Disney’s The Lion King

In This Program

• Welcome & Patron Information
• About the Show
• Cast
• Scenes & Musical Numbers
• Who’s Who
• About Seattle Theatre Group
• Print Edition

Welcome

December 4, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Disney Theatrical Group 
under the direction of
Andrew Flatt
Managing Director
Anne Quart
Executive Producer

presents

Music & Lyrics by
ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE

Additional Music & Lyrics by
LEBO M, MARK MANCINA, JAY RIFKIN, JULIE TAYMOR, HANS ZIMMER

Book by
ROGER ALLERS & IRENE MECCHI

Starring
PETER HARGRAVE
DAVID D’LANCY WILSON
MUKELISIWE GOBA
NICK CORDILEONE
NICK LAMEDICA
DANNY GRUMICH  
GILBERT DOMALLY
THEMBELIHLE CELE   
FOREST VANDYKE
MARTINA SYKES
SAM LINDA
AARON CHAO
JOURNEY COMPAS
MARLEY GOMES
JOSIAH WATSON

KAYLA ROSE AIMABLE
ELLEN AKASHI
WILLIAM JOHN AUSTIN
LAMAR BAYLOR
ERIC BEAN, JR.
VERNON BROOKS III   
KYLE ROBERT CARTER
SHAQUELLE CHARLES
REOAGILE CHOABI
DANIELA COBB
LYRIC DANAE
MAURICE DAWKINS   
CEDRICK EKRA
CAMRYN HAMPTON
QUIANA ONRAE’L HOLMES
VALÉRIANE LOUISY LOUIS JOSEPH   
JOEL KARIE
GABISILE MANANA
KEYVEONTAE’ MARTIN
MORGAN REED MCDANIEL
JUSTIN MENSAH
MARQ MOSS   
SARITA AMANI NASH
NHLANHLA NDLOVU
AARON NELSON
YUKA NOTSUKA
SICELO NTSHANGASE   
YAEL PINEDA-HALL
NATHAN ANDREW RILEY
JORDAN SAMUELS
POSELETSO SEJOSINGOE
ERIC SHAWN   
JENNIFER THERIOT
BRENA K. THOMAS
COURTNEY THOMAS
BEN TOOMER
DENZEL TSOPNANG   
THOM CHRISTOPHER WARREN
JORDAN NICOLE WILLIS

Adapted from the screenplay by
IRENE MECCHI & JONATHAN ROBERTS & LINDA WOOLVERTON

Originally Produced by
PETER SCHNEIDER & THOMAS SCHUMACHER

Scenic Design
RICHARD HUDSON

Costume Design
JULIE TAYMOR

Lighting Design
DONALD HOLDER

Mask & Puppet Design
JULIE TAYMOR & MICHAEL CURRY

Sound Design
STEVE CANYON KENNEDY

Hair & Makeup Design
MICHAEL WARD

Music Supervisors
DAVID KREPPEL & SEAN MAYES

Associate Director
ANTHONY LYN

Associate Choreographer
MAREY GRIFFITH

Production Supervisor
LISA DAWN CAVE

General Manager
THOMAS SCHLENK

Technical Director
NOAH KERN

Production Stage Manager
CHARLES UNDERHILL

Company Manager 
JOSE SOLIVAN

Music Director
KARL SHYMANOVITZ

Associate Music Producer
ROBERT ELHAI

Music Coordinator
MICHAEL KELLER

Orchestrators
ROBERT ELHAI & DAVID METZGER

Music Produced for the Stage & Additional Score by
MARK MANCINA

Additional Vocal Score, Vocal Arrangements & Choral Director
LEBO M

Fight Director
RICK SORDELET

Casting
ARC
MARK BRANDON, CSA

Choreography by
GARTH FAGAN

Conceived and Directed by
JULIE TAYMOR

RAFIKI … Mukelisiwe Goba
MUFASA … David D’Lancy Wilson
SARABI … Jennifer Theriot
ZAZU … Nick LaMedica 
SCAR … Peter Hargrave
YOUNG SIMBA (at certain performances) … Aaron Chao, Josiah Watson 
YOUNG NALA (at certain performances) … Journey Compas, Marley Gomes
SHENZI … Martina Sykes
BANZAI … Forest VanDyke
ED … Sam Linda 
TIMON … Nick Cordileone
PUMBAA … Danny Grumich 
SIMBA … Gilbert Domally
NALA … Thembelihle Cele
ENSEMBLE SINGERS … Kyle Robert Carter, Reoagile Choabi, Cedrick Ekra, Camryn Hampton, Joel Karie, Gabisile Manana, Sarita Amani Nash, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Sicelo Ntshangase, Poseletso Sejosingoe, Eric Shawn, Jennifer Theriot, Ben Toomer, Denzel Tsopnang
ENSEMBLE DANCERS … Ellen Akashi, Vernon Brooks III, Shaquelle Charles, Maurice Dawkins, Valériane Louisy Louis Joseph, Keyveontae’ Martin, Morgan Reed McDaniel, Yuka Notsuka, Jordan Samuels, Brena K. Thomas, Jordan Nicole Willis
STANDBYS … SCAR: William John Austin, Thom Christopher Warren;
ZAZU: Thom Christopher Warren;
TIMON: Thom Christopher Warren;
PUMBAA: William John Austin, Thom Christopher Warren

SWINGS

Kayla Rose Aimable, LaMar Baylor, Eric Bean, Jr., Daniela Cobb, Lyric Danae, Quiana Onrae’l Holmes, Justin Mensah, Marq Moss, Aaron Nelson, Yael Pineda-Hall, Nathan Andrew Riley, Courtney Thomas 

DANCE CAPTAINS

Kayla Rose Aimable, Courtney Thomas

UNDERSTUDIES

(Understudies never substitute for listed players unless announced at the time of the performance)

Rafiki–Reoagile Choabi, Gabisile Manana, Yael Pineda-Hall, Poseletso Sejosingoe; Mufasa–Kyle Robert Carter, Joel Karie, Aaron Nelson, Ben Toomer, Denzel Tsopnang; Sarabi–Daniela Cobb, Camryn Hampton, Quiana Onrae’l Holmes, Sarita Amani Nash, Yael Pineda-Hall; Zazu–Sam Linda; Scar–Aaron Nelson; Shenzi–Daniela Cobb, Quiana Onrae’l Holmes, Yael Pineda-Hall, Poseletso Sejosingoe, Jennifer Theriot; Banzai–Joel Karie, Justin Mensah, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Nathan Andrew Riley; Ed– Eric Bean, Jr., Joel Karie, Courtney Thomas; Timon–Sam Linda; Simba–Cedrick Ekra, Justin Mensah, Marq Moss, Aaron Nelson, Eric Shawn; Nala–Reoagile Choabi, Camryn Hampton, Sarita Amani Nash, Poseletso Sejosingoe, Jennifer Theriot

SPECIALTIES

Circle of Life Vocals–Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Sicelo Ntshangase; Mouse Shadow Puppet–Sicelo Ntshangase;
Ant Hill Lady–Jordan Nicole Willis; Guinea Fowl–Keyveontae’ Martin; Buzzard Pole–Shaquelle Charles;
Gazelle Wheel–Ellen Akashi; Gazelles–Vernon Brooks III, Keyveontae’ Martin; Lioness Chant Vocal–Sicelo Ntshangase; Acrobatic Trickster–Jordan Samuels; Giraffe Shadow Puppets–Eric Shawn, Ben Toomer; Cheetah–Brena K. Thomas; Stilt Giraffe–Maurice Dawkins; Scar Shadow Puppet–Kyle Robert Carter, Eric Shawn, Ben Toomer, Denzel Tsopnang; Simba Shadow Puppet–Cedrick Ekra, Joel Karie, Sicelo Ntshangase; One By One Vocal–Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Sicelo Ntshangase, Poseletso Sejosingoe; One By One Dance– Kyle Robert Carter, Denzel Tsopnang; Fireflies–Jordan Nicole Willis; Pumbaa Pole Puppet–Shaquelle Charles; Nala Pole Puppet–Brena K. Thomas; Lioness/Hyena Shadow Puppets–Reoagile Choabi, Camryn Hampton, Gabisile Manana, Sarita Amani Nash, Poseletso Sejosingoe.

Reoagile Choabi, Mukelisiwe Goba, Gabisile Manana, Sicelo Ntshangase, Poseletso Sejosingoe, and David D’Lancy Wilson are appearing with the permission of Actors’ Equity Association.

