The Lion King - The Emotional First Rehearsal into Broadway's Return

Director Julie Taymor addresses the cast of THE LION KING on Broadway before they sing through 'Circle of Life' for the first time since March 2020. The performance is led by Tshidi Manye.
THE LION KING returns to Broadway on September 14, 2021.

[@stevezack9051]

I love Africa and being African, the lead’s voice is authentically African, you can feel her struggle, her pride, her hope… as Africans we live on hope that tomorrow will be even better than today, and we are immensely proud of who we are…

[@hejm8421]

First human also evolved from Africa, so yeah we're all connected with Africa. We're all African.

[@msgirly6827]

@@hejm8421 lol very convenient

[@deedee8043]

@@msgirly6827 it is the truth when the world started it was one big mass of land or continent after it broke apart it was proven africa is the most diverse continent in the world there are many ethnic group than any where and they did dna test to prove that african woman have a gene noone else has it is called the eve gene meaning she can produce any ethnic child she could any way the truth hurts and offends

[@msgirly6827]

@@deedee8043 girl lmao you are talking to the wrong person. Im more informed than you are on this.

[@saltybulldog3241]

@@msgirly6827 And yet you come back with nothing. Usless.

[@HaruSK]

That director has seen this music be performed a thousand times but still gets moved as the first time, that's the true tell of a great song and a great cast, and of a dedicated director who really loves the material

[@denizalgazi]

Julie Taymor. Artistic genius.

[@59771006]

@@denizalgazi First woman to ever win the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical

[@corvankeulen]

@@59771006 does anybody have her emaiil adres??

[@hcc6757]

Julie Taymor created the Lion King. It's her baby.

[@RaineSim]

A true masterpiece💯

[@briss_west6590]

The Director wanted the audience to feel and cry with the song performance but she got caught in the middle and got emotional because this is overwhelming...!

[@kaylall3106]

Made all the more emotional knowing Tshidi Manye has played the role on-and-off for over 14 years now. What a treasure and gift to and from this show and theatre

[@coppercoloredlibra]

It’s her the lead vocalist she has God speaking though her. She is blessed with this voice that we feel in our soul. ❤️❤️❤️

[@eleanorrobertson3387]

Tshidi Manye's eyes are so beautiful. And her voice....oh my.

[@IlaughedIcried]

Tshidi Manye is an international treasure. I want her to win a Nobel Prize for theatre, and if that doesn't exist, it should. And the emotion in this cast...I can't even. I'm weeping right along with them.

[@JapanUnfiltered]

A Grammy would be the closest thing, which the show won in 1999.

[@inotherwords14]

The emotion was palpable. I'm sure some of the tears are for those who are no longer here. A bittersweet moment.

[@starwinter6845]

As a singer I cannot describe the raw emotion here. There is something so incredibly profound about having been away from your fellows for a lengthy period of time, especially unexpectedly, and to come together again, to start with what is already such a powerful peace, and to just... RELEASE all those emotions in your voice together. Ugly tears shed from watching this.

[@msnisperos]

March 2020 in NYC, everything was shut, Broadway closed, only the wailing of ambulances in silence. I was so sick with COVID I couldn't walk and thought I might die. Oddly I lamented to my husband that I regretted being too cheap to see The Lion King. It is strange the things you regret when you might die. But, I did make it (with Long COVID), and on our next anniversary, he surprised me with tickets. As the lights dimmed, the theatre was electric. The performance was so beautiful the joy was palpable. Thank you for this gift ❤️

[@SparklyStoner360]

Duuuuuude. This was not only absolutely incredible, it’s powerful as hell and I could watch it all day. I definitely cried start to finish.

[@Ryanj2274]

So much chills

[@philrob1978]

Where Tshidi crumples at 1:18 - THAT is how much this means to her. Beautiful.

