Backstage Secrets of Zazu in The Lion King

For over two decades, The Lion King has mesmerized audiences worldwide with its breathtaking visuals, unforgettable music, and captivating storytelling. Now, the North American tour has made its way to Vancouver, offering audiences a chance to experience the magic firsthand. While the stunning spectacle on stage steals the show, it is the behind-the-scenes artistry and craftsmanship that truly brings the beloved characters to life. Among the most fascinating aspects of the production is its seamless integration of puppetry and live performance, with Zazu—Mufasa’s witty hornbill advisor—standing out as one of the most intriguing characters in the ensemble.

In a special backstage interview, we had the chance to speak with Nick LaMedica, the actor behind Zazu in The Lion King‘s North American tour. “The design of this bird is really complex,” LaMedica explains. “This handle lets me deploy and retract the wings, and these elastic bands pull them back into place. Inside, there’s a mechanism that lets me press this ring to extend the wings.” Every movement, from Zazu’s wing flicks to his blinking eyes, requires perfect timing and control.

“When I press down on this ring, Zazu’s eyes blink, or I can push it up to make them widen. You can combine actions like the eyes and neck to create surprise, or glare down at someone like Scar.” These small but significant details make Zazu feel alive, with each action carrying emotional weight that mirrors LaMedica’s vocal delivery.

But bringing Zazu to life comes with its own set of challenges. “Every show, something breaks,” LaMedica admits. “I’ve broken absolutely everywhere on this bird.” The puppet’s mechanics are constantly put to the test during the intense physical demands of the role, with LaMedica manipulating it through every scene, performance after performance. “Anything that moves can break,” he says.

Despite the challenges, LaMedica is quick to emphasize that The Lion King is more than just a technical feat—it’s a show rich with cultural significance.

For LaMedica, playing Zazu is not just a performance—it’s a journey of constant discovery. “Every time I step on stage, I learn something new about Zazu,” he says. “There’s always room to grow and push the boundaries of what this character can do.”

As the North American tour of The Lion King continues to captivate audiences, LaMedica's portrayal of Zazu reminds us of the dedication, creativity, and passion required to bring such a beloved character to life—whether through voice, movement, or the delicate mechanisms of the puppet itself.