'The Lion King' roars into the metro with spring run at the Des Moines Civic Center

The national touring edition of Disney’s “The Lion King” is roaring into the metro this spring.

The Des Moines Performing Arts-presented show will entertain metro audiences with its stunning choreography, costuming, and songs during a roughly two-and-a half week run at the Des Moines Civic Center from March 30 to April 16.

“The Lion King,” which boasts six Tony Awards and recently celebrated 20 years of touring performances, is one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

The production, which was adapted from Disney’s animated feature film of the same name, is a 150-minute show with a 20-minute intermission. "The Lion King" follows young lion cub Simba, a prince, who learns lessons about courage and fighting for oneself after a family betrayal led to his father's death.

With songs such as "Circle of Life," "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," the music is sure to evoke old memories and create new ones for families of all ages.

Two stars of the show, Darian Sanders who portrays Simba and Khalifa White who plays Nala, discussed the groundbreaking Broadway favorite with the Des Moines Register.

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'The story is timeless'

Sanders, who first joined the North American tour in 2019 as a member of the ensemble and a Simba understudy, came back full time as his now-character following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For me, the storyline of Simba is a storyline everyone can resonate with,” Sanders said.

Sanders called the production "a magical ride" and said the beautiful part about the Broadway edition of "The Lion King" is the storyline is the same as the animated feature, which adds a mix of nostalgia for older audience members and something new for young people.

“I love it because it’s for somebody of all ages whether you are a young child or more seasoned in your years,” Sanders said.

The musical, which features dancing through the aisles and largescale sets, entrances audiences with its production value and soaring visuals.

“You sit and you get to experience and fully get engulfed in this world, this dream, and this beautiful story,” Sanders added. “You get taken away into this beautiful story for two-and-a-half hours.”

Sanders said the action-packed story centers around the decision and ability to look and understand who we are and how we are uniquely made.

“The story is timeless and it speaks to people of all ages and all backgrounds,” Sanders added.

More:Broadway shows coming to Des Moines include 'The Lion King,' 'Fiddler on the Roof,' 'Six' and more

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"The Lion King" is even a mood booster for its biggest stars.

“I could be having a bad day and I go to work, and I hear the music and the 'Circle of Life' and I’m in a better mood. It’s kind of hard to not be,” White said.

White said she has enjoyed portraying Nala in "The Lion King" because her character is willing to do whatever is necessary for her family.

“I love Nala so much. She’s that warrior princess," White said. "She’s not afraid and even if she’s afraid, she may feel the fear but she’s still going to do what needs to be done."

Portraying Nala in the musical has influenced her off the stage, too, she said.

“As I grow, I want to be more like Nala in real life — it’s an inspiring role to see how she grows up,” White said.

White said her role is very physical with a lot of jumping, choreographed stage combat, and movement for Nala. Audiences can expect a colorful and nostalgic show, she added, and said that the cast is a “firestorm."

“I think they can except the time of their life,” White said of metro area audiences.

White, a Florida native who came to Des Moines during her first national touring production “School of Rock,” said she is excited to return to the city.

“Des Moines was fun — it was cool. I love Des Moines!” White said.

Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 'The Lion King' will head to the Des Moines Civic Center in April