What happens when you become a father the exact same week you start tech rehearsals to play Mufasa? In Episode 2 of TONE, host Aaron Ridge sits down with actor, singer, and performer David D’Lancy Wilson. David currently starred as Mufasa in the Mirvish production of The Lion King in downtown Toronto, and he joins the show to discuss the profound, full-circle moment of welcoming his second child while stepping into the role of the ultimate patriarch.

We dive deep into the vulnerability required to bring real-life emotions to the stage, the power and plight of black fatherhood, and why you should never let anyone put you in a box.

Key Takeaways:

• The Audition Process: How David brought the casting room to tears by drawing on his real experiences as a father.

• Art as Healing: The cathartic experience of performing 8 shows a week and connecting with audiences over grief and legacy.

• Making Lemonade: Overcoming industry rejection, ditching unsupportive agents, and writing yourself into the roles you want.

• The Power of Lateral Networking: Why your peers are your most valuable resource in the creative industry.

Chapters:(00:00) Intro: Welcome to TONE(01:07) Who is David D’Lancy Wilson?(03:32) Becoming a Father & Mufasa Concurrently(06:00) Celebrating Black Excellence on Stage(08:03) The Emotional Reality of the Mufasa Audition(10:24) The Tears on Stage: Navigating Mortality and Fatherhood(20:10) Thoughts on the New Mufasa Movie(27:54) Making Lemonade: Overcoming Industry Rejection(40:27) Top 5: Influential Canadian Tracks & Peers(51:34) Mirror Moment: Affirmations for Creatives(55:17) "They Live in You" Performance

Follow the Guest:

• David D'Lancy Wilson: https://www.instagram.com/daviddlancywilson/

Follow the Host:

• Aaron Ridge: https://www.instagram.com/dopeusmaximus/

Special thanks to Dale for producing, and Radio Forward for putting this together.