Ever wonder about the daily routine of a Broadway actor? How about the routine on one of those grueling two-performance days? Playbill.com reached out to two of the newest stars of the long-running smash hit The Lion King for some perspective.
Fred Berman and Ben Jeffrey joined the cast June 15, stepping into the respective roles of the wisecracking meerkat Timon and the carefree warthog Pumbaa.
Armed with digital cameras, the actors set about to offer an extensive look at an average two-performance day portraying one of the most beloved Disney duos on Broadway. They snapped everything from morning routine to pre-performance rituals to between-show activities to the final curtain call.
Here is a look at Fred Berman's long and exciting day with castmates, backstage crew and family:
A Two-Show Day With The Lion King's Timon, Fred Berman
A Two-Show Day With The Lion King's Timon, Fred Berman
Fred Berman joined the cast of the hit musical The Lion King June 15 as the wise-cracking meerkat Timon. Armed with a camera on July 31, he offers a look at a typical two-performance day at the office, from morning wakeup to final curtain. Click here for a two-show day with Pumbaa, Ben Jeffrey.
25 PHOTOS
July 31, 2010. 9:30 AM. The day begins for the meerkat with an early birthday celebration thrown by his young cubs, Benjamin and Isabella (Momma Kate helped out, too).
Fred Berman
11 AM: The boys head out to the local Farmers Market for some fresh grub (not to be confused with fresh GRUBS).
Fred Berman
A meerkat family picnic in the park.
Fred Berman
Lunchtime sustenance before hitting the road: fresh empanadas from Buenos Dias Bakery Cafe (owned by Lion King assistant make-up supervisor Marian Torre). Muy Bueno.
Fred Berman
12:30 PM: The sweet elixir of life in hand, our brave meerkat begins his descent into Manhattan's underground for the long journey ahead of him.
Fred Berman
Hakuna MTA-ata!
Fred Berman
At long last, we arrive at the Pridelands.
Fred Berman
Pre-make-up exercises. Mmmmm, yeah, feel the burn....
Fred Berman
1:45 PM: Let the green begin!
Fred Berman
Does this green make my nose look big?
Fred Berman
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Berman's theatrical credits include Bury the Dead, Room Service, Shockheaded Peter, The Normal Heart, The Vocal Lords and The Buddy Holly Story. He is also an award-winning narrator of more than 50 audio books.