Lights, Camera, Broadway!

Drew Hirshfield, a fairly new face to The Lion King Broadway stage, gives a brief insider’s look into the incredibly fun and somewhat challenging lifestyle he has faced with theatre acting.

Although he has acted and worked all around the country with different Theatre Companies and Television shows such as Blue Bloods and The Inspector, The Lion King is his first stint as a Broadway puppeteer. Playing the character of the iconic bird Zazu, his comedic character comes to life through incredible puppetry. The puppetry is so fantastic, in fact, that it’s easy to forget the man behind the bird!

In regards to what it’s like to transition between theatre acting and the television limelight, Hirshfield said that there is a huge difference between the mediums.

“I’m mainly a theater guy and I feel that I almost enjoy it more than television acting because the interaction between performer and audience is something to live for. The audience participates in an immediate way and it’s awesome – definitely something that I love about the theater.”

Although this idea of bringing Zazu to life seems to come so naturally to Hirshfield, he claims that it wasn’t always easy.

“Transitioning from an actor to a puppeteer was extremely fun but challenging! The first thing I did when I arrived after getting the job was met with the puppet master, and it was off to to the races from there. I had about a month to prepare and two years later I’m still learning the ropes”.

Hirshfield also claims that the job of a puppeteer is physically demanding.

“I have muscles in my forearms and shoulders that I didn’t have beforehand. I feel as though I’m in shape in a way that I wasn’t before. There is a lot of movement involved in the art of puppetry and I usually get a full body workout from it!”

However, the Lion King is a spectacular show that is well worth the physical demands for Hirshfield. He said that the uniqueness of the show is what keeps audiences coming back again and again.

“What’s so unique about the Lion King is the puppets and the masks, that’s really what makes it special blessing of longevity. The story is universal with rich African music, but I think the integration of the masks and the puppets makes the audience love it. Walking into the Lion King and not being overwhelmed with special effects … it’s the originality and old school feel that people really respond greatly to.”

His advice to aspiring actors? Have courage.

“I think it’s a difficult market place to be in because there are a lot more actors than jobs. Everyone’s a critic, so you really have to be passionate and do what you love and trust what you feel it means to be an actor. Only stick with it if you feel as though it’s something that excites and interests you. Have courage, and a willingness to fail again and again.”

The Lion King (and Zazu) will be on stage at the San Diego Civic Theatre from Sep 7 – Oct 2, so purchase your tickets to see Drew Hirshfield in all of his comedic glory before the show moves to its next venue!