The woman playing Rafiki has been playing her since 1999 and I’m so glad she’s back

@jaydiarae

2 жыл бұрын

Wait, Broadway Rafiki is a female?! I never knew that! The film version of the character is a male.

@MasterMister79

2 жыл бұрын

Well first Rafiki was played by Tsidii Le Loka and then in 1998 - 2001 by Thuli Dumakude

@scgtlp

2 жыл бұрын

@veer pindoria they’ve always had Broadway Rafiki be played by a woman because there are so few strong female characters. Just Nala and Sarabi. I honestly hope Rafiki is always played by a woman.

@ianhimmelstein5915

2 жыл бұрын

@@MasterMister79 she started out as a stand by

@saraschneider6781

2 жыл бұрын

Now that's dedication.

The beginning of this song always feels like its calling me back home to a land ive never set foot on...

@prospermulambia9514

2 жыл бұрын

Come home you will be surprised how many gaps you will fill and unanswered questions you will find answers for.........

@murrayj7619

2 жыл бұрын

I will one day soon. I already soon imma cry soon as my feet touch African soil. lol.

@themarquis336

2 жыл бұрын

Well technically you have. We all have. That’s what’s extraordinary about Africa.

@theman36

2 жыл бұрын

It transcends all human existence and through their spirit, hope and essence, it makes us all feel the reality of our ties to each other. A land of hope, a land of belonging. Truly….may THE LION KING reign in B’way forever. ❤️

@mexislife5272

2 жыл бұрын

Because in Africa is the rootz of the human being ;)

“They don’t know why but they cry”… I’ve watched this 4 times in person. I’ve cried every single time. And I really don’t know why. It’s so incredibly beautiful.

@collinnc2001

2 жыл бұрын

Me too and I’m going tonight!

@lindalolly6318

2 жыл бұрын

Her voice, no autotune

@NateKyng

2 жыл бұрын

As someone who also saw this in person, you cry because you're feeling an overwhelming influx of emotions in a small amount of time, and with the visual of what's happening around you, your brain can't keep up fast enough to regulate your emotions. That's what it means when they say "Listen with your heart".

@Thoughtsbyme-ts4jz

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been twice and it’s tHe most amazing experience. She speaks about suspending disbelief. I was so sad when I had to resume reality. This show is beyond great

@shawnise

2 жыл бұрын

I seen it once in person and was overwhelmed...I would love to go back again.

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

2 жыл бұрын

Julie Taymor. Artistic genius.

@59771006

Жыл бұрын

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

@corvankeulen

Жыл бұрын

@@59771006 does anybody have her emaiil adres??

@hcc6757

Жыл бұрын

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

@RaineSim

Жыл бұрын

A true masterpiece💯

I wanna work with a Director that is THAT emotionally invested!

@rdj9606

2 жыл бұрын

Yes!! She acts like a proud mom towards the show, it’s so wonderful. I love her expressed passion & love for this show and her role as the director 🙌🏼

@RS-yy6qz

2 жыл бұрын

The only two directors I’ve seen be this kinda way with their productions have been this woman and Lin Manuel. The passion those two individuals have for their work in Broadway is second to none!

@therealameliabedelia7821

2 жыл бұрын

@@RS-yy6qz Just adding that her name is Julie Taymor 😊. She won a Tony for her work in directing The Lion King.

@janetgraham-russell4476

2 жыл бұрын

Prickling nose. Lifting skin on my back. This always moves me. The circumstances move me even more.

@saraschneider6781

2 жыл бұрын

@@therealameliabedelia7821 only one???

There's just something unexplainable about this song.. tears every single time.

@dod2304

2 жыл бұрын

me too. Tears and goosebumps.

@mrsz2286

2 жыл бұрын

Every.single.time! You feel it in your soul!

@SaraVenerdiano

2 жыл бұрын

My psychologist says that this song in a strange way makes us turn back to our original motherland, that's a connection with mother nature and I feel it so deeply

@Gianluca00144

2 жыл бұрын

It's the power of the planet united. The joy of life.

