Gay in the Jungle Blake Hammond is Pumbaa in The Lion King by D.L. Groover

Pumbaa, that lovable warthog, aka Blake Hammond, celebrated his 39th birthday in Denver, the first stop of the national touring production of the Disney/Elton John/Julie Taymor mega-hit, The Lion King. After 13 weeks in the Rockies, the truly spectacular show has rolled into Houston’s Jones Hall for an extended safari through August 25.

Out actor Hammond, born in Glen Rose, Texas, is a familiar face on the great white way, having co-starred in celebrated revivals of The Music Man, Kiss Me Kate, the very gay revue When Pigs Fly, as well as numerous appearances as one of Rosie O’Donnell’s Chub Club Dancers.

Thirteen weeks in Denver was long enough to get to know the town, find a new boyfriend, and familiarize himself with his 30-pound puppet costume.
“Pumbaa is the most generous, sweet, trusting soul I’ve ever played. As soon as I walk on stage, I’m immediately recognizable. The audience already likes you, so you don’t have to win them over.”

And being lured away by some stagedoor Johnny? “This is such a family show that the stagedoor Johnnys are all 10.”

What: The Lion King
When: Through August 25
Where: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana
Cost: $19.25–$76.25
Reservations: 713/629-3700 or ticketmaster.com