“Everyone has a Lion King story”
“Everyone has a Lion King story.” And if anyone should know it would be Syndee Winters who plays the role of adult Nala in the current production of the iconic tale at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock.
Winters has been involved in The Lion King beginning in 2010 having a part of the Broadway play. “I was in it on and off for 13 years,” said Winters who has recently returned to the role.
“It’s special to come back as Nala,” said Winters and continued. “The Lion King has opened a lot of doors for me and taken me all over the world, but the best thing about it is the people I meet. Anywhere I go there is always someone who has a Lion King story… about how it has profoundly effected a person’s life.”
Playing Nala came naturally to Winters at an early age and there was no question what her future held.
“I just knew I would play Nala,” explained Winters. “She is the unsung hero of the story. She is a leader and a warrior and Simba relies on her strength.”
Winters went on to praise the character, “… I relate to the attributes of Nala as a daughter, a sister and asa woman. I am so honored that to get to sing Shadowlands again, it had a profound
impact on me as a child.”
Pippen, Motown, Hamilton on Broadway and roles in a variety of television series stand out in the actor’s impressive career.
The production itself is a wonder of creativity and innovation. The sets are flavored with aspects of not only the African desert terrain, but there are also some Japanese influences in the color palette.
The sunrise and starry sky scenes are astounding. The integration of puppetry and costumes with the actors themselves are inspirational and effective in setting the scenes and emotions of the characters.
There’s not much that can be said about this production that hasn’t been said already.
The venue is perfect for such a production and the play itself is a joy to behold.
The place was packed and the audience was on its feet when the curtain closed.
The Lion King has become an iconic tale and with good reason. There will never be a substitute for the original animated movie, but the Broadway production will have a lasting effect on everyone who has the chance to see it.
And if Ms. Winters happens to be in the cast, you’re in for an even better