Follow The Lion King’s Nala for an entire day as she gives us an inside glimpse into what it’s like to star in a major Broadway show.
Adrienne Walker
Marc J. Franklin
For a woman who is soaring to the top of Pride Rock eight times a week, The Lion King’s Adrienne Walker is feeling grounded. The actor manages to emanate a quiet, calming energy while navigating life as a star on Broadway.
Walker takes us through a typical Friday—from her morning workout and a stroll through her Brooklyn neighborhood, to her pre-show rituals—giving us a glimpse at what it’s like to be a part of a major Disney musical on Broadway.
Flip through photos of the day below:
A Day in the Life of The Lion King’s Adrienne Walker
A Day in the Life of The Lion King’s Adrienne Walker
Follow Broadway’s Nala—from AM to PM—as she gives us an inside glimpse into what it’s like to be an actor in New York City.
31 PHOTOS
For The Lion King’s Adrienne Walker, the day is about balancing productivity with the rest required to perform 8 times a week.
Marc J. Franklin
"Memorize. Steam. No Talking. Mask that face."
Marc J. Franklin
Each morning begins with steaming and tea. "Steaming is really effective because it helps loosen up the vocal cords”
Marc J. Franklin
Just before 11AM, Adrienne walker heads to her private pilates lesson, a workout routine she began shortly after beginning The Lion King.
Marc J. Franklin
“This is actually the first time I’ve stuck with a workout routine this long,” says Walker. “I remember walking in not knowing what to expect and I remember leaving feeling refreshed, like my blood was alive.”
Marc J. Franklin
After pilates, Walker grabs a quick, nutritious juice to keep her energy high.
Marc J. Franklin
Back at home, Walker cooks herself a healthy breakfast.
Marc J. Franklin
For the actress, maintaining the health required to work on Broadway begins with nutrition. “When you’re doing a show 8 times a week, you have to maintain it,” says the actor.
Marc J. Franklin
Following a shower and a voice check, Walker heads out for the afternoon. Packing a well-stocked bag is essential—she won’t return home until after the show ends, a little after 11 PM.
Marc J. Franklin
The first stop of the day is to the local bookstore to find a birthday gift for one of the child actors playing Young Simba.
Marc J. Franklin
As King Kong prepares to bring puppets to Broadway on a giant scale, we examine seven other plays and musicals that use puppetry to tell their stories.