@Comrade-q5o

2 жыл бұрын

You should witness during cultural and tribe praises. This is just a tip of ice. Africans sing from the soul. You can shade tears even if you don't understand the language

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@msgirly6827

2 жыл бұрын

@@hejm8421 lol very convenient

@deedee8043

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@saltybulldog3241

2 жыл бұрын

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

I just started crying like a newborn from the moment that lovely lady opened her mouth and let her vocals make art. I’ll never forget the amazing, unforgettable experience I’d watching The Lion King on Broadway

@chloeb1788

2 жыл бұрын

I had the same reaction. It was an unexplainable experience, just filled my heart and brimmed my eyes with tears.

@kw7807

2 жыл бұрын

She was crying too she had to compose because she was whipping tears away..

@patricetan

2 жыл бұрын

I am in tears right now. I am so happy they’re back on the stage now. I won’t ever forget the feeling I got when I watched the musical live.

If you don't get chocked hearing the opening of this amazing song then you have no soul.

@MrAndi1281

2 жыл бұрын

that is a bit harsh in my opinion, some people just dont feel it as strongly as most of us here. Are they acting like robots? no not necessarily.

@choblgobblrr1074

2 жыл бұрын

@@MrAndi1281 when the part of your brain that picks up on humor didn’t develop:

@MrAndi1281

2 жыл бұрын

@@choblgobblrr1074 that is no humor, thats just and insult !

@LeeKeels

2 жыл бұрын

"choked"

@ladieessence

2 жыл бұрын

Oh please. Lol

I'm in my office crying. You can feel the power of the moment as most of these actors were laid off and didn't know if there were ever going to come back to work. This was a song of resilience and determination. I am so EXCITED Broadway is back!!!! We missed you!

@sjehnaazarjun3344

2 жыл бұрын

Yup teared up myself

@sarinhadesouza

2 жыл бұрын

Yes...🙏

@misspowell373

2 жыл бұрын

Me too!!! In the office in 😢 tears.

@Gisellenid

2 жыл бұрын

You said it right ✅ 👏 🙌 💯

@leticianavarro2623

2 жыл бұрын

@@sjehnaazarjun3344 cabeza pupileta español cabeza de apu lista por favor tickets chinchilla XP XXL manguito Encuentra

Julie Taymor, the director, is 100% correct. The audience cries during this opening number. I've seen it three times, and each time bawled like a baby. It is the beauty and wonderment of being surrounded by this magical thing happening all around you. God, just try to imagine being in the same rehearsal room with these incredible performers and these amazing voices. All were chosen out of thousands who auditioned. The emotion is palatable and awe inspiring. Live theatre. Nothing like it in the world. Nothing.

@RaquelWarner-yb9xs

3 ай бұрын

Saw Lion King in NYC in 2012, then again in 2022, when it came to North Carolina. This time with my then 3 year old granddaughter. I cried at the beginning and the end. I truly understood the meaning of the circle of life. She loved it.

Tshidi Manye coming through with some of the truest, most heartwarming vocals I have ever heard, yet again. That lady has skill!

@Elizabeth-nb7kz

Жыл бұрын

She is incredible. I saw her two weeks ago and I’m still not over the entire show and her performance 🥰

They described it perfectly... that is the power of Theater. As well as damn good music, being sung by passionate singers. That's a combo that can bridge any divide, heal any wounds, and invite EVERYONE to come together in peace and love

@MrAndi1281

2 жыл бұрын

Well said, great comment!

@Bubitunasha1995

2 жыл бұрын

You said it. Couldn't describe it better!!

@tmims07

2 жыл бұрын

I miss the stage

"There is far too much to take in here..." truer words have never been spoken. This shows the absolute power of Music -- and making it with other people!

