Perhaps inspired by the Arlington Museum of Art, which is currently displaying costumes from the blockbuster Wicked film, the African American Museum, Dallas is partnering with Broadway Dallas on a new exhibit spotlighting the stage production of The Lion King.
Titled "From Africa to the Broadway Stage: Disney’s The Lion King," the exhibit showcases five original pieces — four masks and one puppet — that demonstrate Julie Taymor's groundbreaking design work.
These theatrical pieces are on display alongside actual African pieces from the museum’s permanent collection, allowing visitors to see the influence that actual African artistic works had on the creation of the Broadway musical.
Photo courtesy of Broadway Dallas
The African American Museum, Dallas is conveniently located just across the parking lot from Broadway Dallas' main home at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Disney's The Lion King returns to the venue this summer, June 4-July 3
The exhibit is on display daily now through July 3, with the museum staying open late during the musical's run so that ticket-holders can walk over and explore the exhibit before curtain.
"The exhibit is an excellent example of the inseparable connectivity between the performing arts and the visual arts," says Margie Reese, the museum's interim executive director.
Ken Novice, Broadway Dallas' president and CEO, adds, "This collaboration also allows us to highlight the shared mission of our organizations to inspire and educate through the arts."
At the exhibit's unveiling on January 31, attendees were treated to a live performance of “Circle of Life” by The Lion King alumna Selloane Nkhela and duets of "Endless Night,” “Shadowland,” and the Oscar-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from alumni Darian Sanders and Khalifa White.
Tickets for Broadway Dallas' run of The Lion King are on sale now.