ORCHESTRA

Conductor–Karl Shymanovitz
Associate Conductor–Dean Balan 
Keyboard 1–Eric Banitt; Keyboard 2/Assistant Conductor–Angela Jamieson, Eryn Allen; 
Guitar–Robert Tye; Bass–Michael Brown; Drums–Phil Martin; Marimba–Raphael Torn;
Percussion–Stefan Monssen, Reuven Weizberg; Flutes–Darlene Drew;
French Horn–Tim Riley, Matthew Berliner; Music Coordinator–Michael Keller

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ACT ONE

Scene 1: Pride Rock
“Circle of Life” with “Nants’ Ingonyama” … Rafiki, Ensemble

Scene 2: Scar’s Cave
Scene 3: Rafiki’s Tree
Scene 4: The Pridelands
Scene 5: Scar’s Cave
Scene 6: The Pridelands
“I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” … Young Simba, Young Nala, Zazu, Ensemble

Scene 7: Elephant Graveyard
“Chow Down” … Shenzi, Banzai, Ed

Scene 8: Under the Stars
“They Live in You” … Mufasa, Ensemble

Scene 9: Elephant Graveyard
“Be Prepared” … Scar, Shenzi, Banzai, Ed, Ensemble

Scene 10: The Gorge
Scene 11: Pride Rock
“Be Prepared” (Reprise) … Scar, Ensemble
“Nao Tse Tsa” … Rafiki, Sarabi, Young Nala

Scene 12: Rafiki’s Tree
Scene 13: The Desert/The Jungle
“Hakuna Matata” … Timon, Pumbaa, Young Simba, Simba, Ensemble

ACT TWO

Entr’acte: “One by One” … Ensemble
Scene 1: Scar’s Cave
“The Madness of King Scar” … Scar, Zazu, Banzai, Shenzi, Ed, Nala

Scene 2: The Pridelands
“Shadowland” … Nala, Rafiki, Ensemble

Scene 3: The Jungle
Scene 4: Under the Stars
“Endless Night” … Simba, Ensemble

Scene 5: Rafiki’s Tree
Scene 6: The Jungle 
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” … Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, Nala, Ensemble
“He Lives in You” (Reprise) … Rafiki, Simba, Ensemble

Scene 7: Pride Rock
“King of Pride Rock”/“Circle of Life” (Reprise) … Ensemble

There Will Be One 15-Minute Intermission

SONG CREDITS

All songs by Elton John (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics) except as follows:

“Circle of Life”: by Elton John (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics) with “Nants’ Ingonyama”: by Hans Zimmer and Lebo M; 

“He Lives in You” (“They Live in You”): Music and lyrics by Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Lebo M; “Nao Tse Tsa”: Music and lyrics by Jacques Loubelo; “One by One”: Music and lyrics by Lebo M; “Shadowland”: Music by Lebo M and Hans Zimmer, lyrics by Mark Mancina and Lebo M; “Endless Night”: Music by Lebo M, Hans Zimmer, and Jay Rifkin, lyrics by Julie Taymor; “King of Pride Rock”: Music by Hans Zimmer, lyrics by Lebo M

ADDITIONAL SCORE

Grasslands chant and Lioness chant by Lebo M; Rafiki’s chants by Tsidii Le Loka.

PETER HARGRAVE (Scar). Beyond a dream to be in the Pridelands. Credits Off-Broadway and regionally including Cleveland Play House, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Texas Shakespeare Festival, and Disney Cruise Line. TV: “Law & Order: SVU,” “FBI,” “Godfather of Harlem,” “Dynasty” and “Madam Secretary.” Training: CWRU/CPH MFA. Thanks isn’t enough for Harris, Mom, Dad, and The Lion King family. For my everything, Kat, and our wildest dream, Ivy.

DAVID D’LANCY WILSON (Mufasa) is truly honored to portray the iconic father figure, Mufasa, continuing to serve the rich legacy of The Lion King. Theatre credits Include: The Lion King (Toronto/ Mirvish) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Toronto/Mirvish), Hairspray (ACC St. John’s). Film & TV credits include: Trap, “The Killer I Picked Up,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Designated Survivor,” “Murdoch Mysteries.” Always for Shannon and our cubs. IMDb: David D’Lancy Wilson | IG @daviddlancywilson | Jer 29:11

MUKELISIWE GOBA (Rafiki) was born in Durban, South Africa. Training: Mbongeni Ngema’s Academy. Credits: K-Cap, Umoja, and The Lion King (Madrid, Gazelle Tour and Broadway). Television: “Code Black,” “Telethon” (France) and “40 Principals” (Madrid). She was a back-up vocalist for South African Gospel star Rebecca Malope. Mukelisiwe thanks her family for their constant support.

NICK CORDILEONE (Timon). OFF-BROADWAY: Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd (Mint Theater), Hamlet (Theatre by the Blind). REGIONAL: The Alchemist (Shakespeare Theatre Company); Lobby Hero (The Old Globe); Crime and Punishment (Cincinnati Playhouse and Actors Theatre); Henry VI, Richard III (Alabama Shakespeare Festival); Comedy of Errors, Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey). FILM/TV: Step Up 2, “Warrior” Season 3 (HBO Max/Netflix). LOVE: Amy, Hero, & Guthrie. Instagram: @Milquetoastpoints  

NICK LAMEDICA (Zazu). Broadway: Disney’s The Lion King. Broadway Tour & Tokyo: WAR HORSE. Off Broadway: The Mint. Regional: Denver Center, The Rep St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cleveland Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, TheaterWorks Hartford, City Theatre Company, Barrington Stage Company, Two River Theater. NY: American Globe Theatre. Television: “Chicago Fire.” BFA: Marymount Manhattan College. “…only through love.” www.NickLaMedica.com

DANNY GRUMICH (Pumbaa). is thrilled to be joining the Pridelands! TV: “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS). Off-Broadway: A Piece of My Heart, With or Without You. Regional: Newsies (Wiesel, Stages St. Louis), Kinky Boots (Ogunquit Playhouse, ACT of CT), Sister Act (Engeman). Concerts: Follies (Carnegie Hall). Love to The Mine, family, and friends for their constant support. For Meryn and Gracie! @danny.grumich

GILBERT DOMALLY (Simba). Broadway: Disney’s The Lion King. Regional credits: The Color Purple (Goodman, The Muny & Drury Lane Theatre), Choir Boy (Yale Rep & Steppenwolf); Madagascar (Chicago Shakes); Hairspray, The Little Mermaid, Legally Blonde, Cabaret, Elf (Paramount Theatre); Oliver (Marriott Theatre); Dreamgirls, Cabaret (Porchlight); Sister Act (Mercury Theatre), Wild Party, Dessa Rose (Bailiwick Chicago). TV: “Law and Order SVU,” “4400.” Gilbert is Grateful to God, his family and friends for the love and support. Follow him on Instagram @Gtdomally

THEMBELIHLE CELE (Nala). Born in Durban, South Africa. Credits Include: Disney’s The Lion King (Broadway, U.K & Ireland Tour, US Nat’l Tour), Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, #D23EXPO 2017. TV Appearance: eTV “Popstars.” For my angel mother, and my dad: VICO. MAGAYE ONGANGOLWANDLE! Endless thanks to my ever-loving husband and family. Nkulunkulu wemihlolo. Mafung’ angajiki. Instagram: @lihlecele91

FOREST VANDYKE (Banzai) is thrilled to be making his Lion King debut! Off – Broadway: Dog Man: The Musical (George/Chief, Lucille Lortel Theatre), Cadaver Synod (Pope Formosus, Playwrights Horizon). Regional: Mystic Pizza: A New Musical (Lionel Hampton, Ogunquit Playhouse), Choir Boy (David, Marin Theatre Company), Goddess (Mosi, Eugene O’Neill Theater). “I want to thank my parents who are my biggest cheerleaders!!”

MARTINA SYKES (Shenzi) is elated to be joining the Pridelands! Native of St. Petersburg, Fla. and graduate of the University of Florida. Favorite credits: Motown The Musical (Broadway and First National Tour), Raindogs, Rent and Hairspray. I would like to thank God, my family and friends for their unconditional love and support. Ephesians 3:20. Instagram: Ladysykes1 www.theheARTmission.org.

SAM LINDA (Ed, Understudy Timon & Zazu) is stoked beyond belief to be a part of The Lion King! Favorite credits: The Band’s Visit (Writers Theatre/TheatreSquared), Fiddler on the Roof (Lyric Opera of Chicago), The Comedy of Errors (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), The Music Man (Marriott Theatre), A Chorus Line (Drury Lane Theatre). Northwestern University ‘20. All impossible without Faith, Mom, Dad, Freddi, and his teachers.

WILLIAM JOHN AUSTIN (Standby Scar & Pumbaa). New York Theatre: Measure for Measure, On the Verge. Regional: Trinity Rep, Hartford Stage. MFA: Brown/Trinity Rep. Voice over artist: Nigel the Xyzal owl. WilliamJohnAustin.com

THOM CHRISTOPHER WARREN (Standby Scar, Zazu, Timon & Pumbaa). 22 years with The Lion King on Broadway, tour and Shanghai. B’way: Once Upon a Mattress. Regional: Hello, Dolly! (Horace), La Cage... (Albin), Ragtime (Tateh), Pippin (Charles/Berthe), Next to Normal (Dan), World premiere of Harmony (Harry), Peter & the Starcatcher (Black Stache), Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye) & Come From Away (Claude). IG: @Tcdubs. Host: Thank You, Half Hour podcast on Spotify & Apple podcasts. Love to Adam & Cbus family.