[@rdj9606]

Couldn’t hold back tears on this. Tshidi, everyone.. you can almost feel how they feel. Absolutely moving and amazing. Y’all are awesome ❤️🙌🏼🙌🏼 thank you all, in each company of the show that has ever come and gone, is, and will come, for bringing this show to life. Stay strong!🙌🏼

[@ahluvdrums]

They are sobbing, I'm sobbing, Julie Taymor is sobbing, it's the Circle of Life

[@pedrogustavo6509]

I get goosebumps from the beginning to the end. All those voices in such poetic polyphony take my heart to my mouth and I feel like singing with them to celebrate the beauty of art and life.

[@joanmccormack5609]

What a glorious way for theater to return!! The music, the rhythms, the singing, - the show is pure genius from beginning to end. Can't wait to see it again.

[@joshuavgc4160]

In a world that seems so dark lately, this shows what light and beauty humans can bring as well. You can see her face light up as she sings @0:39 She's so happy to be back and sad for the ones the couldn't and didn't make it.

[@johnshoemakerpbc]

One of the best shows EVER! The power of theater is so true. I miss it desperately!

[@trumpetguy13]

As a lifelong musician, there are a few facial expressions right at the beginning of the song that are the best feelings ever: 0:39 “I GET PAID TO DO THIS. THIS IS MY FREAKING JOB.” 0:42 “BEST. JOB. EVER.” 0:47 “Oh man I just gave myself the chills. This is so awesome” lol 1:20 “Dang Director lady, you jinxed me. What’s even happening? Whatever. To the rafters it is!” I’m sure there are lots more, but it’s hard to cry and type at the same time 😭😭 And if this is the vibe at a rehearsal, I can’t even imagine how it felt opening night post-lockdown.

[@amberchambers5422]

Julie is so right at the beginning. Being there was an experience ill never forget. As soon as the first sound came out of Tshidi I instantly started crying. The power, beauty, and the simple fact that I was there witnessing it in real life had me so overwhelmed with emotion. I hope one day im lucky enough to go back to NYC and see it again.

[@TheNaturalwoman221]

This has never NOT moved me to tears, I discovered this cartoon movie when I was in 6th grade, 1995 and it changed my life, the entire movie does it to me, but this song is everything

[@JessikaDavenport]

I’m not crying , you’re not crying, we’re all crying. SO many beautifully breathtaking voices! To be able to just meet any of you, oh my heavens, just to sing by all of your sides would be an honour ! Thank you for sharing your talents ♥️

[@deborahshallowell3573]

I cannot see/hear this opening number without bawling my eyes out! Ever! Always endlessly beautiful!

[@JamieMcCarty]

If you’re in NYC go see this show. Circle of Life live in the theater will give you chills and make you cry tears of joy. The opening number is so moving that you can’t really describe it.

[@deloresredman4792]

Had the chance to be a front of house manager in baltimore when show was here in baltimore for a month in early 2000s. Between the proud beauty of the African language. The beauty of the opening it really doea make you burst with pride. Tears and emotion

[@SatriaAndyKirana]

27 years.. and I still got the shivers from the very first note..

[@Dr.Beetlejuice110]

The lion king is so special it's impossible to not have feels about it and some reverence toward it.

[@mollygee9950]

We are all Julie Taymor. I've seen this multiple times on Broadway and I cry EVERY time.

[@oliviapc3739]

Speechless, overwhelmed by this lady and all the artists. So strange how I can be so moved by this piece of art, when I can not even understand the language, but it always touch my soul which seems to recognize its home. I don’t know if someone understand what I trie to say. Thank you for the sharing and lots of love from an Eurasian woman 🕊

[@actk1968]

This performance already always moves me. But THIS particular performance just brought me to tears. Knowing the impact that COVID has had on the industry, and now to be able to perform again, it is so evident in their faces and every note they sing.

[@ellenpearljackson5219]

The woman's voice is so beautiful I put her on every day and listen to that beautiful voice if she's in the play or Justin rehearsal voice is always there and the singers are so beautiful too thank you for posting this beautiful video God be with each and everyone of you

[@baileywithab9863]

This song just instills 'that' feeling (you all know the one I mean) no matter the setting... but in this context; emerging from a pandemic that impacted every person on the planet, and feeling like we could finally be reaching the other side of it... just gives it a whole other level of hope and bringing all living things together.. like how the ensemble members are gradually taking their masks off... a very special moment

[@lucaslegz]

I went to see The Lion King just last week in New York. The beauty of this play and this opening song had me crying. It was so overwhelming and so beautiful. If you get the chance, please see it.

