Disney's The Lion King is coming to Calgary from July 30 to August 17. This musical is touted as, "one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage." Winner of 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this show has charmed more than 100 million people around the world with its stunning music, amazing choreography, breathtaking costumes and puppets, and skilled performances. This touring performance will spend some time in our city of Calgary, and we couldn't be more excited!

WHERE Calgary had a chance to interview Danny Grumich, who plays Pumbaa in the show. Grumich is travelling with his family as a new father while performing on stages across Canada. We're excited to see him bring this character to life!

 

The Lion King is such a classic, both as a movie and as a play. How does it feel to get to bring that magic to life? 

There’s truly nothing like it. Starting out I felt a sense of responsibility to bring the lovable character to life while also bringing me into it as an actor. I can’t say enough great things about the incredible creative team we have travelling with us who created a space where I could try new things and really find that melding to create Pumbaa.

 

What’s your favourite part about playing the role of Pumbaa?

My favourite part has to be hearing the reactions from adults and children alike. Getting to meet families at the stage door who tell me it was so special for parents to get to share this story that they grew up on with their children (who now love the story) is really special.

 

Do you have a favourite song in The Lion King? 

“They Live in You” has to be my favourite song. There’s also a reprise to that song in Act 2 called “He Lives in You” that has some incredible special effects and turns into such a celebration at the end (without giving too much away!)

 

You have quite the impressive costume on stage. How difficult is it to perform with such a large piece? How much of the puppet can you control? And how heavy is it?

The Pumbaa costume is around 50 lbs. and is about 8 ft. long. I control the eyes, nose, tongue, and mouth with both hands. The costume can be somewhat difficult to maneuver at times, but we have an incredible Puppets Department (headed by Michael Reilly) who travel with us full time and work tirelessly on puppet upkeep and maintenance (to the over 200 puppets we use in our show). For Pumbaa, they were able to mold the harness and straps to my body to best distribute the weight and make it the most comfortable it can be while I’m in it.

 

How long does it take you to get ready to go on stage?

I typically do a quick stretch and vocal warmup when I get to the theatre. Once the show starts and I head to hair and makeup, it takes about 20 mins or so for them to finish my makeup and get me into my wig. I’ll then head back upstairs to get into the under costume before heading to the stage to get into the Pumbaa puppet. The whole thing in total takes about 30 mins.

 

What do you love the most about being a part of a travelling show?

I love getting to explore different places I’ve never been! My wife and I love trying local restaurants and any food or drink that’s specific to that area (beaver tails in Ottawa, buffalo wings in Buffalo, BBQ in Kansas City and Dallas, etc).

 

Do you have any must-dos while staying in Calgary?

We have plans to take our daughter to the Calgary Zoo and also want to take a day trip visit to Banff while we’re nearby.

 

I hear you’re travelling with your family, including a new daughter! Congrats! How does that add to the experience of being a part of a travelling show?

Thanks! It’s been an incredible experience. I’m very grateful to have my family on the road full time with me. There are a few other families on the tour too, so it’s been awesome getting to know them and getting together outside of the show.

 

How do you find a work/life balance while on the road with a new baby?

It really varies week to week depending on show schedule, rehearsals, etc, but my family (huge shoutout to my incredible wife Meryn) are great in always being adaptable. We always try to carve out as much family time together as we can either in the mornings/during the day or in between shows on a two-show day. My daughter Gracie is usually asleep before I get home from the show at night so those daytime or between show hangs are really special in getting time with her each day.

 

Pumbaa is such a fun character who brings a lot of comedic relief to the story. But he also grows as a character as he finds responsibility caring for Simba and helping him reclaim the throne. Do you find any parallels in your own life now that you’re a father with new responsibilities of your own?

Absolutely. I joined the show last September when Gracie was about 4 months old, but had been auditioning for the show for a little over 3 years before I got the offer, and I can definitely see a difference in the way I approach the character now that I’m a dad compared to some of those early auditions videos I put together.

 

If there was one thing you want everyone to know about the upcoming performance of The Lion King, what would it be?

If you think you’re simply going to show up and see a live version of the animated feature, you’ll be very surprised. The story is the same, with the same iconic characters everyone knows and loves. There are also familiar songs from the animated feature like “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Be Prepared,” but the musical version of The Lion King offers so much more. There are over 200 puppets used to bring the story to life and original songs (like “Endless Night” and “Shadowland”) that were written specifically for the stage musical. The South African influence is also extremely present throughout the show with inspiration from costume patterns, beadwork, masks, and language. It’s a true celebration of the culture that helps significantly elevate the story.

 

Disney's The Lion King will be at the Southern Jubilee Auditorium from July 30 to August 7. Get your tickets before the show sells out!