"The Circle of Life" - The Lion King on Broadway Cast

[@nicolelawrence7722]

I'm glad I'm not the only one over here crying over this. THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL!

[@wickedwood04]

You are in good company. Tissues all around.

[@virginiatyree6705]

Same; brought to tears. v

[@caram227]

It’s playing here in Chicago and I was debating taking my kids. After this I was like oh man I’m gonna be full on crying in the theater, aren’t I?

[@wickedwood04]

@@caram227 you should take them. My parents took my when I was in elementary school and loved it.

[@virginiatyree6705]

@@caram227 , I'd be surprised if you didn't take your children to see the play! The puppetry is simply amazing. I got so lost in it, I saw only animals & not the actors. If your children love Sesame Street & COOKIES, they'll love the play. v

[@dvyneentertainmentonline1835]

By far, one of THE BEST closing segments of any show in television history. Just the type of positive energy and good natured spirit we need at this time.

[@ellenpearljackson5219]

Amen

[@ser9656]

How lucky to be in that audience.

[@shivverma3236]

the amount of passion in the performers is insane and worth treasuring truly a cast of people in love with what they do

[@drbettyschueler3235]

I cried like a baby watching this. I often despair for this world with all its hatred, violence, and destruction. Then, I see something like this, that is so incredibly creative and marvelous it takes my breath away. It gives me hope that one day people will learn to live together in harmony with each other and Nature.

[@rhiannonhutchinson6186]

I had a similar reaction. I'm honestly not a fan of the human race, and I don't think we've earned our place on this planet. But I had an epiphany watching this...because this soaring creativity, graceful dance, and heartbreakingly beautiful music showed me that with all our flaws, all our sickness....WE CAN ALSO DO THIS. We can create sublime, transcendent art. Which makes us a species well worth saving. We just have to find the way to live in this kind of beauty and health instead of choosing madness, selfishness, and destruction.

[@jagarfi]

i cried a lot too and agree 100%

[@kortis18]

@@rhiannonhutchinson6186 this comment right there. Wow! Just wow

[@mscdilly51]

@@rhiannonhutchinson6186 'Not a fan of the human race'....DEEP! 👍🏾

[@jordandavis2110]

Jordan Davis 19 Will Together Hope

[@andrewstelmack9445]

I had four wonderful life-changing years doing this show and got to hear Tsidi do this nightly for three of them. Doing THE LION KING was a gift that has given since, in so many ways. Proud to be a part of those actors from across the world who had the privilege to do it and be part of the magic in one of the greatest theatrical shows of all time.'

[@tiffanyanderson9437]

Thank you for helping make the world a better place. Not to get too woo-woo, but your spirit & energy has to be permanently raised from being on the show for 4 years! Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@vanessawhitneypro]

It's SO beautiful! Thanks for sharing your talent & gifts with the world!

[@tiararoxeanne1318]

The show is legendary! Congrats for the wonderful work👍

[@lauralab7032]

Thank you !!

[@lang-ed3bk]

It has that WOW factor

[@TheCebulon]

What a phantastic performance. Stephen looks so unreal with his suit between all the performers.

[@esobed1]

They made another reality on that stage.

[@sammybradley2783]

Haha 😂

[@Sharkbyte6000]

I got chills when she hit the high notes. Amazing 👏 🦁 👑

[@fareenhassan3116]

At 1st I thought I'd hate it... Then waited 20 seconds then 30... Before I knew it, I was in tears. This song and meaning is so moving even in the cartoon, (which Disney did it best), it makes me weep all these years later. Lion King has always had my Heart. Thank you for making this stage show heart felt as possible. Standing Ovation deserved!!! Salaam and Much love from Northern Cali. 🤲🙏😇😭💗

[@Inamichan]

I’ve seen it live years ago. It’s amazing. I highly recommend seeing it.

[@Code_Geel]

I had the same problem

[@floridagirl4407]

I saw the Lion King show at Disney or somewhere. I thought the same exact thing, that I would hate it (and I love a good musical)... but even that, was incredible!

