“Shadowland” from The Lion King

The Lion King
Music: Lebo M. & Hans Zimmer
Lyrics: Mark Mancina & Lebo M.

Heather Headley, vocalist
Doug Peck, music director

The Lion King made its initial impact as a 1994 animated film musical from Walt Disney Pictures. The story of life among a pride of lions delighted millions internationally. Three years later the tale was reimagined on the Broadway stage, in a production that is still running after more than 9,000 performances. Last year Disney released a photorealistic computer-animated remake of the original film.

Songs by Elton John and Tim Rice from the 1994 film were retained for the Broadway show, and other songwriters contributed to the score as well. Lebo M. and Hans Zimmer created the music of “Shadowland,” setting lyrics by Lebo M. and Mark Mancina. The song was written for the show’s leading female character, Nala, a role created on Broadway by American singer-actress Heather Headley. Nala, a lioness, realizes that the Pride Lands have become intolerable with the tyranny of the ruling lion, Scar. In a melody of devastating emotional power, Nala hopes her prayers will guide her as she seeks help for her community. The lyrics grew out of Lebo M.’s years of exile from his native South Africa at the height of apartheid.

Vocalist

Heather Headley

Lyric debut

The acclaimed singer-songwriter-actress debuted on Broadway originating the role of Nala/The Lion King in 1997. She later created the title role/Elton John’s Aida, for which she won a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award. Other Broadway credits include First You Dream, Dreamgirls, Il Divo: A Musical Affair—The Greatest Songs of Broadway, and The Color Purple. Headley has also appeared in the City Center Encores production of Do Re Mi and the Actors Fund Benefit concert version of Dreamgirls. In London she starred in The Bodyguard, garnering Olivier Award and What’s On Stage Award nominations. Among other important credits are concerts in Britain and Italy with Andrea Bocelli. Headley has recorded four solo albums, winning a Grammy Award in 2010 for “Audience of One” (Best Contemporary Gospel R&B Album). Among her television appearances are The Kennedy Center Presents: The Mark Twain Prize (PBS) and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, as well as recurring roles on She’s Gotta Have It (Netflix), Chicago Med (NBC), and currently Sweet Magnolias (Netflix).

Photo: Todd Rosenberg