CAST & CREATIVE

Broadway debut. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore: The Lion King (Scar). U.S. national tour: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Andre). The Shaw Festival: Caesar and Cleopatra (Apollodorus), Merrily We Roll Along, The Man Who Came to Dinner, On the 20th Century, Easy Virtue, Shadow Play, She Loves Me. StageWest: The Rocky Horror Show (Frank “N” Furter, Betty Award nominee), Tuesdays With Morrie (with Jamie Farr). Elsewhere: Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth), Bach At Leipzig, Blood Brothers, Bent.

Alton has been truly blessed with his decade long journey as King Mufasa and as a member of the Disney Family! Alton is celebrating his gratitude with a new, critically acclaimed recording- DISNEY:MY WAY!, full of wonderful Disney classics, that is available in the lobby and on his website, www.ALTONFITZGERALDWHITE.com. To find out more about Alton's bio, updates, videos and recordings, please visit his website, become a fan on his Facebook Fan Page or follow him on Twitter. Thank you and GOD BLESS! :-)

Broadway: The Lieutenant of Inishmore (orig. cast), The Lion King (Zazu, Scar), Mary Poppins (George Banks), Side Man (Clifford, Al). London: Side Man (Al, London premiere). NYC: Romance, Birth and After Birth, Princess Turandot, Zibaldoné. Regional: BOB. Television: “Damages” (recurring), “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Guiding Light.” MFA, NYU, 1998.

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.

Broadway debut. Off-Broadway: Bury the Dead, Room Service, Shockheaded Peter, The Normal Heart, The Vocal Lords. Nat’l tour: The Buddy Holly Story. Regional: North Shore Music Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, O’Neill Theater, Geva Theatre, Huntington Theatre, New Repertory, Cleveland Play House. Film: Twelve Thirty, A Very Special Episode, Goin’ Down, Redirecting Eddie. TV: “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Daily Pops,” “All My Children.” Award-winning narrator of more than 50 audio books. All my love to Kate, Benjamin and Isabella! For Mom and Dad.

From Durban, South Africa. Theatre: Lalela; The Lion King (London, Sydney, Melbourne, Shanghai and Johannesburg); Ntsikana (DUT); Nkonyeni High (DUT and Bloemfontein); Dance Through Me (Black Bird Productions, Australia). Television: Good Friday Appeal; Carols By Candlelight (both in Australia). Performed on the soundtrack of Elephant Tales. A member of Abanqobi Musical Group from 1999-2004. Wrote the short film Garden of Gethsmane for Roar-Shorts.

Broadway Debut! I’m excited to be given this opportunity after having my first audition and theatre experience that landed me the role as Nala in The Lion King Germany. Dreams do come true! Thank you Jesus for continuing to be faithful and keep me strong. Family and friends I love you and thanks for your support and prayers. @chantel_riley, www.chantelriley.com

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.

Broadway debut. Hallelujah! A native of Montgomery, AL, Bonita is overjoyed to join this talented cast. Credits: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Guys and Dolls, The Piano Lesson, The Old Settler, In the Blood, Dreamgirls, The Color Purple (workshop). Education: MFA, Brandeis University. Special thanks to God, my family, Lori Swift, KSR, Tonea Stewart, my husband Neil Caesar and lovely children Nia and Noah.

“¡Arriba y Adleante!” Enrique is delighted to make his Broadway debut after appearing in German productions of The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Cats and Joseph…. Other credits include Cats (national tour), West Side Story, A Chorus Line, Pippin, Grease (regional) and the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts in L.A. NYC is great, but I miss you Schatzi.

Bobbi, now 10, started her journey at the age of 4. Dancing and singer her way to The Lion King stage, she’s appeared in various television shows/commercials. Thank you God for your blessings & thanks to my family and Shirley Grant management. Keep up with Bobbi @ www.itsallaboutbobbi.com

Jaden has always enjoyed performing. Today as an ensemble member with the Tada Youth Theater he recently completed his fourth production “The Little Moon Theater”. Thanks to God, Nina Trevens and the Tada family, Roberta and James of Acting Out, P.S. 189 and his loving family for their support.

Caleb, 10 years old, makes his Broadway debut in The Lion King.  Caleb has performed in several productions, most recently the Kurt Weill/Maxwell Anderson Opera Lost in the Stars. Caleb is so grateful for this amazing adventure. Thank you God and all those who support me.

