Wild animals from the African savannah sprint down the aisles.
Exotic birds perch above the balconies.
Enormous elephants lumber across the stage.
The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "The Lion King" has arrived at ASU.
With daily shows Tuesday through Friday and two shows on Saturdays and Sundays, the Disney-produced show is appearing through March 6 at Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium.
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, executive director for ASU Public Events said the musical was important for the University.
"(Hosting 'The Lion King') absolutely underscores the fact that ASU is a national and international venue for ideas and creativity," Jennings-Roggensack said.
As for the show itself, Jennings-Roggensack said the performance is, "all about magic, wonder, creativity and our notion of discovery. I've never seen anything like it in 30 years."
Melissa Jimro, a communication sophomore, saw the show last Friday.
"It was really cool how they brought an animated movie to life. The best part was the costumes -- they were very elaborate and actually made the actors look like animals," she said.
Feliciano Gonzales, who graduated from ASU in 1997 with a masters degree in dance, is a cast member in "The Lion King."
Gonzales plays the role of a "male dancer swing," which means he is responsible for knowing all of the male dancers' parts in case of injury or illness
Gonzales said performing in the show has been an amazing experience.
"It's great. It's a lot of fun, a lot of work, but it's very exciting.
"Audiences have been absolutely great," Gonzales continued. "They are quiet at first, but after one person claps the audience erupts."
As for being back in Tempe, Gonzales said, "It's crazy. Everything has changed. Everywhere I used to go is different now. Tempe has grown so much."
Reach the reporter at charles.obrien@asu.edu.
