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Lion King Cast Surprises Subway Riders With A Cappella Performance of ‘The Circle of Life’

1 minute read
By Samantha Grossman

Most New Yorkers just kind of sigh impatiently and bury their noses in a book or a smartphone when they see subway performers start to sing or dance, which is understandable. But it’s a different story when it’s actual BROADWAY PERFORMERS.

On an A train earlier this summer, members of the The Lion King cast surprised commuters with a beautiful a cappella performance of “The Circle of Life.” The singers were scattered around the car, initially blending in with the normals. But then, surprise! They’re actually Tony Award-winning Broadway actors launching into a spirited rendition of a classic tune.

Some riders get pretty into it, singing along and tapping their feet, while others act almost annoyed by the disruption. Some even keep their earbuds in! Like, seriously you guys? This is awesome and you should appreciate it.

If you’re hoping to catch one of these impromptu performances, it might happen again, since the Australian cast did something similar on a plane back in April. We just ask that you take off your headphones, put down your book, and actually enjoy the show.

Grit, Grime and Graffiti: Christopher Morris on the New York Subway, 1981

The following previously unpublished photos were taken by Christopher Morris in 1981: A woman walks through a heavily graffitied subway car, 1981.
The following previously unpublished photos were taken by Christopher Morris in 1981: A woman walks through a heavily graffitied subway car, 1981.Christopher Morris
Commuters wait for a train at 168th Street station in Manhattan, 1981.
Commuters wait for a train at 168th Street station in Manhattan, 1981.Christopher Morris
A commuter reading, 1981.
A commuter reading, 1981.Christopher Morris
A man sleeps in a subway car, 1981.
A man sleeps in a subway car, 1981.Christopher Morris
A group of teens pose on the 6 train in the South Bronx, 1981.
A group of teens pose on the 6 train in the South Bronx, 1981.Christopher Morris
A young teen tags a D train subway car window in a South Bronx train yard, 1981.
A young teen tags a D train subway car window in a South Bronx train yard, 1981.Christopher Morris
Commuters ascend and descend stairwells during rush hour, 1981.
Commuters ascend and descend stairwells during rush hour, 1981.Christopher Morris
A woman waits to board a train pulling into a station, 1981. Graffiti on the outside of subway cars was usually more elaborate than that inside.
A woman waits to board a train pulling into a station, 1981. Graffiti on the outside of subway cars was usually more elaborate than that inside.Christopher Morris
A commuter walks by a poster for the musical Dreamgirls and a Keith Haring chalk drawing, 1981.
A commuter walks by a poster for the musical Dreamgirls and a Keith Haring chalk drawing, 1981.Christopher Morris
Members of the Guardian Angels volunteer anti-crime patrolers, 1981.
Members of the Guardian Angels volunteer anti-crime patrolers, 1981.Christopher Morris
A man is seen wearing headphones through a subway car window, 1981.
A man is seen wearing headphones through a subway car window, 1981.Christopher Morris
A packed subway car during rush hour, 1981.
A packed subway car during rush hour, 1981.Christopher Morris
A subway conductor exits the conductor's cabin, 1981.
A subway conductor exits the conductor's cabin, 1981.Christopher Morris
A man about to board a subway car, 1981.
A man about to board a subway car, 1981.Christopher Morris
Discarded newspapers and trash on the floor of a subway car, 1981.
Discarded newspapers and trash on the floor of a subway car, 1981.Christopher Morris

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