Why is Rafikki a Woman?

[tpieples]

We just saw the fantastic Lion King Stage Show........
My daughters are asking me why the role of Rafikki is played by a woman?
:veryconfu
Does anyone know why this is so?
Everything else practically follows the Movie to the word......so I figure there is a reason.
What am I missing?
I can help my daughters with their science and trigometry homework......But this one has me stumped!
Thanks!

 

[TURKEY]

I think it says something about it on the Lion King DVD about the musical, but I'm not sure.

I think I've heard something about it was just something they wanted to do. Also, I think it's easier for a woman to hit the notes that are sung.

Is there actual proof that Rafiki is actually a male in the movie?

 

[GrumpysGal]

Originally posted by turkey leg boy

Is there actual proof that Rafiki is actually a male in the movie?

Well, I don't know if it's proof, but could be a clue...Rafiki's voice is definately that of a man in The Lion King. The voice was done by Robert Guillaume
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/PersonDetail/personid-5790

Maybe they wanted the character to look petite and maybe that's why the part is played by a woman? There could be tons of reasons....

 

[Erika]

If I remember correctly, it was just some artistic license they took with the Broadway cast and everyone else has stuck with it ever since.

 

[SpongeScott]

Makes sense to me with it being a woman. Rafiki has some very skinny arms and legs and I think you can fit that bill better with a slender woman than a man. Fits the costuming better.