AARON CHAO (Young Simba at certain performances). From Orange County, CA, Aaron is thrilled and excited for his Broadway debut as Young Simba! He discovered his love for performing at age 5 and has appeared in local productions, voiceover, TV, and film. He thanks his family, friends, coaches, and the CTG team for their support! @i_am_aaron_chao

JOURNEY COMPAS (Young Nala at certain performances) has been passionate about the stage since starting her musical theater training at age three. She is excited to make her professional debut in The Lion King. During her downtime, Journey trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is a 2x season champion. Grateful to Disney and my family for this opportunity! IG: @journeycompasofficial

MARLEY GOMES (Young Nala at certain performances) is thrilled to make her national tour debut! Credits include Broadway: Gypsy (Baby June) and TV: “Sesame Street.” Huge thanks to her amazing coaches, agents at The Osbrink Agency, managers at Ascend Talent Management, and her incredible family and friends. Follow her journey on Instagram @marleylgomes.

JOSIAH WATSON (Young Simba at certain performances) is thrilled to join The Lion King National Tour! Credits: Milo Imagines the World (Milo, Alliance Theatre) and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (Charlie, Legacy Theatre). He is grateful to God, and thanks his family, ARC Casting, Disney, CBD (voice), and Landmark Christian Fine Arts program. IG: josiah.a.watson

KAYLA ROSE AIMABLE (Swing, Dance Captain). Glory! Theater: The Wiz, Arkansas Repertory, The Color Purple, West Coast Black Theater Troupe, Hairspray, Royal Caribbean. She would like to Thank God, family, and mentors for all of their love and support. Psalm 23.

ELLEN AKASHI  (Ensemble). Honored to join the family! BFA Chapman University. Credits include San Diego Opera, Backhausdance, Laurie Sefton Creates, Dance Lab New York, Company XIV. All love to family, friends, and the team at MSA. @ellen.akashi

LAMAR BAYLOR (Swing). A Camden, NJ native, Baylor made his Broadway debut in The Lion King. B.F.A. University of the Arts graduate. Stella Moore Award Recipient. Companies: Eleone Dance Theater, RDDC, PHILADANCO. Thank you God, family & friends!

ERIC BEAN, JR.  (Swing, Understudy Ed). Originally from Bermuda, Eric attended the University of the Arts (Phila. PA) where he received his BFA in Dance Education & Choreography. A finalist in the Philadelphia A.W.A.R.D.S. competition, Mr. Bean has taught and choreographed nationally & internationally; offering master classes /workshops whenever available. Credits: Koresh Dance Co, Donn Arden’s Jubilee!,Viking Ocean. Regional: The Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Once on this Island. IG: EBJDANCE

VERNON BROOKS III (Ensemble). Born and raised in New Orleans, Vernon is a graduate of Pace University and has performed with Martha Graham Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company and Parsons Dance Co. Vernon is honored to now be part of The Lion King.

KYLE ROBERT CARTER  (Ensemble, Understudy Mufasa). National Tour: In The Heights (Benny) Regional: Rent (Benny), Pajama Game (Prez), Cubamor (Renato), Paint Your Wagon (Wesley) Off-Broadway: Storyville (Butch “Cobra” Brown), NYC Readings/Showcase: Illa (Gary), The Wild Party (Eddie), Sweetie (Cat Jones).

SHAQUELLE CHARLES (Ensemble) is an Afro-Caribbean artist from Guyana who obtained his BFA at Marymount Manhattan College. Since then he has performed with Mark Morris Dance, the Metropolitan Opera, and Dianne McIntyre. He has presented works at La Biennale Dance Festival under Wayne Mcgregor, Symphony space and more. 

REOAGILE CHOABI (Ensemble, Understudy Rafiki & Nala) is an actress, vocalist and songwriter and graduate of the National School of the Arts. Credits: The Lion King (Ensemble & Understudy Nala; Brazil & Asia tour) 2019–2024; performed National Anthem at Chinese Embassy (2018), backing vocalist in Afropunk (2018); guest on Yo-Tv (2017). 

DANIELA COBB (Swing, Understudy Sarabi & Shenzi) is a graduate of Alabama State University. Theatre: The Odyssey; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; The Wiz; The Winter’s Tale; Roe (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); The First Noel  (Kenny Leon’s True Colors); Freak Friday (Horizon Theatre Co.); Black Nativity; For Colored Girls…; Dreamgirls; (Cloverdale Playhouse) and The Color Purple.

LYRIC DANAE (Swing) is elated to be making her debut in the Pridelands! She is a graduate of the Ailey/Fordham BFA program and her favorite credits include: The Bodyguard, Oscar At The Crown, and the NBA Boston Celtics. @lyricdanae 

MAURICE DAWKINS (Ensemble). Broadway tours: Cats, The Prom. Regional: West Side Story (Lyric Opera of Chicago), A Chorus Line (Cincinnati Playhouse), Cats (RCCL), Newsies. Alum of Sarah Lawrence College and LaGuardia Arts HS. Thanks ATB! Love you, Mom, Laura, and my cats, Mr. Business and Luna! Instagram: @dawkinsmaurice. 

CEDRICK EKRA (Ensemble, Understudy Simba). National Tour Debut! Originally from West Hartford, CT. Select Credits: The Preacher’s Wife (Alliance Theatre - World Premiere), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Ogunquit Playhouse, Tuacahn). About Artists. Emerson MT ’22. bisou mama et emanuella. @cedrickekra

CAMRYN HAMPTON (Ensemble, Understudy Nala & Sarabi) is excited to join the LK Tour! Off-Broadway: Little Shop of Horrors (Westside Theatre). Tour: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Regional: Hair (MTH Theatre). Thanks to family, friends, God and her team. IG: @camryn.hampton

QUIANA ONRAE’L HOLMES (Swing, Understudy Shenzi & Sarabi). You did your big one, God. Tours: Hadestown, Ain’t Too Proud, Jesus Christ Superstar, Motown the Musical. Regional: GOATS (NYC), Ain’t Misbehavin (REV) The Wiz (FTC). Eternal love to Mom, family, and Henderson Hogan @quianaonrael 

VALÉRIANE LOUISY LOUIS JOSEPH (Ensemble). A Parisian with roots from Martinique. Ailey School graduate. Credits: The Lion King (Paris), Sony Music Entertainment, Classical Theater of Harlem, Shirley Black Brown, Christopher L. Huggins, Ronald K. Brown, Ruddur Dance, Creative Outlet. Featured in Omah Lay’s “SOSO” music video, Asake’s Barclays Center concert. @valerianellj

JOEL KARIE (Ensemble, Understudy Mufasa, Banzai & Ed) is happy to be returning to The Lion King after performing in the Broadway and German companies. Other credits include Aida (Germany), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (UK), With A Song In My Heart (UK), Dancing in the Streets (West End), Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens (West End), and proud uncle to Kennedi (Tampa). After telling this story in 4 languages, in 3 foreign countries, Joel is thrilled to be performing on America’s national tour. 

GABISILE MANANA (Ensemble, Understudy Rafiki). Born in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, Gabisile has previously performed with The Lion King in Australia, Holland and Spain, and throughout the world with other international performing groups, including Africa Umoja, Stamping and Mother Africa.

KEYVEONTAE’ MARTIN (Ensemble). From Oklahoma City, Keyveontae’ received his BBA and BFA from the University of Oklahoma. It’s his Broadway National Tour debut! Thanks be to God, family, and friends for your unwavering support. Credits: Creative Outlet, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. @tae.martinnn / Proverbs 3:5-6 

MORGAN REED McDANIEL (Ensemble). Proud Buffalo, NY native. Training: BFA from Ailey/Fordham. Stage credits: Lyric Opera of Chicago, South Chicago Dance Theatre. Film/TV: Netflix’s “Monsters” S3. Endless gratitude to my family for their unwavering love! @morganreed888

JUSTIN MENSAH (Swing, Understudy Simba & Banzai) is a Native New Yorker who at an early age fell in love with the stage. To further develop his craft, he studied at Harlem School of the Arts and the Institute for American Musical Theatre.

