The Lion King

The Lion King

Broadway
Playing at Minskoff Theatre
Previews Begin: October 15, 1997
Opening Night: November 13, 1997
Closing Date: Open Run

About the Show

Experience the stunning artistry, unforgettable music and exhilarating choreography of this musical theater phenomenon – one of the most awe-inspiring productions ever brought to life on stage. A remarkable tale of hope and adventure, The Lion King has found its way into the hearts of millions. As The New York Times says, “There is simply nothing else like it.”

Performance Calendar

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Cast

Stephen Carlile

Stephen Carlile

Scar

West End: Trimmingham in The Go-Between; The Producers original London cast; Phantom of the Opera; Snoopy! UK Regional Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady (NT/Cameron Mackintosh),Twelfth Night, By Jeeves, Don Giovanni, Over My Shoulder. Europe: Magaldi in Evita. US Tour: Captain Hook in Peter Pan 360. Film: Brideshead Revisited, Bright Young Things.

Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi

Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi

Rafiki

Ntsepa is thrilled to make her Broadway. Originally from Mokopane in Limpopo, she earned a National Diploma in Drama from Tshwane University (South Africa) and performed in children’s theater shows including Peter Pan and Little Red Riding Hood. She has performed in The Lion King around the world including the Las Vegas, Brazil, China, UK tour, West End, and Paris companies

L. Steven Taylor

L. Steven Taylor

Mufasa

L. Steven Taylor is excited to rejoin the Broadway company of The Lion King after traveling with the national tour, during which time he had the honor of performing at The White House. NYC/Regional: Ataria, Cutman, G word, Miss Saigon, Songs For A New World, Godspell, A Chorus Line. Film and Television: “The Electric Company” (Leo Watson), “Last of The Ninth” (HBO Pilot), Made For Each Other, Expiration Date, Game Over. Always for Granny and Boogie.

Cameron Pow

Cameron Pow

Zazu

Cameron rejoins the Broadway company having previously performed in the London and First National Touring productions of The Lion King. Off-Broadway: The 39 Steps (Union Square Theatre), Accidentally Like A Martyr (Other Side Productions), Comedy of Errors, King Lear, The Iliad-Book One (Aquila Theatre Company). Regional/Touring: Henry V, Julius Caesar, Art, The Tempest, The Wrath of Achilles, Oedipus. TV: “The Good Fight,” “Blindspot,” “The Blacklist,” “Person of Interest,” “Falling Water,” “Deception,” “Pan Am,” “Basile” (Pilot), “OM-City” (Web Series – 2016 Tribeca Film Festival). Film: Henry, The Dead Part of You, The Tramps New World.

Ben Jeffrey

Ben Jeffrey

Pumbaa

Ben is pumped to be making his Broadway debut! Ben holds an MFA (Acting) from Rutgers University, where credits included Antigone, Romeo and Juliet, In the Sawtooths and more. His BFA (Acting/Musical Theatre) is from Abilene Christian University, where credits included Jane Eyre and Seussical. TV: “The Good Wife,” “Louie.” Endless thanks to God, his incomparable wife and the family.

Fred Berman

Fred Berman

Timon

Broadway: The Lion King. Off-Broadway: The Normal Heart, Shockheaded Peter, Bury the Dead, Room Service, The Vocal Lords. Regional: NSMT, Paper Mill, Geva, New Repertory, Cleveland Playhouse. Tours: The Buddy Holly Story, White Christmas. Film/TV: Putzel, Twelve Thirty, A Very Special Episode, “New Amsterdam,” “Forever,” “Smash,” “L&O,” “L&O: CI,” “Daily Pops,” “All My Children.” Directing: Trans Am (Keegan Theatre). Podcasts: Opening Weekend. Award-winning narrator of over 300 audio books. Love to Kate, Benjamin and Isabella! For Mom and Dad.

Vincent Jamal Hooper

Vincent Jamal Hooper

Simba

Broadway debut! Vincent has performed around the world in multiple companies of Hamilton (including in Puerto Rico alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda) playing the roles of Hamilton, Burr, Lafayette/Jefferson, George Washington and KGIII. Off-Broadway: White Girl in Danger. Regional: Passing Strange, In the Heights, The Great Society, Hairspray. TV/Film: “Chicago Med” (NBC), “Shots Fired” (FOX), and “American Crime” (ABC).

