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
Make-up supervisor Elizabeth Cohen and her mean, green masterpiece. Look out Elphaba!
Fred Berman
2:30 PM: The very different warm-up stylings of Timon and Pumbaa.
Fred Berman
2:50 PM: While the wildebeest stampede rages outside, Timon makes his daily quick call home to Mrs. Meerkat before hitting the stage.
Fred Berman
3 PM: Puppeting up backstage with the help of dresser extraordinaire April Fernandez-Taylor.
Fred Berman
King Mufasa (Alton Fitzgerald White) and his evil brother Scar (Gareth Saxe) make nice over the copy machine during intermission.
Fred Berman
RIIIIII-COOOOO-LAAAAAAAA! A daily ritual before heading back for Act Two.
Fred Berman
The Family Meerkat visits between shows and Isabella meets Rafiki (Tshidi Manye). Chaos ensues.
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Benjamin and Isabella check out Daddy's dressing room.
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5:15 PM: Dinner with the family at the Galaxy Diner on Ninth Avenue.
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7:15 PM: The juice of life is needed once again!
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6:15 PM: Back to the Minskoff to grab a quick pre-second show nap.
Fred Berman
8:50 PM: See ya on the ice, Pumbaa!
Fred Berman
10:30 PM: Coming offstage after curtain call: a blur of excitement.
Fred Berman
10:45 PM: Working hard to shed that green!
Fred Berman
10:55 PM: Signing autographs at the stage door.
Fred Berman
