meet Johnathan Andrew Hume & Puleng March
Johnathan Andrew Hume and Puleng March - two leading stars of Disney's The Lion King - share their enthusiasm for the production and their new Singapore home, with MICHELLE JONES-WHITE.
TF: How did you become involved in acting and The Lion King?
JAH: As a hyperactive child growing up in Oxford, England, my parents thought acting classes would be a good outlet for my excess energy. And from the very first session, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I went to my first audition for The Lion King to offer a friend support and although my friend fell ill, I queued from 7am and was eventually seen in the afternoon. After numerous auditions, I got an Ensemble role and started with The Lion King in London in 2001 as the back-end of the rhino! I then became a Swing - someone who understudies several roles. I had to learn 10 songs and go on at a moment's notice. It was challenging, but really exciting. I then understudied the lead role of Simba for six years and now I'm here, playing Simba for real.
PM: I also accompanied a friend to the audition, not intending to try for myself. But I was accepted, started as an Ensemble and became an understudy in the production in South Africa - my home country. Now I get to make history here, as the first Nala in the Singapore cast, in a brand-new theatre, in this beautiful country. What more could I ask for?
PM: I can't wait to go to Universal Studios Singapore and go on the rides. We have to be careful about what we go on to avoid the chance of injury, but I love
a challenge!
JAH: One thing I love about Singapore is the heat. The weather is perfect. It amazes me how you can time the rain by your watch! It's so different from London's constant drizzle.
TF: How much preparation has gone into the show?
JAH: The entire Company - cast, production crew and support staff - have been rehearsing for eight weeks. Although we've both been in the show in other countries, this has been a new show from day one - new cast, crew, stage, costumes and masks. This production has been tailored for this particular theatre and we all find that very exciting.
Everything we've known before has been relearned. And I now have an even deeper understanding of the show and my role in it. Eight weeks of rehearsals gave all the Company the chance to get to know our roles inside out and discover hidden talents. And we're much tighter as a result. We're a family.
This is The Lion King's most international cast - a melting pot of 100 people from 13 countries - which means we're all learning something new about different cultures, broadening us as people. And if anyone's homesick we know how it feels and are ready to support one another. We're very blessed.
your health and vitality?
PM: As an artiste you're taught how to take care of your instrument - in my case, my voice. So I watch what I eat, warm up both vocally and physically before each show and avoid unnecessary risks - health or otherwise. But being disciplined doesn't end at the theatre, we carry this mindfulness with us. For example, we avoid crowded, noisy places as we can't raise our voices. So sadly, no rock concerts for us.
JAH: It sounds strict, but this discipline is what we've been taught to do and is now second nature. Any moment you're not prepared is when something will happen, so you always have to be alert. And as we're all singing and dancing we have to be conscious of our complete physical health. If we did go to a rock concert, we'd be the quietest members of the audience!
A lot of the movement we do in The Lion King to recreate the animals' physical presence is developed from traditional Javanese and Balinese dance. As this choreography doesn't follow typical dance moves, it's important we warm up in a particular way - as the moves are quite unique to our body's natural movement.
TF: What's your favourite part of the show?
TOGETHER: Circle Of Life!
JAH: It's the opening song and a beautiful, majestic moment. As the adult Simba and Nala aren't on until the second act, we get to watch that number from the wings and observe the audience's reaction - the tears, cheers and smiles uplift us every time. As actors we put ourselves "out there" on stage. But the audience gives us so much in return.
PM: To step out on the stage each night is truly a gift, a beautiful experience. And to get such an enormous level of response and excitement every time is just incredible, we're very lucky. Even among the cast, the excitement is palpable. I will never get bored of this show. For me, the allure and joy of The Lion King will
never wane.
The Lion King
Until May 31, 8pm
This Broadway-quality production featuring music, dance and puppetry tells the powerful and moving story of Simba's epic adventure - his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destiny as King of the Pridelands.
Marina Bay Sands, Sands Theater. Tickets: $65-$240.
www.sistic.com.sg or www.showbiz.asia.com for theatre, dinner and accommodation packages.
Posted Apr 2011