Teshi Thomas is elated to be making her Broadway debut in The Lion King. “I would like to thank God, my mother & father, my awesome vocal coach Ms. Nicole, and my Broadway In The HOOD family for giving me the training & the motivation to believe in myself!! www.facebook.com/teshithomas   

BFA-Boston Conservatory. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Broadway: Follies 2011 revival. Anything Goes 2011 revival. 1st Nat’l Tours: Young Frankenstein, Radio City Christmas Spectacular. NY credits: Show Boat(Carnegie Hall) On The Town (NYCity Center)TV: NBC’s “Smash”! twitter.com/LaAlexander_

A Camden, NJ native makes his Broadway debut. B.F.A. University of the Arts graduate. Stella Moore Award Recipient. Companies: Eleone Dance Theater, RDDC, PHILADANCO. Thank you God, family & friends!

Broadway Debut! From Jacksonville, Florida, Izell holds a BFA in dance from SMU.  Izell is an original cast member of the Lion King Gazelle Tour. Much love to my family and friends for all of your support.

Camille M. Brown is an original cast member. Broadway: 1996 award winning revival of The King and I. Concert: former Martha Graham Dance Company soloist. Print work: Lois Greenfield’s Aireborn, Heart & Soul, Mirabella.

Thrilled to be back! U.C. Irvine, BA in dance; Bikram and Moksha yoga certified; Mark Stuart Dance Theatre. Tours: Fame, Swing!, The Lion King, Come Fly Away. Las Vegas: The Lion King, Dance With Me. Movies: Memoirs of a Geisha, Enchanted. TV: Bravo's "Step It Up & Dance" finalist.

Gabriel Croom makes his Broadway debut after leaving The Lion King national tour. Other credits include West Side Story, Harlem Song, A Few Good Men, Dancin’, Nights on Broadway, Latin Heat. BFA in musical theatre.

Enraptured to be making his Broadway debut! Proud Equity member; BFA from LIU C.W. Post. Credits: The Lion King Las Vegas (Ensemble), U.S. national tour (Mufasa), Nevada Philharmonic soloist: Show Boat, Die Fledermaus. Step 3! Glory to God!

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.

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

Angelica Edwards is making her Broadway debut. She has danced with Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, Kevin Iega Jeff/Deeply Rooted and the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, and received her BFA from Ohio State University. She thanks God.

Broadway debut! Tours: The Lion King (1st national); Hello, Dolly! Off-B’way: Prelude to the First Day (Emerging Artists). Regional: Privates on Parade (Studio Theatre), Into the Woods (Signature Theatre), Over the River… (Totem Pole Playhouse). Thanks for coming and keeping me employed!

Christopher Freeman began his career as a member of the Joffrey Ballet and danced three seasons with Complexions. Theatre credits include the Broadway productions of La Cage aux Folles, The Boy From Oz, The Lion King, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. National tours include West Side Story, Rent and Carousel.

Broadway debut! Original member, Cheetah National tour; Taipei, Taiwan with The Lion King. Chicago credits: Ragtime; Show Boat; Joseph…; The Good Person of Setzuan w/Cherry Jones; Kiss Me, Kate (Paul). Jeff Award for Mr. Magix in My One and Only.

Baltimore native. Credits: The Lion King national tour (L.A. and Gazelle companies), Him and Us (film), Tannhauser, Lula Washington Dance Company. Nicole thanks her family and friends for their endless support. Member of AEA.

Broadway debut after performing as Simba in The Lion King German company. Credits: Sammy in Saucy Jacks (West End, London), Dancing in the Streets (West End), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Sheffield, UK), Mereb in Aida (Germany).

Ron Kunene earned AA, BA, MA, C. Phil. degrees (UCLA). An educator on African and world history, musicology, Afrocentricity and cosmo-centricity and consultant on the audio book Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. Thanks: Mantimande and Kunene.

Lisa Lewis began her career with Dance Theatre of Harlem. Credits: Radio City Rockettes (Asst. Dance Captain), West Side Story (La Scala Opera), Broadway Cares’ Nothing Like a Dame, Grammy®/Tony® Awards. Thanks to family and friends.

is glad to be celebrating another year with The Lion King. Off-Broadway: The Color of Justice and Cleopatra in All for Love. Encores!: St. Louis Woman and Li’l Abner. Regional favorites: The World Goes ’Round, Abyssinia, The King and I (Lady Thiang). Tours: Blackbirds of Broadway.

Jaysin McCollum was born in Cincinnati, OH. He has performed with North Carolina Dance Theatre, Chautauqua Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and the Las Vegas company of The Lion King.

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.

A Baltimore native, Willia is thrilled to be returning to Broadway. Professional credits include Philadanco, Movin’ Out tour (original cast) and The Lion King Cheetah Tour.