Pearl Khwezi

Pearl Khwezi

Nala

From Durban South Africa, Pearl performed in The Lion King Madrid (2016-2018). She also toured with the KZN Youth Choir (2012-2015) competing in Poland and Italy where she won best female soloist in the Florence International Choir Festival (2013).

James Brown-Orleans

James Brown-Orleans

Banzai

James Brown-Orleans originated the role of Banzai on The Lion King Gazelle Tour and is thrilled to be part of the Broadway company. James can be seen as Doc Motors in Disney’s The Princess Diaries. He is also the founder of Protected by Imagination Inc. “media to inspire.” Check out his website to find out more about his passion to empower.

Bonita J. Hamilton

Bonita J. Hamilton

Shenzi

A native of Montgomery, AL. Bonita is a proud graduate of Alabama State University and Brandeis University (MFA). She is overjoyed and grateful to be a part of this talented cast. Credits: NYC/ Regional: Mandela the Musical (staged reading), The Color Purple (workshop), Guys and Dolls, The Piano Lesson, The Old Settler and In the Blood. TV: “The Knick” (HBO). Bonita is a voiceover artist and can be heard on film, podcasts, commercials and animated series. Many Thanks to God, my family, Dr. Tommie (Tonea) Stewart, my husband Neil Caesar and our lovely children Nia and Noah.

Robb Sapp

Robb Sapp

Ed, Understudy (Zazu, Timon)

Understudy

Robb is overjoyed to return to The Lion King, having previously appeared in the 1st National, North American and Las Vegas companies. Broadway: Wicked (Boq), Shrek (Pinocchio). Off-Broadway: Happiness (Lincoln Center); Enter Laughing (cast recording); Disaster!; Zanna, Don’t! (cast recording); Johnny Guitar (cast recording). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed, The MUNY, Music Theatre Wichita, Syracuse Stage, Barrington Stage Company, Bristol Riverside, ACT of CT, Ogunquit Playhouse. Other: Saturday Night Fever (1st National Tour). Robb holds a BFA from Syracuse University.

Annika Reese Franklin

Annika Reese Franklin

Young Nala at certain performances

Annika is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut! She would like to thank her friends and family, teachers, and agent and manager for their love and support. She is also grateful to Disney, the casting team, and the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando for believing in her.

Austin Elle Fisher

Austin Elle Fisher

Young Nala at certain performances

Austin Elle Fisher made her Broadway debut at age 9 as Natalie Hillard in Mrs. Doubtfire and played Marta von Trapp in The Sound of Music at Paper Mill Playhouse. TV/Film credits include “Atlanta” as Lottie, “Manifest”, “Kaleidoscope”, “Blue Bloods” and more. Love and gratitude to family, CESD and Rebel Creative Group.

Jacob Pham

Jacob Pham

Young Simba at certain performances

Jacob is thrilled to be making his Broadway debut. Credits: A Christmas Story at CTGLA; Sesame Street, voiceovers for Disney & Nickelodeon. Special thanks to Lisa Calli, DDO Artist Agency, Emilia Sargent, Orlando Pena, Seth Travaglino, his parents, sister Emma and family/friends for believing in him!

Nhlanhla Ngobeni

Nhlanhla Ngobeni

Ensemble, Understudy (Mufasa)

Understudy

Nhlanhla is an actor, voice over artist, song writer and singer with 10 years backing vocalist experience. He’s multilingual and performed on numerous international stages. 2013-2014 he was in The Lion King Brazil cast.

Ezekiel Andrew

Ezekiel Andrew

Ensemble, Understudy (Mufasa)

Understudy

Overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut! Regional: Ragtime, Big River, Beauty and the Beast. Thank God for blessing me with this opportunity and to all my friends and family who’ve supported me along the way.

Marcus Williams

Marcus Williams

Ensemble

Dallas, TX native making his Broadway debut! He was in the Emmy-Winning cast of The Let Go at the Park Avenue Armory and a previous company member with Phantom of the Opera (world tour), Ailey II, Philadanco and Fire Shut Up in My Bones (MET Opera and Chicago Lyric Theatre). Williams thanks God, family and friends for helping him get here.

Bongi Duma

Bongi Duma

Ensemble

Bongi Duma was born in Durban, South Africa. Credits: Africa Africa; Mighty Zulu Nation across England, Italy and Ireland. Composer: Generations (Drama Desk Nom.). Thanks to African heroes Ian Sotrey, Duma Ndlovu, Lebo M and my beautiful Mother. Original cast, The Lion King (Germany).

