Behind the Scenes in The Lion King's Puppet Shop

Adam Savage and the team at Tested go backstage at The Lion King during its run in San Francisco! We visit the musical's puppet shop, where puppet supervisor Michael Reilly walks us through the numerous intricate and varied puppets and masks used in the performance and shows us how they're maintained in his traveling workshop!
Learn more about The Lion King musical at: www.shnsf.com/
Shot and edited by Joey Fameli
Production coordinated by Kristen Lomasney
Music by Jinglepunks
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Adam Savage / donttrythis
Norman Chan / nchan
Simone Giertz / simonegiertz
Joey Fameli / joeyfameli
Adam Isaak / adamisaak
Kishore Hari / sciencequiche
Frank Ippolito / frankippolito
Sean Charlesworth / cworthdynamics
Jeremy Williams / jerware
Thanks for watching!

[@tested]

We love puppets. If you do too, here are some more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIDQlYSHeLudoKs

[@Phabrication]

Adam Savage’s Tested I

[@backpackdude1]

Could you ever find out how they did a particular scene where Timon jumps over the water and falls into the waterfall?

[@coolclara5511]

Wow, cool, i wish i could be in a lion king play someday, cuz that would be super awesome

[@SalmonUtensil]

I love it!

[@kingkasper4950]

I feel like the dude started off really skeptical but was pleasantly surprised and relaxed by Adam's knowledge. It's this kind of material that keeps me coming back!

[@michaelundas1212]

Same here

[@fe5018]

A few ppl have said that and I really don't see it. I think the guy seemed really open and generous and welcome from the outset, I didn't perceive any change.

[@mamoke]

more nervous, and once he got to talking about his subject he relaxed more into it. and he loosened up more.

[@new6082]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6qciYhqgcmleM0

[@zacharyoff6805]

Having been a performer doing these bits…. They usually happen at really early or inconvenient hours. He was likely still trying to wake up.

[@SignedDiamond]

Anyone else notice he seemed a bit reserved at first when Adam just started wanting to play with these beautiful puppets but gradually became brighter and brighter until finally grinning around the shop to the sewing machine. It was nice.

[@charlleedodson]

Dylan Gelinas It’s understandable that he was tense because if Adam breaks something, the puppet supervisor could be fired or docked pay.

[@SRfangirl]

I think he was able TO relax became he saw Adam knows what he’s doing.

[@jimc5096]

@@charlleedodson in my 40+ years of professional stage work I've never heard of a prop master or puppet supervisor getting fired for that because in order for the visit and the filming to happen, contracts must be signed by the producers (they who sign the pay checks) and the visitor. the craftsman is just doing what they are told to do. The down side for the ccraftsman is if the visitor breaks something they have to give up additional free time to make the repairs in time for the next performance.

[@fox10169]

Adam is probably one of the most genuine people I've ever seen. It's awesome to see someone, that's seen endless ammounts of creations, still be amazed, and curious by everything he see's

[@MuseofDiscord]

1:48 Adam: "Oh my god he's beautiful!" Other guy: "Yep"

[@blackngoldcuttlefish3390]

haha that was pretty much this whole video

[@new6082]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6qciYhqgcmleM0

[@_D_S_]

Just like Adam I thought the scar and Mufasa masks were controlled by actual body movement. can't imagine how long the actor's must've practised to make it look so organic

[@MedEighty]

Makes one appreciate why theatre tickets cost as much as they do.

[@townpiece2426]

MedEighty lol😂

[@PhilipPetrunak]

Ehh.. It's mostly because of rarity driving up the prices. The Book of Mormon costs over twice what this does, but the costuming is much, much simpler.

[@nola1439]

Illustrious you sound so pleasant. I've seen it and it's incredible. Why are you watching this if you hate this and don't even think it's a real """"show"""

[@foreverdead1248]

Then you're missing out, because the puppetry, music, and sets are absolutely stunning. I saw it once nearly ten years ago and I've been dying to see it again

[@LoriWolfcat]

MedEighty True, but ugh, it also has to deal with lighting, all the people that make all that, etc. I just wish everything could be cheaper. Like seriously! Why would lighting, material, etc. cost so much? I don't get why.