[@Ryanj2274]

Would love to experience it again just wow

[@Bobbythebuilder789]

why do i cry each time i listen to this🤣🤣🤣🤣this song no matter how many times i listen to this sends goosbumps running doen my spine❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@AndrewJohnEgan]

You feel this song right in your bones and the context of this performance turns it up a notch. Literally music to our ears after/during the disruption of the pandemic.

[@ginamarie5575]

Tearjerker every time beautiful free the mask beautiful souls !! Love this !!

[@CalHut]

I never saw it broadway, but I can feel the passion from the cast.

[@heartsbane9315]

Umm ma’am I would beg to differ. It’s the vocals, the soulfulness of the singers, the pure intentions of each person that is singing that touches each person’s soul that makes u cry….. it’s connecting you to something deeper and greater has a rich culture and history ❤❤❤❤

[@michaelsingslive]

THE ACTUAL TEARS THAT STREAMED DOWN MY FACE....BROADWAY WE NEED YOU. LION KING WE NEED YOU.

[@shanemedrocillo]

2024 and still love this team and never failed to make me cry every single time I watch. SUSPEND YOUR DISBELIEF!!!

[@paulinaara9785]

Dios, que fuerte. Ha sido un año difícil y esto de verdad me pone tan emocional. Muchas gracias por subirlo y espero algún día en mi vida ver este espectáculo en vivo! saludos desde México:)

[@Floodbait_117]

I think I found out why this always makes people cry this song is just such a good emotional reset it allows us you stop holding a breath we did not know we where holding its is a catharsis . Simply put it’s happiness

[@NAJErEa91]

IF U R NOT LIVING UR LIFE IN A WAY WHERE U ARE AS PASSIONATE ABOUT UR CRAFT AS THE DIRECTOR QUEEN👑JULIE TAYMOR IS; U AINT LIVING! I AM STRIVING TO LIVE WITH THAT KIND OF PASSION EVERY👏 SINGLE👏 DAY👏! U CAN FEEL HER HEART IS TRULY INVESTED IN THIS PRODUCTION! #SALUTE🙌💕🎶💯

[@NAJErEa91]

THANK Q LORD JESUS FOR THE MAGIC OF DISNEY!!! 🙏💕🎶💯

[@melody8923]

I have seen this musical 4 times, because my mother is obsessed with it and she brings me along every time. I have never made it through Circle of Life without crying my eyes out once. Not one single time, even though I've known this song by heart for 20 years. It is one long crescendo in every way... The light goes from the dawning of the sun to full bright sunshine, the "animals" grow in number and the costumes in colour and intricacy, the music swells and swells, there's colour and beauty S graceful movement everywhere, and then they all BOW before Pride Rock.... It is so emotional, I'm getting chills just writing about it. Needless to say, this amazing version got me too, and got me good. And just when I thought I was okay for the rest of the clip, 2:44 happened... Omg... This South African gentleman lit a FIRE inside me. And also made me cry some more. THANK YOU for this! Amandla!

[@angelicaldlc]

You owe to yourself go and see The Lion King. It's absolutely true, I start crying, the marvelous voices, the scenario, the customs, it's truly the magic of Broadway

[@kamikaze1284]

Just a few days ago, I had the profound experience of watching The Lion King on Broadway with my mom, my wife, and our two little boys, marking all of our first times at a Broadway show. As the opening notes of "Circle of Life" filled the air, I was instantly sent back to my childhood, to a special memory when my mom took me to see the animated film in theaters for the first time at the age of 8. I was utterly captivated, glued to my seat. The performance struck a deep chord with all of the adults, bringing tears to our eyes with its breathtaking beauty and powerful performance. It was a full-circle moment - experiencing being a young child while also being a parent taking their children for the first time. I hope this will be a heartfelt memory for my children which we can recall and share down the line. The cast was amazing!!!!