You KNOW a song is powerful when hearing it performed out of costume, mostly acapella, and in an informal setting still makes the tears run down your cheeks despite your grin.

@intelati49

11 ай бұрын

It's something I look out for. You have the "Seven Little Numbers" performance, the Circle of Life in the airplane. This. It's the people coming together to create something that transcends cultures and the individual.

@taravelarde9728

3 ай бұрын

Even just REHEARSED.

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

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

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

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

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...!

There's something about this song, and film that feels home. It's like coming back to your own roots, celebrating faith, life, and culture. Hope to see this live in the Philippines soon. Plus, Julie Taymor (the director) is so passionate. What a pleasure to work with people like her.

@ardieparala3220

2 жыл бұрын

I think 2018 or 2019 they were here….

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

I've seen The Lion King 3 times in person, and cried each time at the opening. Even hearing it right now is giving me CHILLS.

@daynajoe

Жыл бұрын

Same here- seen it three times, and my eyes well up each and every time. This song goes straight to the ❤️. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥✨

@rocknroll20024

10 ай бұрын

Same I seen it three times, opening still gets me

The international anthem for humankind and animals, such a powerful song.

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 ❤️

As soon as she started singing I started bawling. Such a powerful and special song. WOW

@Robert20256

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, so much chills

@tashamalinga1354

10 ай бұрын

Same..

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.

She wasn’t lying about the crying, I went to Broadway this year 2022 for my birthday because COVID busted my 50th on March 16th, 3 days before my birthday when the world went on lockdown. I cried at the opening act, it was all that and more, it gave me life. I could hear the ancestors. If they ever come to Toronto, I would see it again.

I will never ever get tired of hearing this!! Such a beautiful and powerful opening!! Always brings tears to my eyes 😭😭😍😍😍😍😍😍

I don't understand how they can sing like this multiple shows a week without completely blowing their voices. STUNNING!!!

The woman was singing from her soul. The chills, after watching several times, have been incredibly mesmerizing ❤❤❤

This needs to become the international Anthem of Earth. It is the most beautiful song I will ever hear.

As a musician who is still working with an organization trying to figure out how we're going to proceed this year and yes we're proceeding with concerts this brought tears to my eyes. What Joy you all brought to everyone around you and through this video! Good luck fellow musicians! Stay healthy strong and keep singing !

@MrAndi1281

2 жыл бұрын

thank you! we all know that it must have taken you and insane amount of effort to get through this time! And we all are in dept to every musician who made it through this time and is still trying to put a smile of someone else´s face!

@BetterMe981

2 жыл бұрын

Always Lovin’ Life… I’m in the same position and this also brought tears to my eyes! I had the pleasure of playing the show in Raleigh, NC back in 2007. And though I’ve played with some of the greatest orchestras and opera companies in the world, and played back up with many very famous singers, Lion King was one of my most favorite gigs of all. The talent and passion on stage simply could not be matched. The hours were long and intense but it was six weeks of pure bliss. Here’s moving forward to a new season of concerts!!!!

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

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.

I wasn't even in the room and I felt not just the love they have for one another but the unity but the presence of God!

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.

@Robert20256

Жыл бұрын

So much chills

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!🙌🏼

Julie Taymor at 0:15: "You see the people, and they don't know why but they cry". We know perfectly! It's the privilege of feeling the power of a masterpiece of this magnitude.

Three seconds in you made me cry, what the heck. That Africa Mama has a heart for the song as vast as the horizon. I definitely know why I'm crying.

If I’m bawling my eyes as the pasta overflows on the stove listening to this heavenly company, what’s opening night going to be like?!? You can literally feel every emotion as you watch each person sing and look at each other. Amazingly beautiful!! Welcome back 💗💗💗💗

@justinmitchell8343

2 жыл бұрын

Was the pasta 🍝 good tho?