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.

Broadway debut! Credits: Storyville, Twist, Once on This Island (Ti Moune), Ragtime (Sarah’s Friend), Aida (Nehebka). Thanks to God for this unbelievable opportunity, to my parents, family and friends for their undying love and support. chondraprofit.com

LaShonda toured with LK's Gazelle Company and is honored to make her Broadway debut with the show. Some of her credits include singing background for Brian McKnight & Michelle Williams and others. Peace & Blessings!!

Credits: The Lion King (Gazelle and Cheetah companies), Aida (Aida), Rent (Mimi and Joanne cover), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Charlaine), The Wiz (Dorothy), Once on This Island (Andrea), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (national tour).

Broadway: Book Of Mormon, Hairspray, The Little Mermaid, Hair, Ragtime.  Regional: Smokey Joe's Cafe, 5 Guys Named Moe, 1776, Aida. "Dream big cause sometimes that stuff comes true." www.arbender.com

Vusi Sondiyazi is making his Broadway debut. Credits include Ensemble in The Lion King national tour and the Tapei, Taiwan production. Thanks to Mum, my two sisters, my twin brother and friends for their love and support.

Kellen is excited to be reunited with his Lion King Family. Credits: The Lion King (Broadway, Las Vegas, and National Tour), Franco Dragone's Le Reve, and Cirque Du Soleil's Viva Elvis. Mahalo to my family and friends for all the love and support!

Credits: Ataria, Cutman, The G-Word, Show Boat at Carnegie Hall, Miss Saigon, Songs for a New World, Godspell, A Chorus Line, The Lion King Gazelle (Mufasa). Film: Made for Each Other, Expiration Date, Eye Contact. Love to Erin and Boogie. Praise Him!

Theatre credits: Movin’ Out (West End, U.S. national tour), The King and I (Eliza, U.S. national tour). Dance companies: Martha Graham Dance Company, Elisa Monte Dance, Ballet Hispanico. Broadway debut: The Lion King.

Broadway debut! Native of Baltimore. Dance companies include Chicago’s Hubbard Street 2 and Dance Works (dir. Julie Nakagawa Bottcher). Original cast of The Lion King (Las Vegas). Thanks to God, family and friends for love and support.

B’way: The Lion King (Ed), Once Upon a Mattress (Dauntless, Jester, Harry u/s).  Tours/Regional: Joseph…(Reuben), Into The Woods (Baker), Godspell (Jesus), World premiere of Harmony; La Jolla (Harry),  Babes in Arms; Guthrie(Peter), Gypsy; Paper Mill (Yonkers/Pastey), H2$; Stages St. Louis (Finch),  Laramie Project-Epilogue Hartford Stage (Greg, etc.), Forever Plaid; Fulton Opera (Sparky).  Concerts: Stephen Sondheim’s 80^th Birthday; Lincoln Center, Wall to Wall Sondheim; Symphony Space, Barry Manilow – One Night Live; Madison Square Garden & Vegas.  Faculty at NYFA. ILYAW – www.thomchristopherwarren.com

Broadway and national tours: Ragtime. Regional: Violet,Avenue X, Company. T.V. and film: Beloved with Oprah Winfrey, The Oksana Baiul Story, Sudden Death. Thanks to God, my foundation; Mama and Ronny, my angels; and Kenny and Ayanna, my strength.

Broadway debut! International: Grease. Regional: Fulton Theatre, Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center (Joseph… - Helen Hayes nomination). Love to my wonderful family and friends especially Mom, Dad, Michelle, Gary, and Tristan! PAD! MTX! WE ARE!

A Columbia, MD, native and NYU graduate, Camille is making her Broadway debut! She’s taken flight with Gerstung (aerial dance) and trained/performed with Cindee Velle, Jeremy McQueen, the Kennedy Center’s Ballet Series and DTH pre-professional programs.

Timothy is proud to return to the role of Scar, which he played for three years in this tour. Most recently, he played the title role in Henry VIII at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. His other credits include lead roles in the national tour of The Three Musketeers and Macbeth with The Acting Company. His other credits include major roles at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, Westport Country Playhouse, Northern Stage, New Repertory Theatre, and the Fulton Opera House.

Credits include: Smokey Joe's Café (Fred), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), Once On This Island (Agwe'). He records many voiceovers, radio spots, and commercials for The Walt Disney Company, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Anheuser-Busch Corporation,  and McDonalds to name a few. He is very proud to be working with so many wonderfully talented people in this amazing piece of theater. Love, Faith, and Prosperity! Visit www.DionneRandolph.com to learn more.