Marquise Hitchcock

Marquise Hitchcock

Ensemble

Dancer/Choreographer: Tituss Burgess, Billboard, Netflix. NYC/Regional Theater: A Chorus Line (Richie); Legally Blonde (Warner); Hairspray (Seaweed); Radio City Christmas Spectacular; Take Me to the World (Carnegie Hall); Silueta: A New Musical (Ian). TV: “POSE.” Founder of TFC Training.

Shawn Alynda Fisher

Shawn Alynda Fisher

Ensemble

Broadway debut! National Tours: Fela!; The Prom (1st National). Favorite Regional: Chicago, The Music Man (Zaneeta), Anne of Green Gables, Bring it On (world premiere). A Kansas native. Alumna of The Ailey School and Kansas State University. Endless gratitude to Jesus, family and friends! Matthew 5:16

James Vessell

James Vessell

Ensemble

Broadway debut! Credits: Chicago 25th Anniversary Tour, Memphis the Musical and Dreamgirls (POTS). Dancer with Ballet Memphis and Tallahassee Ballet. Wayne State University; BFA dance major. Endless thanks to my family, my partner and the HK Agency!

Paige Fraser-Hoffman

Paige Fraser-Hoffman

Ensemble

A Bronx native. Paige is graduate of Ailey/Fordham BFA. She is a Princess Grace Award recipient (2016) and Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” (2017). Dance Companies: AileyII, Visceral Dance Chicago and Deeply Rooted. TV/Commercial: Intel, ESPN, Elle Magazine, Empire (FOX). Theatre: West Side Story (Lyric Opera) and The Lion King Rafiki Tour. She is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut in The Lion King.

Daphne Marcelle Lee

Daphne Marcelle Lee

Ensemble

Rahway, NJ. Graduate: Hollins University, MFA. Ailey/Fordham, BFA. Television: “WuTang: An American Saga” (Hulu). Credits: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Collage Dance Collective, Ailey II. Thanks God, family and friends. In memory of mom, June Skeete-Lee.

Jamaris Mitchell

Jamaris Mitchell

Ensemble

From Syracuse, NY. Excited to make her Broadway debut! Fav credits: Ailey II, FX Pose, 2017 Vogue Collections, Dance Spirit Magazine. Jamaris is thankful for the love and support of her family and friends!

S’bu Ngema

S’bu Ngema

Ensemble

S’bu Ngema, from South Africa, Zululand, is very excited to join The Lion King on Broadway. Credits:Sarafina with M’Bongeni Ngema, I Pintombi with Bertha Egnos. His performances are dedicated to his mother Sibongile. Love always.

Tatiana Nuñez

Tatiana Nuñez

Ensemble

Broadway Debut! Credits: West Side Story (Muny), Rondine (Met Opera), BalletCollective, Deeply Rooted, ADM21. TV/Film: “Ally Bank.” Graduate: NYU Tisch. Thank you, Mom, Crystal, Abuela, That’s Dancing, Caroline and CESD!

Leanne Antonio

Leanne Antonio

Ensemble

(HCKR Agency, Thruline entertainment) THE LION KING (Broadway/National Tour) BLACK NO MORE (Off-Broadway) PRIVATE JONES (Signature Theater). BFA in Musical Theater from the University of Michigan. Thank you to my beautiful family, friends, team and God.

Ray Mercer

Ray Mercer

Ensemble

Ray Mercer, an Omaha, NE native, comes directly from The Lion King Cheetah tour. Danced with Deeply Rooted/Chicago and George Faison and has toured with Aretha Franklin. Thanks to family and friends for their love and support.

Adrianne Chu

Adrianne Chu

Ensemble

Is excited to be back at the Pridelands! National Tours: The Lion King, 1st National Tour Finding Neverland (Wendy), LCT’s The King and I. International: Mamma Mia! (RCCL). Marymount Manhattan College, BFA Dance. Thank you to her family, Max, DHA and friends for their love and support.

Derrick Davis

Derrick Davis

Ensemble

Company (Larry); The Secret Garden (Archibald); Phantom of the Opera (The Phantom); The Lion King (Mufasa); Carousel (Billy Bigelow u/s); The Tap Dance Kid (William u/ s); The Little Mermaid (King Triton); I Dream (MLK); Dreamgirls (Curtis Taylor Jr.); Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker Jr.)

