My gawd I got snot bubbles n all! 🦁👑👏🏽

[@adrianaavila8853]

Yess that rehearsal performance was a blessing to listen to as well. Love both this one and that one you mentioned.

[@uploadvideos7048]

That chanting from one of the singers just wants us to appreciate life and not to take things for granted. Our spiritual journey is always upon us. Let deal with our spiritual path in a positive way.

[@Kasey.Walker]

I've seen this in London and it gets me in the emotions every single time. I am in tears just with circle of life and it just keeps going through the whole show.

[@fattysl26]

This is one of the only shows where price wasn't an issue. I made sure I was fron and centre and I was transfixed from the first moment.

[@Kasey.Walker]

@@fattysl26 I was sat towards the back of the stalls and got to see the full procession of animals, so cool!

[@user-j_2thaLOmaps]

Crying my heart out while listening to the song 😭 A very touching moment. Oh, how I miss watching productions as special as this live. ❤️

[@AnnaP-uh3mc]

Whole comments section is people over the world bawling their eyes out together watching this ❤️😭

[@bonniemarter4851]

Her voice ringing out so clearly and beautifully, even through her tears...the clear love and support from the cast...the talent and skill that seems to have taken us back in time. I could not hold back my emotions. We go to see the Lion King every time it's in Indianapolis, no matter the cast (or cost). It's intimate for me, personal even. This is such a special version of circle of life. Not to mention the words of the song and the greater meaning! Thank you for sharing and your commentary was, once again, so valuable. And spot on, in my opinion. 👏👏🙌🙌

[@Annaishness]

I love the interplay with the two male singers and the lead.... it's just so amazing. It's been so very long since i've seen lion king in person and i cant wait until it tours again. will be a must see for certain

[@robertofont6069]

Marc, this is a powerful segment and your reaction to it only enhances it...for me. Truth be told, i could sense exactly what your comments would be through your emotions. WOW! I loved your introduction and equally appreciated that you let the entire video play before commenting. I had seen THE LION KING twice on Broadway and I am always moved to tears and your video had the same impact. Rafiki and the chorus were engaged (vocally, spiritually) in what seemed to be a dialogue where there was a deep connection with not only the story of The Lion King but the story/journey/survival of the cast finally being able to be reunited again. It was raw, genuine and beautiful. Marc, I hope you're fine with me continuing to request a video of yourself. It's just that I am a major fan of yours. In the meantime, would you consider doing a piece on "Anthem" from the musical CHESS? In addition to "If I Can't Love Her" "Anthem" is another favorite male solo of mine. Thank you, Marc!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

You know I LIVE for your comments Roberto. The connection they all have in that room is something we'll never understand, but can truly appreciate, I agree. 🙏🙌

[@OOceaneyess]

I saw 3 live performances. I was awestruck and in tears each time!!

[@Kim_yulanhua]

I've never watched a musical on my life, in front of me, but, "The Lion King" it's my favorite ever, and, when I saw this rehearsal, I cried together with the singers. This is so bealtiful, I really love this.

[@doniellealexander6646]

It's good to know I am not the only one that cries through that song. I listen to it at least once a day. So powerful.....

[@julianlee4803]

So touching!! I really hope The Lion King returns to Australia one day. In Sydney where I am we’ve had theatre back on and off since November last year. Post COVID starting we’ve had Frozen and Hamilton which both are FANTASTIC!!

[@samuelblachon95130]

You're so lucky 😭

[@samuelblachon95130]

I want Hamilton in paris one day

[@ICE71785]

I'm always touched by this song. Not only that it is my favorite piece when I was a member of our university choir but also because, modern ethnic songs brings out the unique beauty of african culture, even the language and message used in adlibs adds to the already amazing lyrics, I have not even mentioned the technical and musicality present on every performers

[@albeefinejr518]

OMG. I'm crying too. Happy to have tickets for the first week back. =)

[@Aventura459]

This was my first live musical....I was maybe 6 or 7 when I first saw it with my grandparents. It's been about 20 years and I still cry every time the animals come down the aisles during this number.

[@PunofHarts]

I am only a watcher not a performer of live theater and I wept when I first saw this. I can only imagine what it is like for actual performers. For two years to not have that feeling, that joy and finally get it back. It is a lot

[@Sparklegirl79]

There are a handful of shows that can make me cry in the first number, and Lion King is one of them. It's pure theatre magic. The first time I saw it live, I was sobbing, and this, as one of those performing arts people whose job vanished over a weekend, this video hit me right in ALL the feels. (Come From Away is the most recent show I've seen that makes me cry within the first number, but that's for different reasons)

[@carriew5106]

I honestly have no idea how anyone could watch this without crying. I started welling up from the first bar. I was lucky to have this sent to me a few mins after it was posted by What's on Stage and and I immediately started sharing as soon as I had listened. It made it straight onto my music motivation playlist. It's always been an emotive song, and a cast with incredible comradare. But the joy every single person shows throughout this. Speechless.