[@ThexDynastxQueen]

After 20 years I finally got to see the show and even as close as I was I didn't notice how the head piece of Scar moved. I honestly thought it was the actor just moving his head as it looked so natural. Amazing. Really wish Disney could give public tours so people can see the intricacies of the costumes close up.

[@joost199207]

Adam never ceases to interest me in things i didn't even know could be interesting (or even exist in some cases). His enthusiasm is infectious.

[@Smikay]

I love how Adam talks to people; this essentially was an interview but it was so natural it didn't feel like it at all. Very entertaining to watch, do more of these please :):) Edit: Just read some of the comments and noticed people were saying how this hit close to home because of their background; I'm not from a theater background at all (I haven't even been to a live performance) and this still resonated with me. Great to see videos that can pull you in like this

[@new6082]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6qciYhqgcmleM0

[@jimc5096]

Try a live show - especiall a major tour like Lion King. Wicked, Moulin Rouge the musical or Hamilton, and you will fall in love the the live stage - especially as you get to understand it more and more.

[@quietthomas]

It was so nice to see this kind of "shop talk"; a space and practice that is not traditionally masculine, but still so obviously technical, and crafted, and skilled, and industrial and all those other things - and to have it be treated as such. So nice!

[@KennieFitz]

I saw this show when I was somewhere around 10 years old with my grandparents. I was sitting in an aisle seat and about a third of the cast walked right beside me as the stage lights came up and the play began. It was incredible. Lion King kept me company through my chronic ear surgeries as a young child and seeing it unfold live in front of me, with such amazing puppetry, was something I will never forget. This video brought back some incredible memories of myself and my grandparents. Thank you.

[@TheInflicted]

I absolutely love the way Adam approaches these interviews with just the right amount of technical fluency that you can totally understand what they're saying yet you never feel like he's dumbing anything down. I wish television could be like this.

[@anitaheartkey6315]

When we saw it I actually started crying during The Circle of Life. It was absolutely stunning.

[@SunflowerSpotlight]

Ditto. And He Lives in You. I got to go with my Dad, and it was... really special. It was a touring company. I’d love to see it on Broadway one day, in all its glory!

[@rubylove8070]

Omg just saw this two days ago. And my mom cried during circle of life and I was crying during he lives in you. I’ve loved broadway and theater ever since I saw beauty and he beast musical and this was amazing to see since my aunt got second row seats!

[@Ava-tx8gz]

I’m going sometime this year, I’ve cried like a hundred times because I’m so excited and I can’t imagine how much I’ll cry at the show djfjfjdjfo

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

Hearing it in Zulu is stunning!! It truly gives you a tie to mighty Africa

[@taylorbritt499]

I'd love to see it someday. This, Wicked and Hamilton are my top three bucket list performances!

[@a9r9c]

Adam's so excited and also just so gentle with everything he's allowed to touch. After working with kids while being in theatre tech (and some adults as well), it's a nice change of pace to see someone being so careful.

[@randomgirll3123]

I've only ever seen ads for this show... I'm still in awe of all the puppets and costumes. 0_0 I thought it was hard to hide a mic pack... that's crazy.

[@_D_S_]

randomgirl L if you ever have a chance, definitely go see the show! It's amazing!

[@BLADEOF4]

randomgirl L one of the best live shows I've seen (twice now). It's fun to see where they actually hide the mics on the actors.

[@macrinafernandez7522]

randomgirl L i

[@jerrybell6212]

Kitty Buttcheeks Clone (

[@emmalovesdogs8988]

A very long time ago I saw this and it was breath takingly beautiful!

[@larshoeksema]

Please do more video's like this. This was amazing (coming from a theatre tech background myself (I know Adam worked there too) this is very close to heart).

[@two-face1041]

Lars Hoeksema same being a actor

[@lekoman]

I second this request! I also come from a tech theater background (in a previous life) and would love to see Adam do more like this. He asks the right questions!!

[@cynthiabrogan9215]

Lars Hoeksema I’ve always loved full body costumes. I’ve never put one on or even acted for a play, but I really want to.

[@brimcnair]

My grandma took my sister and I to Canada when I was in middle school to see this show. It’s so exciting to see behind the scenes footage of what blew me away so long ago.

[@JurassicCollectables]

This was truly amazing, big admiration for this guy and the whole puppetry team

[@Nasuto1702]

Holy crap, it JC! Im a big fan and sub of your channel!

