Name?
Danny Grumich
What role do you play in THE LION KING?
Pumbaa
For anyone who may not be familiar with the show, can you tell us a little about your character and where they fit into the story?
Pumbaa is part of a comedic duo with his other half, Timon. When they encounter a young Simba on his own, they quickly take him under their wing and teach him about Hakuna Matata, their carefree approach to life.
Do you remember your first experience with THE LION KING, whether it was the animated film or the stage production? Who introduced you to it?
I remember watching the animated film as a kid, my parents bought us the VHS. I would sing along to the songs, dance around my living room, and cheer on Simba when he and the lionesses fought scar and the hyenas.
What has it been like performing such an iconic show?
It's been truly life changing. I still get chills when I think of the incredible legacy this story has and continues to have. To even be a small part of that legacy is something very special that I’m eternally grateful for.
How was the rehearsal process, and what surprised you most about bringing the production together?
The rehearsal process was a whirlwind in the best way possible. This is the first time I’ve worked with a puppet onstage, so not only was I learning blocking, choreography, lines, and songs, I had to figure out how to meld all of that into operating an 8 ft long, 50+ lb puppet. Our Puppet Department and our creative team were amazing in offering me tips and tricks to make Pumbaa really come alive, but also gave me the freedom to explore and make the character my own.
Do you have a favorite moment in the show to perform?
Hakuna Matata is also a fun one to do every night, but one of my favorite moments in the show is a scene we call “under the stars.” Adult Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa are looking up at the stars and having a conversation right off the heels of a much more active scene. It’s fun to bring the energy down a bit and dive into that scene with those guys every night.
What is your pre-show ritual or warm-up routine?
I work with a personal trainer (shoutout to the incredible Emilie Battle at Battle Body Fitness) who helped me create a warmup and cool down tailored to specific muscle groups I use most during the show. I usually couple that with a few vocal exercises as I stretch to warm up my voice. Drinking a ton of water before and during the show is a must, and I usually keep ginger chews and Pei Pa Koa on hand to take when needed.
Life on tour can be quite an adventure. How has the experience been so far, and are there any cities or attractions you've particularly enjoyed visiting?
Tour has been an amazing adventure so far. I’m lucky to have my whole family traveling with me (my beautiful wife Meryn, our 2 year old daughter Gracie, and our dog Waverly). It can be tough unpacking and repacking for a family as we go city to city, but I think we’ve picked up a few things that work for us. We’ve loved all the cities we’ve played so far, but some standouts for me include Kansas City (I’m from St. Louis and went to college in Kansas City, so getting to go back was really special), Vancouver, and Cincinnati.
What is one thing audiences might not realize about touring with a production like THE LION KING?
There are over twice as many folks backstage as opposed to onstage that make the show happen every night. We pick up a ton of local stage crew, dressers, hair and make-up specialists, etc is each city but we also travel full departments of each of the above and more. Between cast, crew, musicians, merch teams, management, our full-time teacher for our young Simbas and Nalas, and our full time Physical Therapist Hunter, the show travels well over 100 people city to city.
Where are you originally from?
St. Louis, MO
Can you tell us a little about your journey into the performing arts?
I started doing theatre when I was 5. My Grandpa, the late great Jim Grumich, was a high school teacher and theatre director, and needed a little boy for the musical that year. I performed for other St. Louis based theatre companies off and on through grade school, did theatre in high school, then found my way back into it in college. There have been many people who have believed in and encouraged me along the way, but I have to give a special shoutout to my college theatre professor Susan Proctor, who encouraged me to audition for professional theatre in Kansas City and really helped me believe that I could find success with acting as a career.
Do you remember your very first role, whether professional, school, or community theater?
My very first role was Jerome in a high school production of South Pacific.
What advice would you give to young performers?
If performing is something you want to do, keep showing up and keep trying. An unfortunate truth in this industry is that this career comes with a ton of rejection. The actors who keep showing up, keep a positive attitude and are easy to work with, and ones who keep being a sponge and learn something new from every experience are the ones that usually find success in the end.
Is this your first time performing at Playhouse Square?
Yes! I’ve had many friends tour through with various shows and they’ve spoken very highly of Cleveland and Playhouse Square. I’m really excited to get to experience it all for myself over our 6 weeks.
Why do you think THE LION KING continues to resonate with audiences nearly 30 years after its Broadway debut?
I think the story is timeless and hits home on so many levels. I talk to parents at the stage door who grew up with The Lion King and are now bringing their children to see it for the first time. Their experience with the story is always drastically different too as an adult. Also, the celebration of South African culture is our show is unmatched. From the costumes, masks, language, and choreography, everything is inspired from South African culture and really elevates our story to a whole new level.
What do you hope audiences take away from the show after seeing it?
I hope audiences come ready to have a good time. There will be laughs, cheers, and maybe even a few tears. This story has literally something for everyone and is as special to us as it is to you coming to see it. We have a blast performing it for you every night and hope you have just as much fun watching it!