[@butterflydi2001]

No matter how many times I watch this video, the emotions are beyond overwhelming. Love, LOVE everything about this! ❤

[@iliasschulz9625]

This is one of the most touching things ever I come back to it all the time. Thank you!

[@GammaNu955]

So amazjng too many emotions. I think if my mother that passed in 89. This powerful music

[@ryanamari2233]

The way she began..I grabbed my chest …the power behind that first note

[@velelenkosi407]

So proud of South Africans who bring this production to life, Nansi ingonyama, ingwe enamabala, thanana thanana

[@jacymeme288]

All i have are tears !!My GOD My God!!! simply Beautiful!!

[@jorgedavidzepeda2670]

This is so powerfull! So perfect! And not just because of the incredible voices and performances but for the emotions, the way artists just take it to God!

[@mikef3431]

Why does this make me so emotional. Just something special about this and it's spine tingling.

[@belenordenes93]

2023 y soy bendecida al escuchar esta canción ❤

[@mayaluna11]

First time seeing this. The song always brings tears, but this made me sob. Tshidi 's voice and emotion took me out.

[@femalereddevil]

Wow the feels. Nothing beats seeing and feeling this in person. I can't wait to visit again some day to witness this spectacular show. Good luck to the cast, you are all amazing ❤

[@terry5749]

I cry at the opening song EVERY time! So beautiful!! ❤❤❤

[@leila_m_g]

The first movie I ever saw in cinema at age 7 was The Lion King, I then went and seen the stage play in Sydney a few years ago and CRIED when they performed this song. My dream is to one day see it on Broadway 🥰

[@misachantv3616]

I've never met them, but they made me feel like I am so close to them, the power and the dignity they carry is impeccable, music does unites all soul no matter the ethnicity or colour ( from 🇮🇳) . Love you and Thank You.

[@rpg1172]

Legit made me tear up😭❤

[@nkosisithole7670]

I went to watch this on Broadway a few weeks ago, I cried as soon this song started, such a beautiful play❤️❤️❤️

[@redryderaus]

3:21 there it is. She knew she was witnessing something special. We are all lucky that it was recorded so we could all witness it.

[@robertpaegelow894]

I worked in Theater in Milwaukee Wisconsin for years. Every time I watch this video, I get tears of joy. This cast is amazing to watch and listen to. Thank you for all you do 💯

[@theRevWontBeOnTv]

When she starts singing it like hear my grandmother singing but in Zulu. Makes me tear up everytime

[@alimack5489]

I’m a normal bloke, but this for some reason has made me sit here and cry my eyes out and I can’t explain it. I haven’t cried for years but this really hit me, not even in a bad way, it turned me into a complete mess. So I’m writing this with tears down my face, thank you that’s all, amazing you’re all amazing

[@karensmall5616]

Yess Exactly thank you circle of life and the lion king magic🙏❤️☀️🤸🏼‍♀️☮️

[@marlonfiqueligado]

Amazing! My niece cry so much when the music took over the theater...of course me too!

[@pianojames]

Cry... Every time I see this clip! And I'm happy!

[@MrCodgod666]

Even now those ❤️‍🔥notes makes my skin have a rage of goose bumps ❤️🧡💜💚💝

[@liq8309]

Best ever movie and stage show. Hope you can visit Brisbane sometime in the future so my kids can enjoy it

[@maec8014]

Ever so grateful to have watched this in London in 2019 before the pandemic 😍

[@freddie488]

Urgh! Those voices!! Goosebumps! I can't do anything other than love on every person in that room for sharing their gift.

[@tracyalcena]

Ohh laaaawwdd why am I CRYING HERE 😭😭😭😭?? so much beauty and love and passion and just- i can't 😭

[@nenblom]

This completely blew me away!! Welcome back Broadway!!