[@new6082]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6qciYhqgcmleM0

[@sleepysteev2735]

The real "live-action" Lion King.

[@fever1]

yes I don’t even even consider the movie live action a real movie no emotion behind it

[@DisabledComics1995]

I still give props to the movie credit where credit is due but this right here 100% the real live action lion king

[@TheToodlesTeam]

Oh, to be in Adam's shoes! I could geek out over that stuff all day long. That Zazu puppet is gorgeous.

[@yuricorrea2491]

I just want to watch Adam discovering things. This was amazing.

[@abeck0793]

ok

[@DeaconTaylor]

wow. i didnt realise the scar head was so complex. when i saw the show last year i just assumed it was on a hinge and they lean forwards to change it. thanks for the video.

[@orihsenak]

I remember when I first heard about this show, twenty (!) years ago and I was puzzled and disgusted at what I thought was just a money grab. But then I saw a book of the concept art and puppets and my mind was changed. I was lucky enough to see the show a few years ago. it is amazing. Thank you, Tested for taking us backstage.

[@wikuswichura9642]

I am cynthia members of the lion king I am cynthia I love scar mask and the costume and the makeup artist and the of king scar wig of hemel the headpiece I love scar the mask 🎉

[@wikuswichura9642]

I am like scar I like to be actor I trying very harder be stages of the masks

[@wikuswichura9642]

Scarborough very beautifully scar mask in

[@Geeksmithing]

It is THESE features that keep me coming back to Tested. And Simone.

[@daanvdr6439]

Geeksmithing I

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

Geeksmithing, Simone Gjertz has her own channel you know

[@justliam2768]

Getting a "don't touch my stuff" vibe at 2:10

[@MeredithHagan]

I just saw Disney's Little Mermaid a few days ago, and while it featured some of the most extraordinary wirework I've ever seen on stage, I would shed blood to see the artistry of The Lion King.

[@B3_6]

Meredith Hagan I've seen the lion King twice now, just saw it last night and as well 12 years ago! It was and is sooooo goooood!

[@anne-mariekennedy1971]

Seen the Lion King last night at the Edinburgh Playhouse. The puppets were amazing. The costumes were awesome and the actors and actresses brought the animals to life it was incredible loved every minute of it. The cheetah was remarkable !

[@kristenwakefiej3137]

I have been looking that these puppets for YEARS absolutely astounded by the craftsmanship it takes to create such beautiful pieces. I'm planning to make a lion mask for Halloween this year, I'm so inspired by the Lion King props alone.

[@seasorablue]

I saw this show a bit ago and it was absolutely breathtaking. Seeing the behind the scenes makes it, if possible, even more astonishingly gorgeous.

[@immyc4417]

That is so incredible he deserves to take a bow after every show, there are so many people who you don’t realise are the reason the show can happen!

[@austinbowers2191]

When this show first came out, I never thought much of it.. but now I have a HUGE new appreciation for it.

[@thegalli]

Adam's energy is off the charts in this video. He really really does love props and shops.

[@that2amvagueexistentialdread]

I love how hype Adam is, it's really endearing

[@angelalandgraf3547]

After 9 years in theater I FINALLY got to see a Broadway show. It was The Lion King on tour. I cried I was so in awe. I will happily see this again. So beautiful to see things up close.

[@AyeshaShaSha]

This is incredible... about 15 years ago I got the chance to go backstage at the Lyceum theatre in London, saw a lot of the costumes but didn't get to have an in depth explanation of how each puppet/ costume mechanic works. I've always been into puppetry since I was a child, and The Lion King is my absolute favourite... so this is such a great video for me to watch! Thank you for taking us with you on this journey, it's incredible to see in detail!!!!

[@carlotemplo5281]

I remember going through a library book about the behind the scenes of The Lion King over and over and over again back in elementary and just being enthralled by the costumes and puppets.

[@ImCassy]

On my bucket list to see Lion King live. One day hopefully.

[@DaNiInAd89]

Hope you will the the show! It's such a beautiful musical!😍

[@hellofuzzy__]

Me too!

[@quinnhouk5369]

Fuzzy_kitty me three

[@pokelover66544]

I saw on Broadway in Colorado it was beautiful

[@KaossFPV]

Adam's curiosity is so inspiring :) he always wonders and gets amazed so much.