MARQ MOSS (Swing, Understudy Simba). Native Washingtonian. Clark Atlanta University alumnus. Theater Credits: The Lion King, Motown: The Musical (1st Nat’l & Bway). Creative Director/Stylist: Salt-N-Pepa, Naughty By Nature, I Love The 90s Vegas Show, New Kids On The Block Mixtape Tour, RNB Fridays (Australia/New Zealand). Founding Board: @HarlemParade IG: @marqmoss | www.marqmoss.com

SARITA AMANI NASH (Ensemble, Understudy Nala & Sarabi). Overjoyed to join the Pridelands! Broadway: Harry Potter & the Cursed Child. Off-Bway: Gospel According to Heather. Endless gratitude to her loved ones for their support, her agents, ARC, & The Lion King family for the opportunity to be part of this incredible legacy. @saritaamani

NHLANHLA NDLOVU (Ensemble, Understudy Banzai). A South African native, Nhlanhla has been singing since before he could talk and loves live music and performances. He is grateful to be back onstage and is excited to be traveling across the country with this show. He’s been with The Lion King for over half a decade now and has worked with the Broadway cast, North American tour and the Madrid cast in Spain. God is good all the time. Ayikho Inkomo Yobuthongo

AARON NELSON (Swing, Fight Captain, Understudy Scar, Simba & Mufasa) is honored to be among the few in The Lion King’s history to cover the “Big 3” roles and notably the first African American to perform as Scar on tour. Select Broadway/TV: The Lion King (Simba), “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS), “Chicago Fire” (NBC). Aaron dedicates each performance to his children and loved ones. @theactlete // Psalm 9:2

YUKA NOTSUKA (Ensemble) is from Fukuoka, Japan. National Tours: Cats (Victoria), South Pacific (Liat), An American in Paris. Education: Luigi’s Jazz Centre under Francis J. Roach, The Ailey School. She thanks her family, mentors, supporters and the LK team! @yukaaada

SICELO NTSHANGASE (Ensemble). Originally from Mpumalanga Delmas in South Africa, Sicelo formed a band with close family friends in 2012, performing at weddings and events. In 2016 he took part in DStv’s choir singing show “Clash of the Choirs” and in 2017 he joined The Lion King’s Madrid Production.

YAEL PINEDA-HALL (Swing, Understudy Rafiki, Shenzi & Sarabi). Disney’s The Lion King: Broadway, North American Tour, Singapore, London, Shanghai, Melbourne and Sydney (since 2003); A Christmas Carol (2013–14), Festival of The Lion King, Hong Kong (2007–08). Part of various Musicals in the Philippines (2000–14) and Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company (1985–94). Thank you family and friends for your utmost support.

NATHAN ANDREW RILEY (Swing, Understudy Banzai). National Tour: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. New York: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular; High Button Shoes (Encores!). Regional: The Scottsboro Boys (Phoenix Theatre); In The Heights, Shrek (Pacific Conservatory Theatre). Thanks to casting/creatives, family and tribe, and Eternal Father.

JORDAN SAMUELS (Ensemble, Understudy Ed). Broadway: Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. 1st national tour Newsies. Dance: Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance. Thanks to The Lion King creative team, Disney, Binder Casting and family for love  and support.

POSELETSO SEJOSINGOE (Ensemble, Understudy Rafiki, Nala & Shenzi) is a South African singer and actress. International theater credits: Disney’s The Lion King (West End), The Magic Flute, The Mysteries, Aesop’s Fables, A Christmas Carol. Television: “M-Net’s Idols” (Runner-Up), “Forced Love” (SABC1 mini-series). Poseletso has performed with international artists Michael Bolton, Josh Groban, Beyonce and Westlife.

ERIC SHAWN (Ensemble, Understudy Simba). (He/They). Eric is thrilled to make their Broadway Tour debut! All love to their family and friends for their continuous support! Special Credits - South Pacific @ Goodspeed and Rent @ The Muny. Proud Alumni of Texas State BFA Program. Instagram: @itsericshawn

JENNIFER THERIOT (Sarabi, Ensemble, Understudy Nala & Shenzi) is overjoyed to join this production. Attended: American Musical and Dramatic Academy NY. Regional credits: TARZAN®; Dreamgirls; Hairspray; Little Shop; International: Beauty and the Beast Tour and Disney cruise lines. “I thank my family and friends for their constant and overflowing prayers and support!!”

BRENA K. THOMAS (Ensemble). Native of Chicago, IL. Grateful to be a part of The Lion King! Training: The Ailey School (Scholarship Program) Concert Dance: PHILADANCO!, Ailey ll, Barnes Museum, Guggenheim Works & Process. TV/Film: “POSE” (FX). Thanks to my family/friends. This is for you Grandma! IG: @brenakthomas

COURTNEY THOMAS (Swing, Dance Captain, Understudy Ed) is incredibly humbled to be rejoining The Lion King National Tour. Born in Atlanta, Ga he began dancing at North Atlanta High School at 16 under the direction of Tracy Vogt and immediately fell in love with arts. He studied dance at AREA (Atlanta’s Resource for Entertainment and Arts) under the direction of Jai Jones and is humbled that The Lion King is his first professional work as a dancer. Insta:
@cthomdance94

BEN TOOMER (Ensemble, Understudy Mufasa) Broadway: Girl from the North Country. TV: “Law & Order.” National Tour/Regional credits: Swept Away (Berkeley Rep—World Premiere), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (National Tour), Jubilee (Arena Stage). Thanks to his family, CGF and the creatives. BFA in Musical Theatre from Texas State University. @B_toomer

DENZEL TSOPNANG (Ensemble, Understudy Mufasa) Ecstatically joining the Pridelands! Select credits: Moulin Rouge! The Musical (1st National Tour), The Scottsboro Boys (MTI Pilot), Boys in the Band (Windy City Playhouse), “Utopia” (Amazon Prime). Thanks to Gray Talent and my amazing friends and family! @edensbee1

JORDAN NICOLE WILLIS (Ensemble). Native of Dallas, TX, Jordan Willis received her education from Booker T. Washington HSPVA and Point Park University. Since graduating she’s performed with The Black Iris Project, Houston Contemporary Dance Company, Open Dance Project and B.MOORE Dance.

JULIE TAYMOR (Director, Costume Design, Mask/Puppet Co-Design, Additional Lyrics) won the 1998 Tony Award® for Best Direction of a Musical and for Best Costumes for The Lion King. It also garnered Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Awards for Taymor’s direction; three Moliere Awards, including Best Musical and Best Costumes; and myriad awards for her original costume, mask and puppet designs. Taymor made her Broadway debut in 1996 with Juan Darien: A Carnival Mass (Lincoln Center), nominated for five Tony Awards. Other theatre work includes M. Butterfly starring Clive Owen (Cort Theatre), Grounded (Public Theatre), The Green Bird (New Victory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, the Cort Theatre on Broadway); Titus Andronicus; The Tempest; The Taming of the Shrew (Theatre for a New Audience); The Transposed Heads (Lincoln Center and American Music Theatre Festival); Liberty’s Taken (Castle Hill Festival); and Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark (Foxwoods Theatre on Broadway). Her opera productions include the Pulitzer finalist, Grendel, composed by Elliot Goldenthal (Los Angeles Opera and the Lincoln Center Festival); Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, in repertory at the Metropolitan Opera since 2004; and Oedipus Rex with Jessye Norman, conducted by Seiji Ozawa, for which she earned the International Classical Music Award for Best Opera Production and an Emmy® for a subsequent film version. Her first film, “Fool’s Fire,” an adaptation of an Edgar Allan Poe short story, aired on PBS in 1992. Her feature films include Titus, starring Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange; Frida, starring Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina (six 2002 Academy Award® nominations, winning two); Across the Universe (2008 Golden Globe®- nomination for Best Musical/Comedy); and The Tempest, starring Helen Mirren, Djimon Hounsou, Russell Brand and Ben Whishaw. She recently directed The Glorias, starring Julianne Moore, Alicia Vikander, Bette Midler and Janelle Monae based on the life of Gloria Steinem, and completed a cinematic version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, filmed during her stage production that ran at Theatre for a New Audience’s new home in Brooklyn. Taymor has received a MacArthur “genius” Grant, a Guggenheim Fellowship, two Obie Awards, the first annual Dorothy B. Chandler Award in Theatre, 2015 Inductee to the Theatre Hall of Fame, 2015 Shakespeare Theatre Company’s William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre, 2017 Disney Legends Award, among many others. A book spanning her career, Julie Taymor: Playing with Fire, is available from Abrams. 

