The charity event will benefit a cheek swab drive to promote donating bone marrow.
Adrienne Walker
Marc J. Franklin
Stars from The Lion King on Broadway will gather at The Actors Fund Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan on June 27 for the Broadway Match Maker cheek swab drive to promote donating bone marrow. The drive is in partnership with Shannon's S.H.A.R.E Foundation, founded after 11-year old Shannon Skye Tavarez, who passed away in 2010.
Tavarez was starring as young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway when she was diagnosed with AML (acute myelogenous leukemia) and needed a matching bone marrow transplant to survive.
Among the performers who will participate in the drive are Jelani Remy, Adrienne Walker, L. Steven Taylor, Stephen Carlile, and Chondra Profit Ardrey.
Anyone wishing to participate in the drive can register for a home swab kit at GetSwabbed.org to join the database.
The Lion King is partnering with Shannon’s S.H.A.R.E. Foundation, The Actors Fund, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and Mount Sinai Doctors for the event.
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
The annual fundraiser in Shubert Alley features over 200 live and silent auction lots, more than 60 Broadway stars, and 56 tables of theatrical treasures.