@PoisonAngelGirl

2 жыл бұрын

I think I need to make pasta now 🤤

The emotions she feels to sing this again after Covid, I can't imagine. Thankfully, just like riding a bike, you never forget. God bless them all! Director was right, I cry every time and I don't know why

0:27 That call !!! It sends chills down everyone's spine. Julie Taymor's reaction mirrored us all.

There’s just something about the POWER of this performance. When you see it live for the first time, you cry just like the director said. And you don’t know why. Maybe it’s because it’s taking you back to a memory. Maybe it’s taking you back to your childhood. Either way you don’t leave this show without crying. *saw I made this comment a year ago and wanted to add something* When I made this comment, I was remembering when I was VERY fortunate to have seen this show not once but TWICE. Once with my grandparents on my dads side and the other time was with my grandparents on my moms side and my cousin. The first time I’ve EVER seen the show, I bawled like a baby when Circle Of Life started. I A FULL GROWN ADULT cried at a broadway show. It was THAT powerful. I’ll never forget the memory of my grandma audibly gasping when she saw the puppets come through the aisles of the theater we were in. For the rest of my life I’ll NEVER forget my grandma’s reaction to when the elephants come down the aisles. It’s a show that leaves you speechless that’s for sure and I’d willingly DEFINITELY go see it a third time

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.

I remember when the musical was brand new, about to premiere in Germany, they had the cast at a German TV Show performing this song. I saw this on live TV and I bawled my eyes out because it was so beautiful. And I cry every time I hear it. I will one day be able to see this in person and I will cherish every second of it.

The lyrics say it all, don’t they; “And it moves us all, through despair and hope” How very apt. Bravo all.

This is just WOW ! I felt that deeply. No mask in the world could cover this kind of energy. This is how unity feels to me.

1:30 goosebumps when she started crying

@alexandraalexfischer

2 жыл бұрын

Same here

@kw7807

2 жыл бұрын

Oh yes!!! 😭😭

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

That first note hit my soul so hard I teared up. So powerful indeed💜💜

Every time I hear this song it just touches a part of my soul. Every time.

The magic happens when we take our hopes and dreams and let them cy out to our hearts, words, and actions. This is not just a beautiful song from an amazing musical. This is our decision to forge our future, despite the challenges ahead.

Julie Taymor is absolutely right. This show is a retelling of a movie. Should you see it? Yes you should! The opening of this show is astoundingly beautiful.

We are officially in the longest lockdown state in the world .. Melbourne, the arts capital of Australia, this has brought me so many mixed emotions. So sad because we have missed out on so many wonderful shows and experiences that the Arts brings to us all, and I’m also thankful that i feel so deeply what this song truly means in this ever changing pandemic world we live in today. Thank you for posting this💟

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.

Fragments of this song have a more bitterweet meaning today than it's ever had. Added to the emotion of getting to sing it again along with the ensemble. Bravo!

I'm getting emotional watching all these videos of shows rehearsing again. Makes me so happy to see theater start up again, we have all missed it so much.

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.

Can anyone agree that this song here is nothing but pure beauty and empowerment? Cause listening to it gives me a surge of energy and actually made me shed a tear due to how amazing and powerful this song is?

Thank you for allowing us to film this amazing expereince. It goes to the top of our list of projects without question. NYC is officially open again!!!!!

One of the best musical songs ever. If it doesnt move you, either have no soul..or dead...

I got chills and started crying with the actors. This was soo heartwarming and much needed. I've missed you guys! ❤

Saw it in NYC with my daughter, ten years ago. There were no words to describe it. Loved it! It’s coming to North Carolina next month. We will be going, bringing her daughter. Can’t wait. Edit. We saw it this afternoon. My three year old granddaughter sat through the whole performance on my lap. She clapped and laughed. She knew the characters. It was so emotional, I cried at the end, it truly is a circle of life.

it will always be the first two lines of this song that gets me into tears... Thank God i was able to watch this musical here in Manila...

