BWW Video Interview: THE LION KING's Frank Wright II, Veteran Cast Member Talks the Show's Origins in Minneapolis

As a young actor, Frank Wright II probably never imagined his career would be primarily spent in one long-running show. After performing in MISS SAIGON, Wright was cast in the yet-unknown new musical adaptation of Disney's THE LION KING. He and the other cast members embarked on a journey with director Julie Taymor to create a new, unique, creative show in the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis back in 1997. Little did he know that nearly 20 years later he'd still be playing in the award-winning, worldwide phenomenon, having portrayed nearly every character in the show as a swing and understudy. Opportunities he never imagined abounded, too - he's performed with them on the Tony Awards, at the White House and has sung at Carnegie Hall.

THE LION KING is a true phenomenon: Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 21 global productions have been seen by more than 85 million people (not even including our Minneapolis pre-Broadway run, which exceeded expectations for audience immediately). Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years. Translated into eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway; London's West End; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; Mexico City; and on tour across North America and Japan, for a total of eight productions running concurrently across the globe. Having played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, THE LION KING's worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history. And Wright is an integral part of that as a founding cast member, just as Minneapolis is as the place the show began.

In a true full-circle-of-life (yes, pun intended), Wright and the national tour return for the fourth time to the Orpheum, with the show currently running through Aug. 7, 2016 (ticket info below). Minneapolis is the true birthplace of THE LION KING and holds a special place in the heart of Wright.

Wright took a break to talk about the show, its beginnings in Minneapolis and what that means to him. Watch this special interview with a LION KING veteran in either the "at the office" version (approximately 5 minutes, first video) or below for a full length version (approximately 11 minutes, second video that includes content from first version but goes more in depth).

Enjoy this video and want more of Frank Wright II? Watch a full length (approximately 11 minutes, with more detail from Wright!) interview, too:

Frank Wright II bio:

(Swing, Understudy Mufasa) Frank Wright has been with the show since the very first pre-Broadway performance in Minneapolis back in 1997--remaining with the show ever since both on Broadway and on tour. He has great stories about how the show began and working with director Julie Taymor, and the rest of the creative team, nearly 20 years ago. He has had an amazing journey ever since.

Frank joins the Gizelle Company after having been blessed with performing in the Cheetah and Broadway companies of THE LION KING. He thanks God for his wife, Charlotte, and son Paden. With God all things are possible.

More information on THE LION KING:

The North American touring productions of THE LION KING have been seen by more than 17 million theatergoers and grossed over $1.2 billion to date. Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, THE LION KING now proudly makes its Minneapolis return at the Orpheum Theatre through Aug. 7, 2016. Sensory-friendly performance offered July 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets for remaining performances available at the State Theatre Box Office, by phone at (800) 982-2787 and online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.

Photo:

Frank Wright II, courtesy Hennepin Theatre Trust.

Video:

Frank Wright II interviewed at Minneapolis' Orpheum Theatre on July 20, 2016, by Kristen Hirsch Montag; video and editing: Dale Stark, Hennepin Theatre Trust.