| For as long as Kalilah Black ’11 can remember, she has always been a performer – singing and dancing. Undoubtedly, it has everything to do with the fact that she landed a spot as a cast member of “Disney’s The Lion King” touring Broadway show. The live musical is presently running at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC).
“My mother says I was singing before I could talk,” said Black. “She was head of the theater ministry at church and I would perform with other kids. My parents met in the drama club in the military. There is nothing else I can see myself doing. So this was going to happen; it was already written for me.”
Black is a swing cast member. She covers several chorus and/or dancing roles, as well as the understudy for the female hyena, “Shenzi,” whose speaking and singing voice was performed by Whoopi Goldberg in the original motion picture. Naturally gifted to sing, Black spends a great deal of her time honing her craft, including working with a vocal coach and making sure she is prepared for whatever changes may occur in the production.
She originally auditioned for the part of Nyla, but wasn’t selected after the final auditions; however it didn’t break her spirit. She said making it through to the end was reassurance that she was capable to play the role. She accepted other offers including an 11-month stint as a cover band singer in Singapore, an Alaskan cruise ship performer and a role in a theme park version of “The Lion King” in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, she knew what she wanted and did everything within her power to make it happen.
“I’m a strong believer that success is directly related to the power of intention and knowing what you want to happen and believing and trusting like you already know it will happen,” said Black. “I was very clear when I completed the cruise ship that the next gig I wanted to do was “The Lion King,” so I did what was necessary.”
She added, “I took more dance classes, vocal lessons and acting. I made sure the job I had didn’t conflict with audition times. I prepared, because I said that would be next. That’s not just for theater. It can apply for anything. I’m such a huge advocate for the power of intention.”
On Feb. 29, Black returned to her roots and spoke with A&T theater students about her experiences and how they should utilize the sound instruction, advice and care of the department’s professors, and to “make mistakes in the educational setting in order to be ready for the professional world.”
“The Lion King” will run through March 20 at DPAC; to purchase tickets and for more information visit the center online.
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