Stage Rush TV: Episode 36
Talking points:
- Part 2 of Ensemble Watch with The Lion King’s Ray Mercer and Jean Michelle Grier. Ray talks about his giraffe, Gus, and how he mounts the 14-foot puppet.
- At This Performance concert celebrates 500 understudies
- Riding Stew’s Brooklyn Omnibus at BAM
- Broadway grosses
Do you think you have what it takes to ride Gus, Rushers? Have you been to one of the At This Performance concerts? Have you taken a ride on Stew’s Brooklyn Omnibus yet? Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below, and follow Stage Rush on Facebook and Twitter for more updates, news, and sightings!
Ensemble Watch: ‘The Lion King,’ Part 2
In Part 2 of Ensemble Watch with The Lion King’s Ray Mercer and Jean Michelle Grier, Mercer talks about his giraffe, Gus, and how he manages on those stilts (14 feet high!). Grier reveals her favorite moment of performing in the show, and why she feels the ensemble is always in the spotlight.
(If you missed Part 1, watch it here)
Were you surprised that Ray doesn’t have to rehearse stilt walking, Rushers? Do you think the ensemble of The Lion King might be the most visible and featured on Broadway? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Stage Rush on Facebook and Twitter for on-the-go updates!
Stage Rush TV: Episode 35
Talking points:
- Going to the opening night of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
- Interviewing Lion King ensemble members Ray Mercer and Jean Michelle Grier
- Broadway grosses
What do you think, Rushers? Is Bloody Bloody the coolest show to hit Broadway this season, or do you have your eye on another show? What Broadway openings have you been to? Tell me your stories and leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow Stage Rush on Facebook and Twitter for updates, news, and sightings when you’re on the go!
Ensemble Watch: ‘The Lion King,’ Part 1
For 13 years, the on-stage spectacle of The Lion King has been flooring audience members, even bringing tears to the eyes of adults, and selling out performances (even to this day). From an ensemble that is as important as the show’s leads (if not more), Jean Michelle Grier and Ray Mercer discuss life in this uber-technical show in the latest Ensemble Watch. Both ensemble actors with featured roles (Grier plays Simba’s mother Sarabi; Mercer plays a giraffe), they have both been with the show for over five years. Here they discuss the euphoria of being cast in the mega hit, backstage life at the Minskoff, and fitness.
When was the last time you saw The Lion King, Rushers? Were you moved by its visuals? Do you find it interesting that this ensemble is arguably the prime aspect of this show? Leave your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to look for Part 2 next week.
For on-the-go updates, news, and sightings, follow Stage Rush on Facebook and Twitter.