[@virginiatyree6705]

Same; I was in tears. Not a big fan of musicals. However, this play is just fantastic with the costumes/music & the puppetry is OFF the charts. v

[@sephefox]

Me too! Never seen the movie, didn't think I cared a fig about the Lion King, and yet here I am crying by the time the elephant came in.

[@beolacarter6244]

That song is so beautiful!❤

[@sngray11]

I saw that musical over a decade ago. The costumes and set design are incredible… and who doesn’t love the original The Lion King movie?! 💗

[@rosie5046]

oh gosh this made me realize its been about a decade since ive seen the show on stage

[@MSK-jd5fi]

I ugly cried in the theater when we saw this on Broadway. Now even a video has me reaching for the tissues. It’s the majesty of it. The power of the voices and the total commitment of the dancers to their craft. Gets me every time

[@wickedwood04]

I have seen this twice when it has been in local towns around me and it has moved me to tears both times. If you have a chance to see this then go see it. The cast and show are the best to ever do what they do in my opinion. Even of your a person that's not into musicals go.

[@floridagirl4407]

I agree. I saw the Lion King show at Disney or somewhere. I thought it would be horrible... but even that, was incredible!

[@bethhawks8678]

My mom and I went when it was near us a few years ago. At the end of this song, I said to her, "If we left now, we would still have gotten our money's worth." It's astounding how good that show is.

[@irenemacias7423]

I hope I can go see it before it goes off Broadway or where ever it is they are playing 💗💗💗💗💗

[@EMD1594]

This five-minute segment had more emotion than the entire 2019 remake, felt myself tearing up near the end

[@LadyRed5858]

Watching this at work in tears ! Years later still as moving and uplifting and now truly hits home as adult !! Circle of Life !!

[@kikivolauvent1]

That was mindblowing - the costumes, the energy, quality and props - gosh, this is unreal…

[@vivianamora7505]

I saw this live on Broadway and immediately cried 😢❤so beautiful

[@virginiatyree6705]

Same; cried.

[@hockey4lifeish]

If you ever get the chance to see this performed live in-person then you need to drop everything and go see it. It is absolutely incredible. As good as it is on here it's still not done it's full justice.

[@justinevalka7644]

I saw the show in September and nothing compares to the awe I felt when the actors emerged through the audience - especially the ones operating the big animals. It was amazing!

[@kathleenscullion8348]

THE choice for night before election to offer this spiritual feast. I wept every time I saw this opening triumph while working in the theater in New York. My friend was the company manager. I ran into the theater for the lift of the opening number. Thank you. Once again,Colbert teaches,entertains and restores hope.

[@EvaLou42]

Shout out to who ever does the sound for the Stephen Colbert show. Whenever Broadway shows come to sing there… they sound so unbelievably balanced and incredible. It’s actually mine blowing.

[@bagofgroceries]

Might just be the natural acoustics of the Ed Sullivan

[@elifdurmus8243]

I had goosebumps throughout, couldn't stop smiling with my whole body and tearing up!! Thank you!!!

[@meganh7526]

It’s hard for me to hear the first few phrases of this song without tearing up. I’m a huge fan of Lindiwe Mkhize who performed with some of the touring casts including the performance I saw over 10 years ago (and I believe on the remake soundtrack), but Tshidi Manye is phenomenal as well. There is just something so deeply moving and resonant about Rafiki’s songs and I think it takes a very special performer who can capture that.

[@CoaTravelNut]

Tshidi has been with the Broadway company since it’s opening in 1997!

[@kimvogel2963]

We saw it in September in London with Gugwana Dlamini playing Rafiki. She was amazing.

[@lisahbobisa]

This song never fails to give me good chills. Every time. So meaningful and moving.

[@tiffanyannhowe1712]

What a treat!! I was blessed with front row tickets several years ago. I cried and CRIED through the opening song. It’s so powerful through these voices!! I’m getting chills listening right now! A brilliant share. Thank you! 🖤

[@Ribberflavenous]

Wow, what a performance, particularly given the constraints of a staging area that was not really suited for such a huge display. The logistics of just keeping everything flowing and collisions from happening had to be daunting. That technical display tickled the engineer in me, but the music was even better. Wish I had the money and time to head to NY and see it on stage. 👍

[@cocktailgame6237]

I just watched the show on West End London last night, hands down the most amazing, beautiful and emotional musical ever. And the fact that they are able to recreate that for a show like this and award shows is absolutely insane!