ELTON JOHN (Music). The monumental career of international singer/songwriter and performer, Elton John, has spanned more than three decades. Since launching his first tour in 1970, Elton has delivered over 4,000 performances in more than 80 countries. He is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 1 diamond, 40 platinum or multi-platinum, and 23 gold albums and more than 300 million records sold worldwide. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences had awarded Elton multiple Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Legend Award. In the early 1990s, Elton collaborated with lyricist Tim Rice on the soundtrack for The Lion King, winning him an Academy Award. The album produced two top-selling, award-winning singles: “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” The Tony Award-winning Broadway productions of The Lion King and Aida both awarded Elton with Grammy Awards for Best Musical Show Album. Billy Elliot was nominated for a record-tying 15 Tony Awards and won 10, including Best Musical. In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which today is one of the leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. In 1998, the Queen of England knighted him Sir Elton John, CBE. In 2004, Elton received the Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to American culture and excellence through the performing arts. In 2003, Elton was honored as the first recipient of the prestigious BRITs Icon Award. Elton announced the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour at New York’s Gotham Hall in January 2018. Encompassing 5 continents, and over 350 dates, this 3-year-long tour started in September 2018 and marks his retirement from touring after more than 50 years on the road. In May 2019 it was named Billboard’s Top Rock Tour. 2019 also saw the release of the critically acclaimed ‘Rocketman’ and global bestselling autobiography, ‘Me’. An epic fantasy musical motion picture of -Elton’s life ‘Rocketman’ has been a box office smash, taking close to $200m at the box office, and has already won two Golden Globe Awards including Best Original Song. It has also garnered nominations for three Critics’ Choice Awards, four BAFTA nominations, an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song and its soundtrack has also been nominated for a GRAMMY Award.

TIM RICE (Lyrics) has worked in music, theatre and films since 1965 when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Rather than pursue Tim’s ambitions to write rock or pop songs they turned their attention to Andrew’s obsession – musical theatre. Their first collaboration (lyrics by Tim, music by Andrew) was based on the life of Dr. Barnardo, the Victorian philanthropist, The Likes Of Us. Their next three works together were much more successful – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. Tim has also worked with other distinguished popular composers such as Elton John (The Lion King, Aida), Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast), Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess), and Stuart Brayson (From Here to Eternity). Tim founded his own cricket team in 1973 and was President of MCC in 2002. He was appointed President of the London Library in 2017 in succession to Sir Tom Stoppard. He has won several awards (an EGOT, etc.), mainly for the wrong thing or for simply turning up. 

LEBO M (Additional Music & Lyrics, Vocal Score, Vocal Arrangements, Choral Director) is known as the “voice and spirit of The Lion King.” Once a teenage singer in Soweto, the GRAMMY® Award winner and Tony® nominee’s music brings audiences to tears with hauntingly inspiring African rhythms and melodies. Lebo’s talents have been hailed by the worldwide press in superlatives that might describe the most delightfully poetic of musical deities. Since his arrival in America, Lebo has attracted music industry giants such as Quincy Jones, Jimmy Cliff and Hans Zimmer as mentors, allies and collaborators. Lebo has performed and produced four albums, Rhythm of the Pride Lands (Disney), Deeper Meaning (Gallo) and The Lion King (Japanese and Hamburg cast recordings). Other credits include The Power of One, Back on the Block and Listen Up with Quincy Jones; the feature films Outbreak (Warner Bros.), Congo (Warner Bros.) and Born to Be Wild (Paramount); he is the composer and co-producer of the Legend of Tarzan theme song, “Opar;” and the Disney television special “People.” He has performed on the Academy Awards® and the Essence Awards Show, with Vanessa Redgrave at Kthimi-The Return in Kosovo, and been honored by Artists for a Free South Africa.

MARK MANCINA (Additional Music & Lyrics, Music Produced for the Stage, Additional Score). A Tony® nominee and multi-platinum, three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning composer, Mr. Mancina produced songs for Disney’s blockbuster animated feature film, and proved a uniquely qualified choice to produce the music for the stage production of The Lion King. The 1994 film’s critical and box office success spawned the hit album Rhythm of the Pride Lands, for which he co-wrote and produced multiple tracks, including “He Lives in You” and “Shadowland,” songs featured in the stage production. In addition to his songwriting and producing achievements, he is a seasoned film score composer. Mr. Mancina’s credits include mega-hits Moana, Training Day, Speed, Twister, Bad Boys, TARZAN®, and August Rush among many others. 

ROGER ALLERS (Book) directed the 1994 animated feature The Lion King with co-director Rob Minkoff. He then, along with co-author Irene Mecchi, wrote the book for The Lion King Broadway musical based on his film, receiving the 1998 Tony nomination. Mr. Allers has been instrumental in shaping the structure and dialogue for many Disney animated features since 1986, including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Oliver and Company, Rescuers Down Under and the first CGI movie, Tron. He directed the Academy Award-nominated short The Little Matchgirl for Disney and co-directed the 2006 animated feature Open Season for Sony Studios. Mr. Allers wrote and directed the 2015 animated adaptation of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, a book of philosophical poetry. Currently, he is preparing his original musical “The Grasshopper” with composer Genaro Pereira for the Broadway stage.

IRENE MECCHI (Book) began her association with Disney, when she wrote Recycle Rex, an animated short, which won the 1994 Environmental Media Award. Irene is a co-writer of Disney’s animated features The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Hercules. Along with co-author Roger Allers, she received a 1998 Tony® nomination for writing the book for The Lion King. Irene also adapted Annie for ABC’s Wonderful World of Disney. She shares a writing credit on Disney Pixar’s Brave. Irene adapted Peter Pan for NBC’s live production and is currently developing several projects for the stage and screen.

GARTH FAGAN (Choreographer). From Kingston, Jamaica, Mr. Fagan is the recipient of the 1998 Tony Award^®, the 2000 Laurence Olivier Award, and the 2004 Helpmann Award for Best Choreography in a Musical for his work on The Lion King. Regarded as “one of the great reformers of modern dance,” Fagan has toured the world with Garth Fagan Dance for over five decades, earning international recognition and numerous accolades, including a New York Bessie Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and a Fulbright 50th Anniversary Distinguished Fellowship.

RICHARD HUDSON (Scenic Design). Born in Zimbabwe, Richard Hudson trained at Wimbledon School of Art. He has designed operas for Glyndebourne, Covent Garden, The Metropolitan Opera, New York, Teatro alla Scala, Maggio Musicale Florence, English National Opera, Scottish Opera, Kent Opera, Opera North, Wiener Staatsoper, Munich, Chicago, Copenhagen, Athens, Bregenz, Amsterdam, Zurich, Barcelona, Madrid, Brussels, Houston, Washington, Venice, Pesaro and Rome. He has also designed for the Aldeburgh Festival, The Royal Ballet, Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, Royal Court, Almeida and the Young Vic. In 1988, Mr. Hudson won an Olivier Award for the Jonathan Miller season at the Old Vic. His set designs for The Lion King have won numerous awards including a Tony in 1998. Mr. Hudson is a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI). In 2003 he won The Gold Medal for Set Design at the Prague Quadrennial and in 2005 he received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Surrey. Recent work includes Leopoldstadt (West End and Broadway), La Boheme, Gianni Schicchi (Greek National Opera); The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty (American Ballet Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Bolshoi Ballet), Four Seasons, La Bayadère Le Coq D’or and Raymonda (The Royal Danish Ballet), Das Rhinegold, Die Walküre, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung (Teatro Massimo, Palermo), Versailles (Donmar Warehouse), La Bohème (Bologna), Peter Gynt (National Theatre), Morgen und Abend (Royal Opera, Covent Garden and Deutsche Oper, Berlin) and Ballo in Maschera (Verdi Festival, Parma).

DONALD HOLDER (Lighting Design) received the 1998 Tony®, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Lion King (Broadway) and the Moliere Award for The Lion King (Paris). Broadway: 14 Tony® nominations, 61 productions, including McNeal; The Pirates of Penzance (2025); Paradise Square; Tootsie; Kiss Me Kate (2019 revival); Oslo; Anastasia; She Loves Me (2016 revival); The King and I (2015 revival); The Bridges of Madison County; Golden Boy; South Pacific (2008 Tony Award); Oslo; Ragtime; Les Liaisons Dangereuses; A Streetcar Named Desire; Gem of the Ocean; Movin’ Out; Juan Darien; On the Twentieth Century; You Can’t Take It With You; Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark; Promises, Promises; Annie (2012 revival); Arcadia; Cyrano de Bergerac; The Little Dog Laughed; Thoroughly Modern Millie; The Boy From Oz; and many others. Television: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel- Seasons 4 and 5 (Amazon Studios); Gossip Girl (HBO); Smash- Seasons one and two (NBC/ DreamWorks). Film: Spirited (Apple Studios), Oceans 8 (Warner Bros. Pictures). Education: Yale School of Drama, Head of lighting design at Rutgers University.

MICHAEL CURRY (Mask & Puppet Co-Design). is an award-winning visual artist and concept designer, known for his broad work in theater and live entertainment. He is sought out by the world’s top entertainment organizations, such as The Metropolitan Opera, Universal Studios, Cirque du Soleil, and the International Olympic Committee to create large-scale spectacles. He has brought his vision to countless shows for Disney, including Frozen on Broadway. Curry’s concepts can be seen in theme parks, resorts, stadium tours, and productions worldwide. Michael works closely with his long-term team in Portland, Oregon where they develop innovative solutions for future projects, as well as support multiple on-going theatrical productions around the world.

