Costumes Bring 'Disney's The Lion King' Musical to Life

Actors reveal how their elaborate outfits transform them into iconic animal characters.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Before the 'Disney's The Lion King' musical arrives in West Michigan this April, Maranda got a behind-the-scenes look at the show's impressive costumes in Seattle. The performers combine intricate outfits with innovative puppetry to bring their animal characters to life on stage, drawing inspiration from various cultures to create the unique and beautiful designs.

Why it matters

The costumes and puppetry are essential elements that allow the 'Disney's The Lion King' musical to transport audiences and faithfully adapt the beloved animated film for the stage. The show's creative design choices showcase the artistry and technical expertise required to pull off such a large-scale theatrical production.

The details

In the 'Disney's The Lion King' musical, the performers use a combination of elaborate costumes and puppetry to embody their animal characters. Thembelihle Cele, who plays Nala, says 'Once you put it on, you watch the puppet come to life.' Meanwhile, Gilbert Domally, who portrays Simba, notes that the costumes draw inspiration from 'all of this influence that comes into the show' through various cultural references.

  • The 'Disney's The Lion King' musical will be at DeVos Performance Hall in West Michigan from April 8 to April 26, 2026.
  • Maranda got a sneak peek of the show's costumes in Seattle prior to the West Michigan performances.

The players

Thembelihle Cele

An actor who portrays the character of Nala in the 'Disney's The Lion King' musical.

Gilbert Domally

An actor who portrays the character of Simba in the 'Disney's The Lion King' musical.

Broadway Grand Rapids

The organization bringing the 'Disney's The Lion King' musical to DeVos Performance Hall in West Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“Once you put it on, you watch the puppet come to life.”

— Thembelihle Cele, Nala in 'Disney's The Lion King' musical

“We have all of this influence that comes into the show.”

— Gilbert Domally, Simba in 'Disney's The Lion King' musical

What’s next

Tickets for the 'Disney's The Lion King' musical performances at DeVos Performance Hall in West Michigan from April 8 to April 26, 2026 are available for purchase on the Broadway Grand Rapids website.

The takeaway

The intricate costumes and innovative puppetry used in the 'Disney's The Lion King' musical are essential elements that bring the iconic animal characters to life on stage, showcasing the artistic and technical expertise required to adapt the beloved animated film for a large-scale theatrical production.