[@rocknroll20024]

I have seen this show 3 times and I swear. The opening still gets me search a wonderful musical

[@QuinnCloudz]

I remember the first time I saw The Lion King, I wept because it was so visually overwhelming & beautiful. Watching this video brought that memory back vividly.

[@hopper131]

This is the creme de la creme of Disney performers. Absolutely phenomenal harmonies, and costumes.

[@bibibibi8634]

So powerful. The emotions are real. Felt it in my spirit

[@t-mac1236]

I remember as a snotty teenager my mom made me go with her to see this in Boston. It moved me to tears. It was amazing! Never thought twice again when my mom asked to see a play. This made me fall in loved with all plays. Just watching this now makes me cry. The lion king tugs on my heartstrings like no other movie.

[@cjboltzTV]

Seriously fought back tears. What a beautiful voice and performance.

[@Duckkis]

I will never be able to watch this without crying, and I'm glad I'm not the only one. This is one of the most beautiful, touching things I've ever seen.

[@lynChip29]

I've seen this twice & absolutely LOVED it both times. Would love to go again.

[@mro6973]

Male 39 yr here. I was so moved by this that tears came. Alot. This was... No words. Wow

[@cakerbaker9965]

I feel…uplifted…and I needed that tonight…Thank you, wonderfully talented performers…Thank you.

[@stressmuffin]

Even though I’ve seen this powerful stage masterpiece once on the Friday of 9/11, I still am crying over the beauty, the power, the love, and celebration of this scene in the Lion King. Only this time, it was the first time the show opened up on Broadway since the pandemic. Those in the studio audience that night are lucky to see the cast of The Lion King in person performing all over the studio theatre, just like the stage musical. Everyone must see this masterpiece at least once in their lives.

[@mattbarneveld815]

The magic of pure theatre!!!!!!!

[@fulltimehater107]

The audience was so lucky to experience this! ❤

[@jamesgoines7663]

This shows the world what awesome looks like.

[@hestiathena4917]

I think this might count as a test of one's humanity. No matter who you are, where you're from, what your recent ancestry may be, if you can watch this performance and not feel, from somewhere deep and ancient in the core of your being, an _ache_ of primal joy and wonder, that has you at the very least fighting back tears of unity and reverence for all your fellow travelers on our little blue-green pebble... I don't even know what to say...

[@a.t.c.3862]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@t-mac1236]

Well said! It brings me to tears but I couldn’t explain why…not even to myself. Thank you

[@SimbaRobyn]

You comment gave me chills - perfectly worded 🌅🧡🦁

[@bgraunitz6175]

Beautiful! Thank you for that!

[@TomsTube]

One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t see this when it was in theatre in my hometown. Looks and sounds amazing!!!

[@morisdegraaf362]

Came to NYC twice, seen it twice and will go see it every next time I can cross the pond. Absolutely amazing how this group takes me to my youth when this came out

[@nancymarino9635]

WOW!!! The audience didn't know what hit them! Fantastic! And Bravo to Stephen Colbert and team for having this magnificent show close out their broadcast! Live theater - there is nothing like it!

[@donaldmodiba9924]

I'm a South African and it's my first time witnessing such art, exceptional.

[@JH-we7xf]

That brought tears to my eyes... as a child growing up loving Disney's Lion King... aw man. I gotta see this show! This is amazing!

[@kochiotsuka1228]

I cry like a baby every time I see it. How beautigul it is! How magnificent it is! The best theater in the history of human kind!

[@rosewater226]

I grew up listening to this song on repeat, and then sang it in a choral ensemble, so I wasn't crying through this, but the memories connected to it are all wonderful ❤️ I like how puppet baby Simba was moving his tiny head😊

[@janyceparks8326]

From the first time I saw this on Oprah when it originally opened on Broadway, this number makes tears run down my face. Every time. So so powerful.

