One of our favorite people on our tour with The Lion King is Mark David Kaplan, who plays Zazu. Not only is he as sweet as can be offstage, he’s severely talented, and kills it every night onstage. You should also know that today is his birthday, so we will celebrate Mark, with adjectives!
About a week ago, Mark made a special visit to Bethune Elementary Literary and Technology School in New Orleans to talk to the students about the show, puppetry, and his character Zazu. A true treat for the kids! As you can see, Mark is engaging.
(Photos taken by the New Orleans Times-Picayune)
Zazu can be easily-rattled and exasperated at times, but above all he is loyal and witty. Just like his puppeteer.
In their spare time, Mike and Mark like to yuk it up for the camera, like the entertainers they are. Mark is lively. Here they are in front of our Richmond house, last month:
Mark also photographs well. He’s handsome. Here they are again, with a very pensive Max at the Congo Festival in Louis Armstrong Park here in New Orleans:
Here he’s giving Max a smooch-a-roo. Max likes it. So here’s the best part: Mark is loving.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
WOW HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARK! LION KING RULES!
Happy birthday! You play a great Zazu!
What a nice little tribute for Mark! Happy birthday to him!
My kids’ favorite characters in the Lion King were Zazu and Timon. They loved seeing the actor with the bird in these photos again and want me to wish him a happy birthday. Thanks for putting a great show.
What great family everyone is!
So wonderful and sweet. Im missing you guys so much!
I’m so glad I found this blog—-it’s wonderful!
MANY thanks to Mark (and Michael) for coming to our school! I’ve never heard ALL the kids THAT quiet before!! LOL!! Mark was entertaining, informative, and never spoke ‘down’ to the kids!! THANKS so much, Mark!
I got to see the show (after waiting all these years!!) at the Mahalia Jackson Theater and didn’t want it to end—it was BREATHTAKING!!
So when are y’all coming back here??? 🙂