When “The Lion King” opens at the Benedum Center next Wednesday, Pittsburgh families can expect a spectacular blend of music, dance and more than two hundred handcrafted puppets. The show, a longtime favorite on Broadway, arrives with a behind‑the‑scenes story that highlights the dedication of local artisans.
Veteran puppet supervisor keeps the magic moving
Michael Reilly, the production’s puppet supervisor, has been with “The Lion King” since 2000. He began his career after a technical school education and a stint as a costume assistant on the original Toronto run of “Cats.” Since then, he has contributed to productions such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Miss Saigon” and “Les Misérables.”
Reilly now oversees eight distinct styles of puppetry, ranging from full‑body creations to the complex “Pumbaa” backpack‑type puppet that weighs 45 pounds. In total, he is responsible for the maintenance, repair and repainting of 230 puppets used throughout the performance.
Design, construction and on‑stage challenges
Costume designers Julie Taymor and Michael Curry, the first woman to win a Tony for Best Direction of a Musical, spent an entire year translating animated characters into life‑size stage creations. The designers studied animal movement to ensure the hybrids—part human, part animal—move naturally. Reilly notes that the opening number, “The Circle of Life,” features fifty puppets onstage simultaneously, underscoring the importance of punctuality and precision.
Technical mishaps are part of the job. Reilly recounts loose heads, fallen legs and a memorable incident where an elephant puppet toppled on the stairs, prompting performers to quickly lift the massive piece back into place.
Training performers and engaging audiences
None of the singers, dancers or actors were hired as puppeteers; they receive on‑the‑job training to convey emotion through the puppets’ movements. Reilly says the audience’s willingness to suspend disbelief is key—viewers often start by seeing the characters as humans, then, thanks to the cast’s skill, recognize the puppets as the beloved animal figures.
Children especially connect with Simba and Nala’s journey, learning lessons of bravery and responsibility. Reilly believes the production offers something for everyone, describing it as “one of the greatest shows on Broadway” and encouraging even those who typically avoid musical theater to give it a try.
Show dates and ticket information
“The Lion King” will run at the Benedum Center through September 27. For performance times, ticket pricing and seating, visit trustarts.org.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