MICHAEL WARD (Hair & Makeup Design) designs for opera and theatre. For Disney: The Lion King (Broadway and others) and Der Glöckner von Notre Dame (Berlin). Other work has been seen in Britain, The United States, Holland, France, Japan, Israel and Portugal. Along with his design work in theatre, he works as a garden and landscape designer.

STEVE CANYON KENNEDY (Sound Designer). Broadway sound design credits include, Ain’t Too Proud, On Your Feet, Doctor Zhivago, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (Tony Award), Hands On A Hardbody (Drama Desk Award), Jesus Christ Superstar, Catch Me If You Can (Tony Nomination), Guys and Dolls, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, Jersey Boys (Drama Desk Award), Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays, Rent, Hairspray, The Producers, Aida, Titanic, Big, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Carousel and The Who’s Tommy (Drama Desk Award). 

HANS ZIMMER (Additional Music & Lyrics) Hans Zimmer has scored more than 200 projects across all mediums, which, combined, have grossed more than 28 billion dollars at the worldwide box office. Zimmer has been honored with an Academy Award®, two Golden Globes®, three Grammys®, an American Music Award, and a Tony Award®. His work highlights include Gladiator, The Thin Red Line, As Good as It Gets, Rain Man, The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Thelma and Louise, The Last Samurai, 12 Years A Slave, Blade Runner 2049 (co-scored w/ Benjamin Wallfisch) and Dunkirk, as well as recent film scores including Wonder Woman 1984, Ron Howard’s Hillbilly Elegy and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run. In 2019, Zimmer scored the live-action remake of The Lion King, for which he received a Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. Zimmer’s films for 2021 include the James Bond film No Time to Die, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, Top Gun: Maverick and The Boss Baby: Family Business. Zimmer has completed highly successful Hans Zimmer Live tour stops around the globe and will continue to perform in an upcoming European tour beginning in February 2022.

JAY RIFKIN (Additional Music & Lyrics). The GRAMMY® Award-winning producer, together with producing and composing partner Hans Zimmer, created Media Ventures, a multifaceted entertainment group that includes music, new media, film and television. Their partnership has earned them numerous awards and nominations, including Academy Award® nominations, for the film scores of Driving Miss Daisy, Rain Man and The Lion King. Following the success of The Lion King, Jay conceived and produced the gold-selling follow-up album Rhythm of the Pride Lands. He is also chairman of Media Revolution and a founder of the film production company Media Ventures Pictures.

ANTHONY LYN (Associate Director). Anthony was born in Swansea South Wales and trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Has worked as an actor, director, teacher and associate director. London theatre credits include Anything Goes, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Joseph…, Damn Yankees and Disney’s The Lion King. Broadway production credits include Disney’s The Lion King, Miss Saigon, Mary Poppins and Les Miserables. Touring and global production credits include Mary Poppins (US National tours, Vienna, Mexico City) and Les Miserables (US National tour, Toronto). Anthony is currently the Associate Director for global productions of The Lion King, on which he has worked since 1999; as well as Saturday Night Fever and Masquerade for Jean Ann Ryan Productions globally. TV credits include the Tony Awards, “An American Celebration,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,” the Royal Variety Performance and the 2013 Oscars. Has taught at the Royal Academy of Music London, The Actors’ Centre and Duke University in the US and was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College in July 2018.

MAREY GRIFFITH (Associate Choreographer). A native New Yorker, Miss Griffith toured worldwide with the acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as a featured dancer/soloist. Other guest appearances include Déjà vu Dance Theatre, and the Spoleto festival in Italy. Miss Griffith worked as co-choreographer on the star-studded production of The Wizard of Oz in concert at Avery Fisher Hall with Nathan Lane, Joel Grey, Jewel and Natalie Cole. She has also appeared in numerous soap operas, commercials and voice-overs. Since joining the creative team of The Lion King in August of 2000, Miss Griffith has been mounting and maintaining numerous productions worldwide. She feels incredibly honored to be working with choreographer Garth Fagan.​

DAVID KREPPEL (Music Supervisor) has worked for over 25 years as conductor, music director, arranger and orchestrator. In addition to being the Music Supervisor for the Broadway and North American touring productions, David continues to serve as Associate Music Supervisor for The Lion King worldwide, is an Assistant Conductor for Aladdin on Broadway and an Adjunct Professor at NYU Steinhart. Selected additional Broadway credits include Sister Act, Rock of Ages, A Chorus Line, Memphis, Tarzan®, The Little Mermaid, and Saturday Night Fever. He was vocal arranger for Bandstand (Broadway / Tour), music supervisor / arranger for the US Tour of Joseph… Dreamcoat and The Broadway Dolls. Regional credits include work with The Old Globe, Cincinnati Playhouse and The Signature Theatre. His arrangements have been heard across the country, on multiple television shows, the Tony Awards and even the floor of the US Senate. Originally from Cincinnati and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, David appeared on stage in dozens of productions before jumping into the pit full time.

SEAN MAYES (Music Supervisor) enjoys a varied career internationally as a conductor, music supervisor, orchestrator & composer between Broadway, theatre, opera, classical & Pops worlds. Mayes is Artistic Director & Founder of Pops of Color, the new resident Pops orchestra of The Town Hall in New York City, composed entirely of musicians of color, focusing exclusively in repertoire artists of color have contributed to popular music. Additionally, Mayes is Music Supervisor & Co-Orchestrator of ALI: The Musical, based on Muhammad Ali, composed by conductor Teddy Abrams & rap icon Q-Tip. His new opera, Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White, made its World Premiere with the Canadian Opera Company in June 2024. Select credits include The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration (Conductor & Orchestrator; Chicago Philharmonic, Nashville Symphony); Black Broadway (Conductor; PBS National Broadcast); RENT: In Concert (Music Supervisor; National Symphony, Kennedy Center); MJ (Assistant Conductor; Broadway); HADESTOWN (Associate Conductor; Broadway); An Evening With André De Shields (Music Director & Orchestrator; Baltimore Symphony); MANDELA (Conductor; Young Vic, London); The Color Purple (Music Director; Canadian Premiere). Author of three books: Reframing the Musical; An Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre & Conversations in Color: Exploring North American Musical Theatre. Forever for Lori. @maestromayes.

ROBERT ELHAI (Associate Music Producer, Orchestrator). This Tony® and Drama Desk nominee has arranged and orchestrated Oscar®, GRAMMY®, and Emmy®-winning music for composers Elliot Goldenthal (Juan Darien, Frida), Alan Menken (“Galavant”), Brian Tyler (Iron Man 3, Fast and Furious series) and many others. His compositions have graced theater and concert stages around the world. robertelhai.com

DAVID METZGER (Orchestrator) has composed the scores for films including Mufasa: The Lion King, Wish, and Once Upon a Studio. Along with his Tony and Drama Desk nominated work on The Lion King, he also orchestrated the Broadway version of Frozen. He is an in demand arranger, orchestrator, and producer of songs for film, with a body of work that includes Frozen, Frozen II, Moana, TARZAN®, Spirited, and the upcoming Snow White, with a list of songwriters he’s worked that includes Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Alan Menken, Elton John, Tim Rice, Glenn Slater, Stephen Schwartz, Phil Collins, and Julia Michaels. He has also orchestrated over 70 films. davemetzgermusic.com

MICHAEL KELLER (Music Coordinator). Current Broadway: Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, Wicked, The Lion King. Tours: Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King. Pamela, Zachary, Christin & Gavin, Alexis & Joe make it all worthwhile.

KARL SHYMANOVITZ (Music Director/Conductor) has happily worked with various companies of The Lion King since 2004. He has conducted at opera houses in Germany and Italy and was the Music Director for El Paso Opera. Other credits include Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Detroit and Denver Center), The Producers (Las Vegas), Spamalot (1st National Tour), Marry Me a Little (Cincinnati Playhouse), West Side Story (Trinity Rep). His arrangements have been performed by the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. He is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, The University of Michigan, and CCM.

CHRISTOPH BUSKIES (KeyComp Programming). Christoph’s revolutionary music system KeyComp has been successfully implemented worldwide in “Frozen”, “Aladdin”, “The Little Mermaid”, “Sister Act”, “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King”. More information available through www.keycomp.com 

MONIQUE MIDGETTE (Resident Director). Directing: Once on This Island, Having Our Say, Ain’t Misbehavin (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma), Noises Off (ZACH), Ain’t Misbehavin (TUTS), BEEHIVE (Next Stop), Dessa Rose in Concert (Olney), Big River (AD Adventure Theatre). Performing: BROADWAY: The Civil War, Marie Christine, Seussical the Musical. TOURS: The Lion King, Dreamgirls, Little Shop of Horrors. REGIONAL: The Wiz, Children of Eden, The Women of Brewster Place, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. IG: moniquecreates moniquemidgette.com

KELLEN STANCIL (Resident Dance Supervisor). is a NYC based Director & Choreographer. After 16 years with The Lion King and 12 of those years as the Dance Captain on Broadway, Kellen is thrilled to be joining the North American tour as the Resident Dance Supervisor. He currently holds the title of Director of Broadway Bares produced by Jerry Mitchell & BCEFA. Kellen works as an Audition Choreographer & Casting Associate for Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Lines & Walt Disney World. Visit www.kellenstancil.com for more.

