The LION KING on Broadway

Last Saturday afternoon, you may have noticed my Facebook status update: Hakuna Matata. That's right, we were headed to THE LION KING live, on stage, Broadway style. Before leaving the house, the tiegkndy watched the animated, class act, Disney version of the Lion King. Ready to go! Broadway: Downtown Sacramento A special day out with just my little ladies.

This photo was taken during our 15 minute intermission. We had great seats, front and center, row D. (Thanks, Gramma.)

Showtime: When the lights finally dimmed, there was a stunning parade of animals. The first ten minutes, we twisted and turned in our seats to see what marvel would enter next: giraffes, zebras, gazelles, lions, wild beasts, elephants, a rhino, and so many others. The cast performers with twirling, diving birds took over the mezzanine. African animals poured into the auditorium along the center aisles, and assembled on stage filling it from side to side and top to bottom. It truly caught me off guard, even though I had some knowledge of what to expect before the curtain raised. The entrance down the aisle was over the top. The girls were smiling from ear to ear. I was left misty-eyed; overwhelmed by the production effort to create this epic film and make it theater; and musical for that matter.

The costumes were brilliant, depicting African culture. Simply amazing, I thought. And the essence of each character was captivated either by his "dominant" trait or stage presence accompanied by African-influenced music. The entire show was phenomenal. It was diverse. It was comic. It was incredibly emotional. SPECTACULAR! "Nants' Ingonyama Bakithi Baba!" "There's more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done!" "Til we find our place on a path unwinding in the circle, the circle of life." Simba? Zazu? Has anyone seen the girls? "Oh, I just can't wait to be king."

Lion King Memorabilia

"A ballerina."

Our Kennedy had her BIG night two weeks ago. For the past month, she has been practicing her songs for the preschool celebration. She was very intent on her singing too. We loved every minute! All of the kids were asked to arrive 15 minutes early; only to be corralled into Room F until "the walk" (procession) began. A sea of proud parents, grandparents, friends and family could be seen hovering with their video recorders and cameras... ready to capture every moment of something said or silly moment. Once the kids were all seated, they began singing their songs for us. It was music to our ears. (Yes, some of us cried.) And there were some kids who didn't let us down and even made us laugh hysterically. Moments to remember. Then it was time to take care of business. Each child was called by name up to the front. When they arrived at the microphone, they were asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" As Kennedy came forward, her hat blew off. She gracefully picked it up and placed it back on her head. Atta girl! She proudly walked up to the microphone and was ready to answer her question. Kennedy, what do you want to be when you grow up? She softly said, "A ballerina." We all applauded. She happily took her diploma and returned to her seat. Some of the other children said that they wanted to be a policeman, an animal doctor, a soccer player... BUT, the one that got the thumbs-up cheer was the little girl who said she wanted to be a ROCKSTAR when she "growd" up. It was all so cute. Afterwards, we celebrated with refreshments and cupcakes.

Kennedy, we are so proud to be your Mommy and Daddy.

Introducing the Class of 2022!

Kennedy's Preschool Celebration Songs

(Melody: Yankee Doodle)

Welcome, welcome everyone

To our celebration

We are so proud of this day

It's our graduation

Friends and family hear us roar

For our work is done

Next year we will all go off

To Kindergarten.

(Melody: I've Been Working on the Railroad)

I've been going to my preschool

All the whole year long

I've been going to my preschool

And I've learned a lot of songs

I can count and say my letters

I know all my colors too

I've been going to my preschool

All the whole year through

Graduation day, graduation day

Graduation day is finally here

Graduation day, graduation day

Graduation day is finally here.

(Melody: Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes)

Learned my letters ABC-ABC

Learned my numbers 123-123

I can even write my name with ease

Aren't you very proud of me

Proud of me

Kindergarten here we come

Here we come

Kindergarten here we come

Here we come

So long preschool

It's been fun

Kindergarten here we come

Here we come!

(Video of Kennedy singing her graduation song(s) coming soon. If I am lucky.)

I teach.

I teach.

I am an open blossom

And my students are the bees.

With each landing, they collect some dust

And leave some off on me.

The bees fly away and are forever changed.

Bees are my students,

And I am a blossom, open.

I teach.