[@ting-ting7001]

I saw it on my birthday and cried for most of the show. My best friend and I watched the movie when we were 15. I watched it in memory of her.

[@denisevilven3799]

Living so far away from Broadway, I don't get to experience this massive of a production. Thank you Sreven♡

[@mplsbluejay]

Damn y'all I am watching this and ugly crying. Fron the first note she sings to the elephant coming down the aisle. I ❤ this so damn much!

[@Americanbear1]

Was fortunate enough to get tickets for this. There’s nothing like seeing the magnificent performance given on a stage given over to this show. Just about 30 seconds into it, I had tears in my eyes and goosebumps running over my arms. If you get the chance to see it…take it.

[@elvishlp7230]

It says a LOT that I started crying right at the first note, this performance is so incredibly awesome!

[@mkkp1308]

The theatre kid in me is as moved by the audience's reaction to this amazing stagecraft as by the performance itself.

[@iWriteWithPride]

I can only imagine how it is to be in the room with them, hearing those voices LIVE. Omg, the amount of goosebumps I get just thinking about it. TLK broadway never fails to make me tear up.

[@littleredhen]

I was in the theater so many years ago when the film adaptation of this movie premiered and I cried when the 🎶Circle of Life🎶 song played for the first time.. It was amazing it was beautiful it was.... Breathtaking.!! I had never felt that feeling since... Until tonight. BRAVO ! , BRAVA! 👏👏👏👏👏 STANDING OVATION 🆙⬆️👏👏👏👏👏✨⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

[@MasterApple]

This. Is. Brilliant! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👏👏👏

[@mrsndmn69]

An amazing performance on stage at the historical Ed Sullivan theater. What a treat for that audience as well as the television-viewing public around the world!

[@JeanneTaylopersonal]

I can never see this enough! A truly spiritual experience!

[@PurnceNMe]

This was stunning and why am I crying?

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Seeing this LIVE is absolute HEAVEN! SO many talented folks & such GORGEOUS music!

[@irenemacias7423]

I can’t stop watching this , or crying because it’s so beautiful 💗💗💗💗💗♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🌹🌹🌹🌹🙏🏻🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@stephanierose4970]

It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen this number. I cry EVERY TIME

[@cjastuff1248]

I love the moment at 0:30 when the audience all turn their heads in unison

[@Heartwing13]

At 1:47 when the elephant is walking down the aisle, there’s a man on the edge watching the stage who doesn’t notice it and the wife whacks him on the arm lol

[@user-oc1qo5dk4b]

@@Heartwing13 First off, those are both women. Secondly, the younger woman taps the older woman on the shoulder, she doesn't "whack" her.

[@crithon]

I just realized I'm singing along. HAHA! Love this song.

[@KatieGray1]

I can date myself precisely by saying this was the first cd I owned. I remember playing it in my new boombox that had a cd player.

[@StarPlaty]

@@KatieGray1 It was the first CD I ever owned too. We just got a CD player maybe 6mths before.

[@shannoncobb5069]

Had to listen and watch over and over. A visual and auditory feast for the soul.

[@Spirits-n-Giggles]

Not me absolutely SOBBING right before getting in line to vote 😂😂😭

[@johnneat3381]

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to watch this since I will never be able to attend a Broadway show ever! My eyes are full of happy tears, what a beautiful performance!

[@robinhahnsopran]

Burst into tears within ten seconds of the song starting. Seen this show so many times and it gets me every time. This is true art - the power of live theatre. ✨

[@mikeh720]

WOW!! Instant chills and goosebumps and teary eyes. This song brings so many emotions rushing to the surface, so quickly.

[@CBAKER637]

My whole body has chills. This was amazing!! 🤯

[@kateuhler7803]

Amazing!!🥰. Makes me emotional, I get teared up with this song. On top of which the costumes are INCREDIBLE.

[@kramnalla]

it brings tears to my eyes...the power of this song and this performance...after all these years...beautiful.