LISA DAWN CAVE (Production Supervisor). has worked on over 20 Broadway productions. She serves on the board of BC/EFA, is a Founder of Black Theatre United and Broadway & Beyond: Access for Stage Managers of Color. She is the recipient of the 2023 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre. Namaste!

CHARLES UNDERHILL (Production Stage Manager). Broadway: Aladdin, Frozen, Moulin Rouge, School of Rock, Something Rotten!, Rocky, Annie, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway, Billy Elliot the Musical, Cat on A Hot Tin Roof (2008 Revival), Les Misérables (2006 Revival), The History Boys, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bombay Dreams, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Wild Party, The Scarlet Pimpernel (1.0, 2.0, 3.0). Off-Broadway: Elaine Stritch: At Liberty – The Public Theater. National tours: Frozen, Billy Elliot the Musical, Carousel. Other: Associate Production Supervisor – The Lion King (Worldwide), Frozen (Worldwide), Jimmy Buffett’s Don’t Stop the Carnival – Nassau, Bahamas.

MICHELLE SCALPONE (Stage Manager). Broadway: Love Life (Encores), Fish In The Dark, Matilda, Forever Tango, Chaplin. NYC: The Public Theater, Audible, The New Group, Red Bull, The Shed, Atlantic; TV: “Encore!” (Disney+), NBC’s “The Wiz Live.” Regional: Kennedy Center, Bucks County, Goodspeed, Williamstown, Old Globe. Education: University of Arizona & Juilliard. For Dad, Mom, & Julie. 

KAREN PARLATO (Assistant Stage Manager). Broadway: The Phantom of the Opera. Off-Broadway: Silence! The Musical, The Fantasticks, Triassic Parq, Wanda’s World. Regional theatres including: Ogunquit Playhouse, Fulton Theatre, Crossroads Theatre Company. Love and thanks to Mom, Dad and Aunt Joan. Twitter: @HeadsetChatter

CATHY HWANG (Assistant Stage Manager). Broadway: KPOP, Thoughts of a Colored Man. Tours: Disney’s Frozen, Moulin Rouge! The Musical (1st National). Regional: Thoughts of a Colored Man, King of the Yees (Baltimore Center Stage); Pamplona, Father Comes Home from the Wars, The Wolves, Yasmina’s Necklace (Goodman Theatre).

JOSHUA PILOTE (Sub Stage Manager). Broadway: Aladdin, Other Desert Cities. Tours: Miss Saigon, The Bridges of Madison County, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, Dirty Dancing, RENT, Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Other: Blue Man Group, Dallas Theater Center, La Jolla Playhouse, LA Philharmonic, The Old Globe, Public Theater, Roundabout, T.U.T.S. Proud AEA Member. B.A.: The College of Idaho. Follow his adventures on Instagram @co_pilote.

PATRICK WETZEL (Sub Stage Manager). Broadway: Ain’t Broadway Grand (debut), Annie Get Your Gun, Thou Shalt Not, The Producers, The Drowsy Chaperone, Spamalot, All About Me, Aladdin, Tuck Everlasting, Something Rotten, Frozen. Tours: The Prom (Barry Glickman), Billy Elliot (Mr. Braithwaite - Helen Hayes nomination), Cinderella, Joseph…Dreamcoat. Off-Broadway: Atlantic Theater Company, Carnegie Hall. @patrickwetzelnyc

CAROLYN M. LAWSON (Physical Therapy) is founder and CEO of Neurosport & NEURO TOUR, leaders in performing arts medicine. We are honored to be part of this amazing Rafiki Tour.

ARC/MARK BRANDON, CSA (Casting). 150+ productions across the globe & 13 Artios Awards for Casting.  Broadway/NY Past & credits include: Othello, Real Women Have Curves, A Wonderful World, Life of Pi, Chicago the Musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Hadestown, Lost in Yonkers, Great Comet of 1812, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, 39 Steps, Pippin, La Cage aux Folles. TV/Film: Netflix, 20th Century Fox, NBC, Lionsgate, Disney Channel. West End/U.K.: Hadestown, Thriller Live, Menier Chocolate Factory. Tours: 1776, Hairspray, Waitress, Urinetown, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland, Into the Woods, We Will Rock You. Regional: A.R.T., Berkeley Rep, Alley, Bay Street, Ogunquit Playhouse, Goodspeed, Hollywood Bowl, McCarter, Signature. ARC, Part of RWS Global. www.castingbyarc.com IG: castingbyarc  

CHRIS MONTAN (Executive Music Producer) joined Disney in 1984 and is currently president of Walt Disney Music. Under his guidance as head of music, soundtracks from nine theatrical releases (Cocktail, Beaches, The Little Mermaid, Pretty Woman, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, and TARZAN®) were certified multiplatinum. Additionally, the Studio received GRAMMY®, Golden Globe® and Academy Award® recognition for many of its music entries. Most recently he served as executive producer of the Wonderful World of Disney’s production of Annie, as well as a producer with the television production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which was nominated for seven Emmy Awards.

DISNEY THEATRICAL GROUP, a division of The Walt Disney Studios, was formed in 1994 and operates under the direction of Andrew Flatt and  Anne Quart. Worldwide, its ten Broadway titles have been seen by more than 200 million theatregoers and have been nominated for 62 Tony Awards®, winning Broadway’s highest honor 20 times. The company’s inaugural production, Beauty and the Beast, opened in 1994, playing a remarkable 13-year run on Broadway and continues to be produced in replica productions around the world. In November 1997 Disney made theatrical history with the opening of The Lion King, which received six 1998 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director, Julie Taymor, who became the first woman in Broadway history to win the award. Approaching 30 landmark years on Broadway, it has welcomed over 124 million visitors worldwide to date and has multiple productions currently running worldwide. Within Disney Theatrical Group’s first three decades, under the leadership of Thomas Schumacher, The Lion King has played over 100 cities in 24 countries on every continent except Antarctica and its worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or entertainment title in box office history. Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida opened on Broadway next, winning four 2000 Tony Awards. It was followed by Mary Poppins, a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh, which opened in London in 2004 and went on to enjoy a six-year Tony-winning Broadway run. TARZAN®, Tony-nominated for its 2006 Broadway premiere, went on to become an international hit with an award-winning production enjoying a ten-year run in Germany. In January 2008, The Little Mermaid opened on Broadway and was the best-selling new musical of that year. Disney Theatrical Group opened two critically acclaimed productions on Broadway in 2012, winning seven Tony Awards between them: Peter and the Starcatcher and Newsies, each of which enjoyed a two-year run and launched North American tours, with Newsies playing a record-breaking Fathom Events in-cinema release. Disney Theatrical Group’s 2014 hit, Aladdin, continues its smash Broadway run, having launched eleven productions on four continents and been seen by more than 21 million guests. Disney Theatrical Group’s newest hit, the 2018 Tony-nominated Best Musical Frozen has launched eight productions around the world and a filmed version of the stage musical currently available on Disney+. Other stage ventures include King David in concert on Broadway, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame in Berlin, stage productions of Disney’s High School Musical and the Olivier-nominated West End hit Shakespeare in Love. Disney Theatrical Group has collaborated with preeminent theatres in the US to develop new stage musicals including The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Freaky Friday. As a part of the recent acquisition of 20th Century Studios, Disney Theatrical Group also heads the Buena Vista Theatrical banner, which licenses Fox titles for stage adaptations including Anastasia; Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Mrs. Doubtfire. Disney Theatrical Group recently premiered Hercules in London’s West End and a North American tour production of Beauty and the Beast. Next up: The premiere of the stage musical The Greatest Showman in Bristol, England in Spring 2026. In addition to theatrical stage productions, Disney Theatrical Group licenses and manages Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) experiences for The Walt Disney Company, including Disney On Ice, Mundo Pixar, Disney Junior Live On Tour, and The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail, expanding the magic of Disney storytelling into immersive environments worldwide. With dozens of stage productions and live ticketed events currently being produced or licensed, a Disney live experience is taking place somewhere around the globe virtually every hour of the day.