[@sburris65]

I have had the honor of seeing this show in NYC, London, and numerous shows all the country. The show still amazes me. It is truly a treat for all the senses. 16 shows later..I have yet to tire of the show. Julie Taylor is such a genius in how she brought this story to life.

[@swsephy]

Wonderful video. The headpieces look amazing.

[@billhollis1888]

Seeing this production at the Orpheum Theatre is still one of my best memories during a very dark time in life. Awesome to see the intricacies up close!

[@alexfiftyem]

When you see someone like Adam fucking Savage be so amazed you know that stuff is amazing af

[@nougatbitz]

Saw this like 10 years ago. The costume design is just timeless! I was really surprised how grown up the design was, how the show played with abstract and minimal sets, so efficiently and beautifully. I'm really not a musical guy but this show was really nice.

[@papaquonis]

I saw this show years ago in London. I've seen many shows in my time, but this was just spectacularly impressive. Highly recommended!

[@WiWillemijn]

the movements of scar and mufasa looked so smooth and natural in the musical

[@TheSchuetzeP]

Shop talks are best talks!

[@kaylapratley3]

I’m so impressed at the work that goes into big shows like this. And it’s so cool that he can run a whole “prop shop” outta those road boxes

[@mndlessdrwer]

It's always so exciting and enjoyable to watch someone so genuine experience something. Adam just never feels the need to curb his enthusiasm, and it is so infectious.

[@darter9000]

Adam is what makes Tested amazing

[@Otterpoptheotter]

I’ve seen this show twice and both times I was absolutely floored with the beauty of the puppets and the costumes and the music. Like it’s something I’ll never forget for as long as I live

[@bortiz_128]

I haven't seen such a genuine interview in such a long time like this one....they both truly love what they do.....Great interview!!

[@drhazimanm.hamdan3709]

A moment of silence as tribute to Osamu Tezuka and Kimba. Thank you for inspiring this.

[@RedNebulaStudios]

Thank you for this! I'm so glad I got to see this show live. There was a bit of a Pumbaa failure at our show too, his nose section came loose... but the actor was of course magnificent and kept it going regardless! I imagine that big guy must be a tricky one to keep working. I love the hyenas too, their build is incredible. The close ups of the masks in this video are worth it alone!

[@ZOOOKAGE]

Adam Savage looks fly and savage in that bomb ass jacket

[@allluckyseven]

Those are some nice drawers.... I mean, the masks (and omg, the bird!) are fantastic, but the drawers are so neat!

[@lekoman]

Road cases for complicated shows are an art unto themselves!

[@jessicaschneider1312]

I got to expierence this amazing show in Hamburg last year. It was a surprise birthday gift, i've wanted to see it for ages. My mum booked me a seat right at the walkway thing where the actors walk in in their costumes. All the hyenas, elefants, lions walking past me was absolutely breathtaking. I had waited so long for that moment and it honestly made me really emotional.

[@leebarberie208]

his delighted responses whenever he guesses what something's made of and they say "actually it's made of..."

[@CherylLoke]

I love Adams's enthusiasm to everything. Like the way he is so interested in the process just gives me joy!!

[@phelpstylerb]

This was nostalgic watching this. I was a local stage hand up in Sacramento back in the early 2000's. I remember helping putting the elephant together and watch them walk it down the aisles.

[@charlleedodson]

Tyler Phelps I just finished a summer at music circus. Were you at the convention center?

[@1218Draco]

I expected Adam to put on the giraffe head, turn to the camera & say, "We are from France!"

[@Schpoople]

I was so lucky to see this in 4th grade during my field trip to NYC awhile ago. I will never forget it and I will always want to see it again. It's even more impressive seeing how much goes into the puppets alone.

[@wormboy1161]

I am working for the company that makes these props for the Lion King right now and it is a huge undertaking! The amount of hand made materials that go into a single Simba mask (my current assignment) alone is incredible. Hand cut, sewn, assembled, and painted.

[@loskerry2675]

I love this man, he is so genuine about his amazment for the props

[@GrassyCass]

I watched this video before ever seeing the musical. My husband and I just saw it for the first time this past weekend and it made it that much more incredible having watched this.

[@judymaggs4354]

Amazing - I saw it twice when it first opened! I love Adam's genuine excitement over every detail, and all the "How did you do that?" questions!!!