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

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

“They don’t know why but they cry” cue me already crying because I miss being on stage

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

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

That was an emotional roller coaster. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. Waiting for them just to burst through. And when they did it was so refreshing and so emotional. I loved it. I would love to listen to it in person.

I guess because of the meds I’m on, I cannot cry, but not only did I get chills all over…I cried & still crying. I love u wonderful woman. Thank God for ur blessed voice!!!🙌🏼❤

Coming from Chicago to NY for my birthday to see Lion King on Broadway. This gave me chills and I can’t wait! ❤️

Chills!!!! The power in that room. 👏🏽👏🏽

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

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

Damnnn my tears just keep coming! What a beautiful sound!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Boy does this bring back memories! It was as beautiful as when I heard it performed live.

This performance has me bawling uncontrollably. You can feel the emotion and passion that they insert into each part that they play.

Lion King is THE BEST MUSICAL ON BROADWAY HANDS DOWN!!!!!

Gosh o'mighty! They must have missed performing so much! I pray they have a successful and healthy season.

I will never forget seeing this for the first time. I could not help but cry. It was overwhelming and comforting at the same time. It still amazes me that someone had the spark of inspiration to create this.

@whome6081

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I’m like wow to the person/people who composed this song!

I had two glasses of wine and now I’m sobbing??? Absolutely incredible 😭😭😭😭✨✨✨✨

Can't get enough of this video. I cry every time. I hope that these artists know what they are contributing to the world !

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

This brought tears to my eyes! In theatre this song already is powerful, but now you heard the emotions even better!

I saw this amazing production 3 times in the early 2000's with the original cast. This woman as Rafiki all 3 times. She's amazing and so is the rest of the amazing cast. I STILL cry when I hear this song as it takes me back to the small theaters in Los Angeles where I saw it once and San Francisco where I saw it twice. The original Simba was drop dead gorgeous too! If Julie Taymor can still cry...you know you've got a life time hit!! Congrats to this AMAZING cast!!

@rocknroll20024

10 ай бұрын

I saw in San Francisco to that was my first time seeing it

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.

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

Going to work my ass off so I can someday see it live 🥺🤩

@samanthabates4031

2 жыл бұрын

Same here! I just told my husband that my greatest wish of all is to see this live.

@DisturberOfThePeace

2 жыл бұрын

It is phenomenal live. I’ve never seen it on Broadway in New York but the travelling tour came to my city. It is 😭❤️

@denizalgazi

2 жыл бұрын

The magic of the Circle of Life opening number is best experienced from the orchestra level seats.

@deloresredman4792

2 жыл бұрын

Biggest tip.if you go....do not b late...if you are. You cannot go in the. Theatre until that fantastic opening is over because the actors need to set up ioutside orchestra doors. If u r late b prepared to kick yourself. You will miss rhe most gjorious moment of the whole show.....so go.early and get your ass in your seat

@aethden

2 жыл бұрын

I was there when I was younger in Germany, it's incredible

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

I have never witnessed such beautiful singing like this before, I saw them performing on the View Show today, I been trying to search them always! Many blessings to all of you 🙏🏽 ✨ 💛

The most amazing show that you will ever see in your life. Thank you Julie, every member, Disney, animals , Elton, Lebo, Hans, Refi. You set a new level of excellence.

The goosebumps when she started !!!! And then when everyone else came in. Oh my!

This song hits a 90s kid like no other. I haven't seen this movie in years, and here I am in tears.

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❤️❤️❤️❤️

Lion King is up there with my all time favorite three. One of the best scores ever… I took my daughter, and we still have the excellent quality t-shirts we bought. What a treat to see the power the actress puts into singing Circle of Love. The song will survive forever, and be sung by many artists just like Somewhere Over the Rainbow… it’s the countdown to opening night again. Good luck to all…

@Robert20256

Жыл бұрын

Wow. Bring so much memories

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

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.

Saw the tour last summer. Rafiki was a vocal bombshell. It hurt to breathe during the songs because they were sooo good.