[@DianaDoesDisney]

This song gets me every single solitary time in all versions. When I saw the original Lion King in the movie theaters I cried and every time I’ve seen it on Broadway (5 times and counting) I sit in awe of the cast and I’m covered in goosebumps. I'm certain by this point we've all see the viral video of the NYC cast on the subway performing the rendition of "Circle of Life" I’ve told my sons a zillions times (because I say it every time we watch it) I would be an absolute puddle of emotion and a sobbing mess had I been lucky enough to be on that train that day. Live theater is so so important but musical theater…it’s critical. This song, these actors and their passion for what they are doing will never ever not move me. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@firewheels90]

This song. This show. This video. What you offer, Marc. Is Community. Is Humanity. Yes, I'm speaking/typing chopped up. It's what it is. This is symbolic of what we've gone through together, and what we will go back to, and what we can do when we are together. Thank you for sharing, Marc. And especially to the cast of The Lion King. And all of our professional performers!

[@natasjaolsen637]

It was like looking in a mirror 🥲 I have never been able to hear this song without crying 😭 And when I saw it on stage for the first time, I was balling my eyes out, I actually hulked 😭😅 The just is some real magic sorounding this song 🔮💖

[@aileenbell6750]

A perfect example of the unique joys of rehearsal, where a particular kind of magic can happen. ❤️

[@robynb2162]

Love that you shared this, aside from the extremely talented artists, it’s speaks volumes. I have just been to see my first West End show for what feels like eternity. Pure emotional joy from the audience and the cast! It is fantastic to have artists back performing. Welcome back, we missed you so very much ..

[@uploadvideos7048]

Thanks for your wonderful review of such emotional and inspiring content of as you rightly said iconic song. I was rightly emotional. Couldn’t stop crying. What a blessing. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@suhseal]

I love when Marc cries.... and not in sadistic way. :D

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Bahaha.

[@Merlinrocke]

I had goose bumps through this whole song. The hairs on my arm are still standing. Such an amazing performance

[@MDev1997]

The Lion King was my first ever Broadway show when I was 4 years old. This show is so meaningful to me since it REALLY got me into musical theatre, so watching this video made me SUPER emotional and excited to see the theatre community coming together in person again FINALLY

[@Taay74]

It's so beautiful, I'm still crying

[@rorythenerd]

There's very few people who can really play Rafiki, just to hit that first note is incredible! and the emotion behind it is just stunning! I'm crying too! The whole cast is awesome! The pure weight of history, of passion, of culture behind this song and the voices, its so emotive! It evokes an overwhelming feeling in me every time I hear it performed.

[@leoforpresident00]

This song brings back the many memories that I saw Lion King live. It's so magical every single time. I love this! Great video!

[@phoenixwing5133]

I was crying right along with you. I always cry when I listen to this song.

[@madelinewoodard319]

I had the same reaction watching this. I recently was in the audience of Festival of The Lion King at Disney World and wept through it, and was so thrilled recognizing returning cast members and not even being able to imagine what they have gone through not being able to share their art, their magic for oh so long.

[@hs489242]

You can hear the love, the excitement, the passion they have #1 to be back performing, #2 to be performing this number.

[@sarahcorder2329]

Every time I see this video I cry like a baby , I grow up to the Lion King movie , one of my favorite movies , even this song is my favorite... I even decided to play this song , and pick up my puppy at the time she was just little baby act like she was the little lion on the mountain , in the movie , held her just like that

[@jessicaballengee8684]

Watched the lion King with my son the other day (the original) and I literally sobbed the entire intro. There is just something about that song. Its so powerful!

[@valarya]

Love how much you love it, Marc. Crying right along w/ you :3

[@LondonHasFallin]

Sent chills down my body multiple times. 🥲🙌🏽

[@philrob1978]

I'm way late too to this, but that was utterly magical. Just... wow. The lead lady, she collapses with joy at one point, it's beautiful. - hugely powerful. HUGELY powerful. And bless you too, I hope you're doing OK now my friend. :)

[@kathleenzaser8609]

Marc never be afraid to show love it. Great to see musical theater back.

[@yvonnemaistry9239]

Proudly 🇿🇦 South African. ❤️❤️❤️

[@staceynorman8445]

Considering I've recently seen the tour that's just been in New Zealand. This is amazing. This opening number is amazing..

