laughing and feeling that joy and getting back to life. reporter: and they did. and now they re trying to pull off something they ve never done before. inviting all past lead actors. the young nalas and simbas, back on stage to perform together and surprise the audience. hi, how are you? reporter: kylie, from 2016. it s really surreal seeing all the cubs all grown up now. everyone s taller than me now. reporter: kawana marie was the original nala. seeing it live on just has my heart exploding, honestly. reporter: alecsio in 2004. it s an amazing family. absolutely wild. it s surreal moment. reporter: l. stephen taylor has been in the cast for 18 years and came up with the idea. it was this show, this predominantly black show that showed black people in such a