[@debbiedoodiedandi]

What a magical experience!

[@throughthewindowpane]

Absolutely amazing. This musical is a masterpiece: the music, the costumes, the creativity in the scenes. I saw the Dutch version twice and the Spanish version two weeks ago. I cried like a baby during the opening scene. I would go again if I had the chance, no matter what language…

[@Inamichan]

If you haven’t seen this show live I *highly* recommend it. It’s life amazing.

[@yvonnecrozier4385]

I went to see this production in London, it was the very first major theatre I had attended. I can tell you it was spell binding, you actually forget they are people inside these animal creations. You are totally transported into the production, It is a performance I will never forget.

[@zgidwitz]

I can’t wait to show my daughters this show live one day. It’s life changing ❤

[@CoaTravelNut]

It’s amazing in person! Believe me, I’ve seen it 3 times in person!

[@yvettekosta7994]

Oh my goodness! I thought I was the only one crying! The costume designs are amazing !!!!!!!!

[@cherinoelke]

This is truly one of the most moving musical theatre experiences I have ever had. I took my son to see it when it first came out and then went back sans kid so I could really take in all that glorious beauty and attention to craft. BRAVO!

[@jcufaude]

It remains one of the, if not the, greatest opening numbers in musical theater history. Julie Taymor is a genius.

[@ElmemintioBGC]

This song alone is worth the premium theatre seat! Happy 25th Lion King Broadway!

[@Heather-xz8fk]

Well that took my breath away.

[@alicemacenakanishi6292]

What an awesome, joyous experience for heart and soul, just watching on TV! In tears. Lucky live audience. Thank you, Stephen! More frequent Broadway performances, please.

[@lindawilliams8715]

Thank you Stephen Colbert for closing your show with this wonderful and memorable performance! We've seen the play three times and we'll see it again here in Los Angeles.

[@seriliaykilel]

F*cking phenomenal- going to watch this show just made my bucket list

[@at0micbunnygirl]

I'm not crying... YOU'RE CRYING! No, actually, I'm crying. 😭😭😭 Damn that's beautiful. 😍👏👏👏💙

[@merlapittman5034]

Oh, my gods and goddesses, that was AMAZING! And the voice of the lead singer is absolutely GORGEOUS! No wonder the show has run so long, that kind of performances!

[@TheCronesEye]

Awestruck. And crying for happy. 🥲💜🦁👑

[@TaraZsun]

i saw this when they were traveling through Canada years ago. It was amazing.

[@ameliapond1916]

Extra props to the cast, for giving up their one day off (Monday) to rehearse & perform this for Stephen's show. What an incredible group of performers!

[@kiawannastewart5993]

I love itttt I seen it in person in Vegas and omgg the experience was worth every dime from beginning to the end had my full attention

[@dynamicpisces]

If you haven’t seen The Lion King live you owe it to your Spirit! It’s incredible!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@Loki.B.Mohammad]

I was genuinely moved to tears...omg...

[@idillard]

CONGRATULATIONS ON 25 YEARS! The best Broadway show I have ever seen. I could see it over and over and over again! The first time I saw it in Los Angeles because I could not get tickets in NY. I live in San Francisco and so my sister and two girlfriends got tickets and drove to Los Angeles. The opening was "CHURCH" for me. Tears streaming down my face as each person-animal came out. When the big ones came down the aisles I lost it. The Circle of Life is one of my go to songs for prayer. When the song was over I wanted to scream "STOP AND PLEASE, PLEASE DO THAT AGAIN"! What an experience! What a real spiritual experience it was for me! Thank you all for making this happen. Thank you all for bringing such beauty into my/our lives. Peace and prayers.

[@gaeln1901]

Tears tears tears!! wow that is splendid!

[@Em4gdn1m]

I can't stop watching their Tiny Desk Concert, and now this! One grown man should not cry this much in one week!

[@IAmJustR]

I loved this but i loved them singing on the plane almost as much🤗🤗🥰

[@user-sv4rp4iz81]

The first time I saw this live I cried. The opening is so emotional and inspiring it really affects you. The circle of life indeed🎉