[@chastitysmith9036]

best play I've ever seen. I cried also...very powerful when your surrounded by this beautiful music. We sat in 3rd row from the stage. Took my 8 yr old neice to see this in 2002 and she still talks about it!!! to the singers, all I can say is beautiful!!!

[@NeverendingBlonde]

The whole song was sending shivers through my body. It’s so good!

[@nicolecordova4071]

This shows the human resiliency of us all. This gave me chills and tears. Returning to life, the circle of life.

[@Capt_Potato]

I have never been to a musical but I can admit because of the videos you post. I have fallen in love with it and want to see them all. I hope I get to see all of them soon. Love your vids so much and I LOVE the emotions you let out

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Get yourself to a live show sometime! You wont regret it, I promise.

[@karinfuire8450]

Not a long ass video...when compared to the 16 months these artists have been waiting to come back to doing what they love. Thank you for sharing this "coming together". Seeing the emotion of "being back" throughout the cast was both heart-wrenching and heart-warming.

[@hedyschiff5219]

This is the West End cast. Have you seen the video from the Broadway cast? It will also make you cry.

[@annek1226]

If you have not seen Lion King live and in person, I encourage you to do so! I fell in love with it from the beginning on all levels! The talent is unbelievable! The costumes are like nothing ever before! The designer was genius! The night of the awards that year I was a ball of mush as I watched that performance and with every award theater got that night. On another note, there is a clip on UTube of a group of cast members who are all on the same car together and burst into song on the subway! I was so jealous of the other rider! Go watch.

[@pinkstarlightchaos3076]

I just starting crying 😅😅😅 it touched my soul fr

[@alliyahdenei31]

It’s so beautiful seeing how much you enjoy this ❤

[@jacobmatsunaga6524]

Never be afraid to cry for your passion!

[@Kayla_w_l]

This reaction was beautiful....that was every one of us as we watched this for the first time! Awesome technical breakdown as well. :)

[@janicedereese2682]

It's so special and moving seeing their and your passion for the arts. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@bostoncousin1994]

There's so much joy in that room!!

[@tiffanyi5645]

I saw this live once in 2011 and it was a spiritual experience, I cried and cried lol

[@jimesawiggins9425]

Every time I watch this I cry. I just want to hug all of them.

[@julieb3432]

I've watched this video at least ten times and full-on ugly cry every time. Wiping away tears with you.

[@kenn22]

first time watching and i do not know when i started crying💗

[@windycitydreaming]

I specifically hadn't watched the video because I was not ready for the emotional part of it. It's a beautiful thing, though. Anyone bothered by your being moved (or not moved themselves) can suck it, lol. Theater is back and that's a wonderful thing.

[@mariasm3217]

Hands down you do the best réactions...your love for art rubs off ❤️❤️❤️thank you for sharing your gift.

[@heatherramsay5950]

I want to kiss away your tears marc...beautiful man xx

[@lesegonyoni4378]

Can I just acknowledge my people of South Africa 🇿🇦

[@larissabeckman7530]

I went to the re-opening day and it was perfect!!!

[@patriciapellegrini3548]

That must have been magical!

[@lynnzajicek]

What a magical dream that must have been!

[@dianarichards8884]

This was my first theater experience at the Pantages and I loved it so much. I cried and laughed and I can't wait to go back to Pantages to see more shows. It's been a long time ago when I sow the lion king. (Years)

[@shawnswag5145]

This is so beautiful and touches me on a level that I can’t explain, as someone who has done theatre this is a feeling that we know but can’t explain

[@ericdudley4169]

Thank you for this, and for your passion.

[@lalatianaangele8419]

Just amazing and make me chills

[@donburks4464]

awesome you feel their passion and meaning as they bring this

[@kurosawa3002]

Beautiful video and such a wonderful reaction. Pitch perfect on all counts and so much love on display in this rehearsal space and in your reaction. Thank you.

[@JaCaraKM]

Absolutely beautiful and emotional!

[@michelewilson2439]

This brought me to tears. So beautiful.

[@claudio5804]

This hits home. Beautiful. Cried all through it, repeatedly. Thank you, Marc.

[@xbubblehead]

That was stunning!

[@amarshlain9788]

Such talent, such power, such love, we welcome them back. Thank you.

[@christicrenshaw2772]

Beautiful. Loved it

[@amfwelsh]

Not ashamed to say me a 47 yr old guy shed a tear. I could feel that emotion in the return of some sort of normal

[@jacewelker7907]

OMG I'm in tears

[@lashae8762]

They will be in Austin TX in October, Then Memphis TN, in Nov. I get to go watch it a second time. I'm so excited, this will be the first Broadway play touring that they have been to see.

[@rebeccatrumbo9509]

Tears. 💕It’s just so much.