Get a backstage look at the ‘Lion King,’ thanks to one of the actors who was born in Nampa
One of two principle actors of “The Lion King” gave the Statesman a backstage tour of the popular musical now playing in Boise.
Nearly 6-foot, 5-inches, Mark Campbell is the tallest actor to play the role, and indeed the powerful baritone has an impressive presence on stage — all while wearing a 37-pound costume and a motorized mask that he controls with a remote.
“The trick is to make all of the movement look as organic as possible and part of your movement,” Campbell explained. “There are times when Scar is more human and time when he is full beast the mask drops down to fully cover the face and all you can see are these green eyes.”
Campbell plays evil Scar, who murders his brother Mufasa to take over the kingdom forcing his nephew Simba to go on the run.
In a Statesman story last week, Campbell revealed that is leaving the show after this week and while he is here he wanted to find the Nampa farmhouse where he was born. From that, an old family friend contacted him and knew right where to take him.
“My parent’s best friend when they were here still lives here,” he said. “She called me and knew right where to take me. We got in the car and she drove me right to the house. I had a few twinges of ‘I might remember this,’ but I was 3.”
Campbell’s father was a doctor who worked at a clinic in Homedale in the 1970s while the family lived in Nampa. When Campbell was 3, the family moved to Portland and eventually to Lincoln, Nebraska, the city he now calls his hometown.
When they arrived at the house, no one was home, but Campbell was thrilled to find his Idaho origins.
It’s interesting how it played out, that the last city he plays is near the place he was born.
“I feel like it’s full circle,” he said.
Campbell’s last performance is Sunday, Oct. 21. The show plays two more weeks at the Morrison Center.
‘The Lion King’
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, to Thursday, Oct. 25; 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, Wednesday, Oct. 31, Thursday, Nov. 1; 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise. $30-$145. Ticketmaster or 208-426-1110.
Note: Your best chance to get seats together is on Halloween, Oct. 31, and the last weekend.
Parking: Make sure to allow extra time to get to the Morrison Center. Because of the construction surface parking is limited. It’s best to park in the Brady Street Garage. For quicker access, enter from Brady Street.