I didn’t watch the entire show, but what I did see and heard was spectacular. THE LION KING is already a hit with Schuster audiences.

Our opening night house manager meeting was daunting as we received new marching orders from the production company. I was managing the orchestra right (lower floor) which seemed to hold many of the adjustments with some entrances and exits from the cast members. It was exciting to see Antelope and other animals of the jungle dressing and preparing in the house right circulation hall between the auditorium and the lobby. My ushers at the three separate entrances to orchestra right were on top of their game and made the opening night a success with all the new adjustments.

There is one point in the production when Young Simba runs off the stage and down through the audience and out the rear set of doors that lead down to the circulation hall and onto the rear set of access stairs. Since I had several patrons in the lobby for the “hold” of that number, I cracked open the door so I could see when Young Simba had cleared before allowing the handful of audience members back to their seats. The young lad bounded down the Door 6 steps, saw the thin streak of light cutting across the very dim hall, and turned to give me a huge smile and wave. It was so adorable.

Later, as I was retrieving more program boxes to restock my program cabinet, I opened the door to the location where we normally keep our supply of program boxes. To my surprise, there sat Young Simba and Young Nala with their tutor who explained the location was their classroom. Young Simba looked up, smiled, waved, and said, “Hey! How’s it going?”

We have beautiful weather in the Miami Valley, and I took advantage of it yesterday to mow the backyard and grab a few things from Kroger. My refrigerator is down, but the freezer is working. I never have much in the refrigerator as I have minimal needs, so for the time being, I have a large cooler keeping milk, eggs, and sour cream cooled. The process of obtaining a new appliance is slightly overwhelming.

On with the day. Tonight, I will return to the jungle to hold down the loge left and lower balcony areas, learning the production assignments for this area. I only recall hearing the mention of birds being dangled from the galleries over the audience.

Make it a great day!