Andrew Arrington

Andrew Arrington

Swing, Understudy (Banzai & Ed)

Understudy

Regional premiere of Kander & Ebb’s Scottsboro Boys. The Lion King Las Vegas. Nat’l tours: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. New York: Showboat (Carnegie Hall), Godspell (workshop), Disney’s High School Musical 2, Respect (NYSAF). TV: CBS “My Broadway Debut.” University of Michigan.

TyNia René Brandon

TyNia René Brandon

Ensemble, Understudy (Nala, Sarabi, & Shenzi)

Understudy

Charlotte, NC native. Grateful to be part of The Lion King company. Other Broadway Credits: Some Like It Hot; The Heart of Rock and Roll; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Lindiwe Dlamini

Lindiwe Dlamini

Ensemble, Understudy (Shenzi)

Understudy

Lindiwe Dlamini, an original cast member, has appeared in Sarafina! (Broadway and national tour). Performances: Radio City Music Hall, Pocahontas in Central Park, Grover Washington, “Arsenio,” “David Letterman,” “Jay Leno,” 1998 Tony Awards® and Essence Awards.

Antonia Raye

Antonia Raye

Ensemble, Understudy (Shenzi)

Understudy

Thrilled to make her Broadway Debut! Favorite credits: A Chorus Line (CPIP), West Side Story (Lyric Opera, Teatro Lirico di Cagliari), Cabaret (Goodspeed), After Midnight (NCL). Training: The University of the Arts/BFA. Thank you to God, family, friends and my agents at CESD.

Gilbert Domally

Gilbert Domally

Ensemble, Understudy (Simba)

Understudy

Gilbert is making his Broadway Debut! Regional credits include: The Muny, Steppenwolf, Yale Rep. Gilbert is grateful to God for every opportunity to do what he loves, and to his family and friends for their unending support!

Jim Ferris

Jim Ferris

Standby Zazu, Timon, Pumbaa

Understudy

This adorable, middle-aged man has been in multiple companies of The Lion King. Seen in many Film/TV roles, you may recognize Jim as “that short guy from that show”. He is the Producer of the hit, comedy podcast: “Dear Pod” and is married to standup comedian and goodtime gal, Erin Maguire.

Tony Freeman

Tony Freeman

Standby Scar, Timon, Pumbaa, Zazu

Understudy

Has played Zazu on Broadway and across the country for over 3,000 performances. He did Tony Kushner’s musical Caroline, or Change in Los Angeles and San Francisco with the original Broadway cast. Tony has performed guest roles on both “Law and Order” (twice) and “Law and Order, SVU.”

Daniel Harder

Daniel Harder

Ensemble, Understudy (Ed)

Understudy

Originally from Bowie, MD, Daniel graduated from the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program and performed extensively across the U.S. and abroad with the Ailey company for ten years. He has worked with Debbie Allen, Donald McKayle, Christopher L. Huggins and Camille A. Brown.

Jaysin McCollum

Jaysin McCollum

Ensemble, Understudy (Ed)

Cincinnati, OH native. Dance: Charlotte Ballet, Chautauqua Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, DCDC. Broadway: The Lion King, original cast of The Lion King Las Vegas. Regional: Oklahoma! (Dream Jud). TV: The Emmy Awards, “Dancing with the Stars.”

Michael Alexander Henry

Michael Alexander Henry

Ensemble, Understudy (Mufasa & Scar)

Understudy

Born in the West Indies, Michael earned a Theatre degree from Penn State University. Broadway: The Lion King. International Tours: Hair. Regional: Once on This Island, Chess. Film and TV: “For the People.”

Antwaun Holley

Antwaun Holley

Swing, Understudy (Simba)

Understudy

Debut. Cleveland, Ohio native. Credits: Ain’t Too Proud, Book of Mormon, Lin Manuel’s 21 Chump Street, Youth in Passing Strange and Jackie in Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party. Training: Baldwin Wallace Conservatory.

Michael Hollick

Michael Hollick

Standby Scar, Pumbaa, Zazu

Understudy

Broadway: Tarzan, Jumpers. National Tour: The Lion King. Off-Broadway: Fuerza Bruta, De La Guarda. TV: “Law & Order,” “Sex and the City,” “Guiding Light,” “Hawaii Five-O.” Regional: The Wilma, Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh CLO, Great Lakes Theatre Festival. BFA, Carnegie Mellon. Michael starred as Niko Bellic in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV. Love to my wife Angela and our little cubs Max and Eva.