[@comprehendeth92]

I am in awe. I also find the enthusiasm infectious.

[@Guitarsoulmadness]

People like Michael deserves so much respect. The great forgottens in this type of shows. Love the video.

[@Alex-mp4kl]

I saw this show in Tampa last winter. It was just incredible. The puppeteers were phenomenal

[@culturenomad]

This is one of the most satisfying tested video. The invaluable insights from Michael Reilley are priceless. Good job tested!!!

[@danielmorgan104dm]

Just saw this in london on saturday. was really good

[@LadySamurai88]

I'm seriously amazed! How beautiful it all is and how difficult it is to operate all the characters!

[@florelantsoght7607]

I love how much the intervieuwer knows and how he can really ask detailed questions. Love it!! 😍😍

[@Africa-ky1bg]

OMG...💞 THIS is what I have been wondering about - ever since I saw The Lion King at the Theatre ... EXACTLY HOW did they do that ?!!! All the EXQUISITE visual artistic textures, African tribal patterns, mudcloth, heading & cowrie, ostrich feathers, animal movements with humans puppeteering it all. MAGNIFICIENT ! Encore !

[@BoulianneMartin]

thank you Adam for sharing this...

[@OldBoley]

This is wonderful. So much work. Beautiful art. I count my blessings I have seen this show 3 times in 3 capital cities around the world: New York, Paris and Dublin. And I cried every time.

[@jubbine]

I was lucky enough to see this on Broadway during a school trip to NYC. That was years ago and I'm still not over how awesome the whole production was. The giraffes were especially impressive to me, it's really cool to hear about them from a technical standpoint.

[@ellyjett]

Just watched them preform in New Orleans and the puppetry was beautiful! Wonderful to see how the actors interacted with their costumes and puppets.

[@StaxRail]

Saw it a few years ago at London, I can heartily recommend it! the costumes and acting a so good, only a proper visit can convey it's magic!

[@jeancrochets]

I was wondering about all the puppetry when watching the show, so I'm incredibly thankful for this video. I appreciate the musical so much more now.

[@anthonyhall9453]

Of all the broadway shows I wanted to tour backstage, Lion King is it. Thank you Adam for this informative and absolutely intriguing access.

[@annek1226]

There are no words to convey the genius of this production!

[@jordangrant4252]

*The little voice in Adam's head* Make them. Make them all!

[@vamppanic]

god i love this im so interested in every aspect of the stage and it’s so amazing to see these legendary costumes up close

[@uryuu300]

I saw this on Broadway in either '12 or '14, and I was blown away by the intricate costumes and puppets. Seeing them up close though! That is something else! I kinda want to see the show again.

[@Socalnik66]

Thanks Adam for creating these behind the scene videos. We all love them. Please keep making them.

[@techwisehd4291]

Please do more like this !!!

[@treyweger]

I’m going to see it tomorrow! I’m so excited

[@RubenD85]

AMAZING video, really shows you how all the intricate parts that goes intone puppets for the show.

[@dcpunk4]

This is the best sort of Tested video. Love it.

[@morgangobin9985]

Seeing this behind the scenes stuff is like a dream come true. I was obsessed with this musical when I was little and always wanted to know how all the masks and puppets worked. I finally have my answers! 😃

[@diekedrake]

The Scar and Mufasa masks have 2 expressions. Look at their asymmetry. Beautiful.

[@BM-yy8db]

Absolutely fascinating!

[@jimc5096]

I'm a retired stage hand that did mostly electrics, sfx, and animation - you guys made me miss it even more than I already do. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!

[@Lindastyle]

I love this man. Wish I had found these clips earlier! He asks the perfect questions, and I love his excitement 😍

[@niklaseriksson3343]

Man I would love to see that show someday. All the props are absolutley fantastic.

[@technoandrew]

Absolutely fantastic.

[@rebeccagibbs4128]

LOL at Adam saying "WHAT" and "CAN I SEE 'Em" at 4:02 when they mention the motors in Scar and Mufasa's motors

[@BandanaDrummer95]

I had been intrigued by the Lion King masks to find a solution to Adam's issues with his No-Face, but could never figure out how they had gotten the articulation. This demonstration of how the stage puppetry is accomplished is amazing, and I would love to see Adam conduct more interviews like this in the future.

[@dennissmithjr.5370]

Great video Adam, thanks for sharing.