Staff for THE LION KING Worldwide

General Manager … Thomas Schlenk
Production Supervisor … Lisa Dawn Cave
Associate General Manager … Christina Huschle
Associate Director … Anthony Lyn
Associate Director … Adrian Sarple
Associate Choreographer … Marey Griffith
Dance Supervisor … Celise Hicks
Music Supervisor … Sean Mayes
Music Supervisor … David Kreppel
Sr. Production Supervisor … Kathleen E. Purvis
Associate Production Supervisor … Charles Underhill
Technical Director … David Churchill
Associate Scenic Designer … Peter Eastman
Assistant Scenic Designer … Justin Arienti
Associate Costume Designer … Jack Galloway
Associate Costume Designer (US) … Stacey Stephens
Associate Mask & Puppet Designer … Sophie Jones
Associate Sound Designer … John Shivers
Assistant Sound Designer … Kevin Kennedy
Associate Hair & Makeup Designer … Ute Mai
Associate Lighting Designer … Carolyn Wong
Lighting Supervisor … Jeanne Koenig
Assistant Lighting Designer … Martin Vreeland
Associate Production Supervisor … Elizabeth Boulger
Production & Immigration Coordinator … Bri Silva
Production Coordinator … Vincent Pendarvis II

SENIOR PUBLICIST … DENNIS CROWLEY
NATIONAL PRESS REPRESENTATIVE … GREGORY HANOIAN

CASTING

ARC
Duncan Stewart, CSA; Mark Brandon, CSA
Kyle Coker, Jarrett Reiche, Patrick Maravilla
Devi Peot, Jaron Cole
Ryan Stana, CEO RWS Global
Ryan Saab, EVP RWS Global

Staff for THE LION KING

COMPANY MANAGER … JOSE SOLIVAN
Associate Company Manager … Shelly Cohen
Production Stage Manager … Charles Underhill
Resident Director … Monique Midgette
Resident Dance Supervisor … Kellen Stancil
Musical Director / Conductor … Karl Shymanovitz

Stage Manager … Michelle Scalpone
Assistant Stage Managers … Karen Parlato, Cathy Hwang
Sub Stage Managers … Meryn Beckett, Michael G. Morales, Joshua Pilote, Patrick Wetzel
Dance Captains … Kayla Rose Aimable, Courtney Thomas
Fight Captain … Aaron Nelson
Assistant Choreographers … Norwood J. Pennewell, Natalie Rogers 
Adapted Choreography … Aubrey Lynch II
Physical Movement Coordinator … Lorenzo Pisoni
Production Carpenter … Andrew Sullivan
Touring Technical Supervisor … Noah Kern
Production Electrician … Jimmy Maloney
Production Wardrobe Supervisor … Stacey Stephens
Production Hair & Make Up Supervisor … Cheryl V. Thomas
Production Mask & Puppet Supervisor … Antje Gern
Head Carpenter … Kyle Techentin
Automation Carpenter … Al Osuna
Assistant Carpenter/Fly … Nate Fulmer 
Carpenter … Chris Weber
Flying Supervision … Ryan Stanger
Head Electrician … Eric Hill
Front Light Operator … June Abernathy, Mike Schulz
Moving Light Programmer … Brad Gray
Conventional Light Programmer … Melissa Shippers
Moving Light Tracker … Brandon Bagwell
Automated Lighting Electrician … Andrew Dyer
Production Prop Supervisor … Eric Hagenbarth
Head Properties … Ben Martin
Assistant Properties … Alexandra Olinyk
Sound Engineer … Brian Kallaher 
Assistant Sound Engineer … Dymond Wafler
Advance Sound Engineer … Creighton Klapheke
Wardrobe Supervisor … Debbie Burkman-Margolies
Assistant Costume Supervisor … Nicole Ferrigno
Advance Wardrobe … Dawn Reilly
Wardrobe Assistants … Nick Lingnofski, Jodessa Presler, Season Saulet
Puppet Supervisor … Michael Reilly
Puppet Assistants … Brandon Kirkham, Julie Talty
Production Hair Supervisor … Latasha Dayes
Hair & Makeup Supervisor … Danae R. Jimenez
Hair & Makeup Assistants … Lesli Mozaffari, Tammy Potts-Merritt
Crew Swings … Kersten Gavin, Heather Layman, Lesli Mozaffari, Chad Stanner
Advance Carpenters … Cris Cory, David Edington, Alex Forrest, Amy LeGore
Advance Electricians … Zachary Alexander, Robert Ferree, James Sample, Meg Sump
Touring Stagehand Apprentice … Jordan Montgomery

Music Copyist … Anixter Rice Music Service
KeyComp Programming … Cristoph Buskies
Personal Assistant to Elton John … Bob Haley
Assistant to Tim Rice … Eileen Heinink
Assistant to Mark Mancina … Marlon Espino

Production Photography … Joan Marcus, Deen van Meer, Matt Murphy, Evan Zimmerman
Payroll … Cathy Guerra, Marie Caringal, Calvin Gin
Director, Financial Accounting … Patrick Matarazzo
Manager, Financial Accounting … Jordan Loyo 
Corporate Immigration Counsel … Fabricio Lopez, Rio Racela
Corporate Music Counsel … Donna Cole-Brulé 
Risk Management … Johan Kangas, Matthew Rooney
Physical Therapy … Neuro Tour Physical Therapy, Hunter Steigman, MA, AT, ATC
Children’s Teaching … On Location Education
Tutor/Wrangler … Lisa Swift
Wrangler … Kristine Willis
Production Housing … Road Rebel
Executive Travel … Robert Arnao, Patt McRory
Web Design Consultant … Joshua Noah
Rehearsal Production Assistants … Nia Arrington-Seward, Nasir Campbell, John Fortunato, Molly Jane Goldberg, Karon Haynes, Rebecca Hoi, David Jackson, Sam Leicht, Shayna Penn, Katrina Miyuki Roen
Special Thanks … Robert W. Johnson, Lynn Beckemeyer

CREDITS

Costumes executed by Parsons-Meares Ltd, Donna Langman, Eric Winterling Inc., Jan Parran, and Timberlake Studios Inc. Millinery by Monica Viani and Jack C Schmitz. Craftwork by Ilya Vett, Arlene Lind-Watson, and Daniel Muro. Shibori dyeing by Joan Morris. Custom dyeing and painting by Joni Johns, Gene Mignola, Nicola Killeen Textiles, Mary Macy, and Parsons-Meares. Knitwear by Mark Lauer and Donna Doiron. Footwear by Steppin Out, Jitterbug Boy, Sara Mullins, Gamba and Onstage Dance. Additional crafts by Jeffrey Colton, Noelle Rasco and Deirdre Morgan. Costume development by Constance Hoffman. Additional research and development by Patricia Fistes-Adams. Wigs by Samantha Fletcher at the Wig Workshop UK, Cheetah skins and Make-up stamps made by Mike Defeo in the USA, Specialists brushes made by Joseph Beagley, Make-up supplied by MAC, Make-up Forever Professional Make-up, Alcone, Skin Care By Kiehl’s. Lighting supplied by PRG; Automated lighting by Philips Vari*Lite and Showline, Clay Paky, and ETC/High End Systems. Custom Accessories by City Theatrical. Lighting Props by Technical Artistry. Custom Templates by Wyatt Enever Studio. Puppets and Props by Michael Curry Design, Inc., The Paragon Innovation Group Inc., and The Rabbit’s Choice. Automation and mechanized scenery by Hudson Scenic Studios, additional scenery by Proof Productions, Scenic Arts Studios, Rose Brand, Gerriets International, I Weiss & Sons, Flying by Foy, Hands On Rigging Inc, Airworxx, Sigma Services; Custom trusses by Tyler Truss, Tomcat USA; trucking by Clark Transfer. Sound equipment by Masque Sound and Recording. Instruments by Jeff Whittier; Patrick Olwell; Tim Liu; Lark in the Morning; Beverly Pan Flutes; Bass equipment by Eden Electronics; Marimbas by Marimba One, Traditional Percussion Instruments by Bernard Woma, Motherland Music, and Wula Drums. Cymbals by Istanbul-Agop. Other percussion provided by Steve Weiss Music.

Makeup provided by MAC

This production is produced in collaboration with our professional, union-represented employees.

The Lion King originally premiered at the Orpheum Theater, Minneapolis, MN

Facebook … Facebook.com/TheLionKing
Instagram … @TheLionKing
YouTube … youtube.com/DisneyOnBroadway
TikTok … @DisneyOnBroadway

Disney’s The Lion King is a registered trademark owned by The Walt Disney Company and used under special license by Disney Theatrical Group.

Visit The Lion King website on the World Wide Web at:
www.disneyonbroadway.com

The Lion King National Tour proudly participates in Touring Green. We transport our theatrical equipment on a carbon neutral basis with Clark Transfer in association with NativeEnergy.com. For more information on this program, please visit www.clarktransfer.com/green.

SONG EXCERPTS (used by permission):
“Let It Go” written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez;
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” written by Hugo Peretti,
George David Weiss, Luigi Creatore and Solomon Linda;
“Nao Tse Tsa” written by Jacques Loubelo;
“Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue” written by Joe Young, Ray Henderson and Sam M. Lewis.

STG would like to acknowledge the following for their contributions to this performance.

• Supporters
• Sponsors
• Staff
• Executive Leadership
• Board of Directors

Print Edition