[@1packatak]

My husband and I had the joy of seeing The Lion King on Broadway about 10 yrs ago. And you are 100% correct. The power of the song, the choir and the stage/animals absolutely took our breath away!!!!! One of the most amazing Broadway shows we have ever seen💖💖💖

[@ashiapowell]

Omg, she is right the theater, the beauty, the song, the atmosphere, connects people! Thank you so much for this

[@littlestar2054]

The lion king has always been so special to me. In my school we did a performance of it, and it was the best year ever, theatre has been my passion and this Broadway gives me so much life. hearing this makes me so emotional, just the emotions, the power, the beauty of it all is just amazing and it’s incredibly moving. This will never be a Broadway that goes out of style. It’ll always be amazing.

[@amyreesor8128]

hell, i have always loved lion king and wanted to see it on broadway. i finally got tickets as an anniversary present and it was incredible to see it when they came to town and i was blown away but i have never cried... not till now. holy damn. that was so SO powerful.

[@melanievandembroucq177]

I've seen this show 3 or 4 times in Paris, I cried every time ! In live, in video, in english, in french, The Circle of Life gets me every single time !

[@kyleg.macatuno2946]

I want this to be my first Broadway show but I’m too broke

[@gatablanca1949]

If it's playing somewhere else in the world you can travel there, tickets are usually way cheaper. I saw it in Paris and Madrid and the price difference was considerable. Paris version was my favourite after NYC, Rafiki was outstanding!

[@gatablanca1949]

with that I mean, for what I paid for one of the farthest seats in NYC I was almost front row in Paris

[@denizalgazi]

Make it happen!

[@jesuseduardo5658]

Every single time I watch this video, my eyes comes in tears. I love this performance and the passion they put in it, it's amazing, charming and so touching, that I can feel if I left my land and then I return with proud, love and nostalgia. Great for all these singers, they have too much passion for their job and music. Greetings from Venezuela 🇻🇪🇻🇪🇻🇪

[@thirstfortruth8904]

You can’t get any more inner circle than the performers - they see and ARE the back end of the tapestry, they WEAVE the magic and understand how itv works. They shouldn’t be moved by it at this p point …. and yet you still see the tears being wiped from their faces. Just beautiful

[@mariburgos4031]

I cry when I see this so good

[@kashieve]

my lifelong dream is to be able to sing with any of the cast members...till then, m practicing!...u have touched so many lives...thank....you

[@Juliana12332]

just beautiful, seen lion king twice, loved it every time xx

[@gokharol]

My God impossibly beautiful!!!

[@nannat3900]

I did cry while watching. It’s full of emotion and hope for the better day.

[@jennistevenson796]

It does make you cry it’s so beautiful

[@suna2389]

That´s true...I always have to cry when this song starts.... it calls something deep in my soul......

[@Unchained_Mind85]

The allegorical wind that blows through The Lion King moves me with each gust. This is so much more than just an adaptation of a Disney animated film. And Circle of Life hits so much harder these days. Peace and Guidance to everyone

[@MsOceanlily]

We saw her in Toronto Ontario Lion King amazing! Gives me goosebumps

[@brandonplays702]

I literally almost cried when I saw this live

[@bunkyman8097]

The power of music is palpable here!

[@jenniferbrumleybowman9485]

How am I just now seeing this? I can’t stop listening. So emotional, moving and perfect.

[@hotinmybags]

The power of music to bring people together is incredible. Just wow this is breathtaking

[@esthersherzenstalk7423]

I love it. Thank you all for your voice. I love you❤ i love Afrika❤

[@claratackla3953]

I can't go to watch this live I'd be dehidrated Growing up my mom used to work during the day and study at night and the only company was The Lion King, Hercules and Pocahontas. I know every single line (in portuguese) and every single music and watching people perform would be my dream. I'd cry out loud like a baby lol Their voices are so beautiful. Imagine not being able to perform for so long?!

[@NoContextWTF]

A year &' a Half just for this . Amazing !

[@melaniecomer2801]

Goosebumps as soon as they started singing. Beautiful stuff.