Alia Kache

Alia Kache

Swing/Dance Captain

Understudy

A choreographer, dance educator and costume designer, Alia is pleased to return to the Broadway company of The Lion King. Favorite credits include Ailey II (dancer and rehearsal director), Camille A. Brown & Dancers, CeDeCe (Alcobaça, Portugal), and Metropolitan Opera.

Youngsil Kim

Youngsil Kim

Swing

Understudy

Originally from Japan. Graduated from Joffrey Ballet School. Youngsil has danced with Complexions for five seasons. Off-Broadway: Company XIV. 1st National tour of Anastasia the Musical. Much love to my family, friends and Andrew.

Sihle Ngema

Sihle Ngema

Swing

Understudy

Left Show: Nov 24, 2024

A South African native. Theater: The Lion King (Australia, China, Gazelle national tour), Dance Through Me, Mama, Woza My Fohloza, Jika Majika the Musical. TV: “Code Black,” “X Factor” (Australia), Nelson Mandela’s 80th Birthday Celebration.

Amanda Kunene

Amanda Kunene

Ensemble, Understudy (Rafiki & Nala)

Amanda Kunene is an South African singer, actress and performer. Born in Durban, South Africa. BA Music and Drama Studies graduate and BA Honors in Music Performance graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College campus.

Mduduzi Madela

Mduduzi Madela

Ensemble, Understudy (Simba & Banzai)

Born and raised in Durban, South Africa. Has a profound passion for music. Acclaimed for successfully producing a debut album sung in French, Zulu and Creole. Ideal: No level of satisfaction.

Christopher L. McKenzie Jr.

Dance Captain, Swing, Understudy (Ed)

Understudy

Native of Miami. Training: New World School of the Arts, The Ailey School. Credits: Dallas Black Dance Theatre, “Festival of The Lion King”, The Lion King Gazelle & Rafiki Tour. Thank you to my husband & family.

Phindi Wilson

Phindi Wilson

Ensemble, Understudy (Rafiki)

Understudy

(South African) Sang in the 1994 movie soundtrack; played Rafiki in The Lion King, 1st National Tour. Performed at the 25th Anniversary of The Lion King and in HZL Tour, 2024. Award nominee for “Rafiki” (The Lion King Tour) at The Helen Hayes Awards, Washington D.C.

Nteliseng Nkhela

Nteliseng Nkhela

Ensemble, Understudy (Rafiki)

Understudy

Left Show: Oct 20, 2024 Succeeded by Phindi Wilson

Nteliseng is honored to be making her Broadway debut and joins directly from the Hamburg company of The Lion King. Other credits include Miriam Makeba in The Journey (Zurich), Brenda Fassie in Memeba (Johannesburg) and I’m African (Welkom).

Jacqueline René

Jacqueline René

Swing, Understudy (Sarabi, Shenzi, & Nala)

Understudy

Credits: The Lion King (Gazelle and Cheetah companies), Aida (Aida), Rent (Mimi & Joanne Cover), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Charlaine), The Wiz (Dorothy), Once on this Island (Andrea), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (National Tour).

Dylan Santos

Dylan Santos

Ensemble Dancer

From Bahia, Brazil. Youth American Grand Prix finalist/scholarship recipient, training at Houston Ballet, The Harid Conservatory, and Joffrey Ballet. Lead dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem. Passionate about giving back to the dance community.

Kaylin Seckel

Kaylin Seckel

Ensemble, Understudy (Sarabi, Nala)

Understudy

Broadway debut! Nat’l tour: The Lion King; Something Rotten! (Ensemble, u/s Bea). Regional Favorites: Ragtime (Actor’s Playhouse), The Pirates of Penzance (freeFall Theatre). TV: “The Vampire Diaries”, “Red Band Society”. FSU grad. Endless gratitude to my family.

Derrick Spear

Derrick Spear

Swing, Understudy (Ed)

Understudy

Overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut with The Lion King. Companies: The Lion King Las Vegas and North American tour (Gazelle), Washington Reflection Dance Company, National Ballet of San Domingo. I would like to thank my parents, family and friends for their constant and overflowing prayers and support! Peace and Love!

Sidney Nicole Wilson

Sidney Nicole Wilson

Sarabi, Ensemble, Understudy (Nala)

Understudy

Broadway Debut! Regional: Jelly’s Last Jam (Hunnie). TV/Film: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”. Sidney is a proud graduate of Elon University ’21. Many thanks to God, her family, CGF and all who have poured into her life.