Tshidi toured Europe and Japan with M. Bongeni Ngema in the hit musical Sarafina.  Other stage credits:  Rafiki in the Broadway and Toronto productions of The Lion King, Daughter of Nebo by Hillary Bletcher, Mfowethu by Gibson Kente, The Stick by Aubrey Sekhabi.  Honored to have performed with legendary artists such as Paul Simon, David Byrne, Hugh Masekela, Jabu Khanyile, Vusi Mahlasela. Album: Sisters of Joy. Thank you God.

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 &Actors Theatre), Henry VI, Richard III (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Comedy of Errors, Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey) Film: Step Up 2. LOVE: Amy & Hero.

Mark is happily returning to The Lion King having toured in the original company of the 2nd National. Off-Broadway: Forbidden Broadway. Regional credits: Ragtime (Tateh–Jeff Award–Drury Lane, Chicago); Forbidden Broadway (Jeff Award–Royal George); …Spelling Bee (Panch–James Lapine, dir./Chicago); and many premieres with Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott, Skylight, and Indiana Repertory, among others. Proud AEA Councillor. To my family and MAC – oxox

Broadway: The Lion King. Stage: God of Carnage, The Producers (Walnut St. Theatre); Red, Hot and Blue (Goodspeed Opera, Papermill Playhouse); Just So (Goodspeed Opera); ART; Dirty Blonde; Laughter on the 23rd Floor; Forum; Cleveland Playhouse, Kennedy Center. TV: “The Sopranos”, “Law & Order”, “100 Centre St.”, “Homicide”. Film: The Giraffe and Find Me Guilty (with Vin Diesel).Member of The Actors’ Studio. Love and kisses to my wife, Rosalie, my son, Matthew and my daughter, Mikaela. Proud member of Actors’ Equity.

Coming from the Las Vegas production, Jelani is excited and blessed to be working with the Disney family again! A few past shows include Disney’s High School Musical, Parade and Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Much love and thanks to Shirley Grant Management, all of his family, teachers, LKLV and friends.AEA.

Syndee is psyched to be with the Lion King family. A graduate of Five Towns College, Syndee’s background ranges from dancing as a NY Knicks City Dancer, performing with artists such as Rihanna, Jordin Sparks, and Demi Lovato. She thanks The Universe, her family, and friends. www.syndeewinters.com.  Follow me on Twiter: @syndeewinters.

Broadway credits include Richie in A Chorus Line, BJ in OH KAY!, Wonder Boy in The High Rollers, Horace in Olympus on my Mind, Banzai in The Lion King. Tours include Dancin, The Tap Dance Kid, Sophisticated Ladies, Five Guys Named Moe. Regional: Stand Up Tragedy, Betsey Brown, Kiss Me Kate, Bo Bo’s, A Son Come Home. Show dedicated to wife Deidre and my lovely daughters Tyler and Jordan. Big shout out to my lord God.

RASHADA DAWAN joins The Lion King National Tour from the cast in Las Vegas. Theatre cred- its include: Big River (BoHo Theatre), The Other Cinderella (Black Ensemble Theatre), The Wiz-the Remix (Cornerstone Productions), Dreamgirls (FAMU Theatre), For Colored Girls Who Dance (B.FLI Productions, Inc.), From the Mississippi Delta (Fleetwood Jourdain Theatre), I Am That I Am (AOP Productions) and Aida (Bailiwick Chicago). Thanks to her Chicago family and friends and love to her daughter, Genesis, for always using her powers for good. Tweet @RashadaDawan and visit www.RashadaDawan.com Love in flight.

Robbie is honored and excited to return to the Lion King family. Stage credits include Snoopy!, Rumbles, The Red Flower, Water Children, Our Town, Godspell, etc. Film/Television: On The Run (Hyperboy), “Fastlane” (Fox), “Urban Graffiti” (Fox), “Scrubs” (NBC), etc. Many thanks to God, Mom, Dad, The Starting Five, Family and Friends. Special thanks to Barry, Karen and Lois Yvonne. Robbie is a proud member of AEA, SAG and ASCAP.  I dedicate this show to my beautiful wife, Lisa. You are my heart, my life, and my inspiration. Thanks for marrying me.

Kailah of Douglassville, PA is excited to be a part of Disney’s The Lion King Family. Kailah’s love and passion for music and acting was discovered at age 2. She Graces everyone with her soulful sound and wonderful personality performing in school musicals and singing at Church. She’s thankful her parents C’mane, Benitta and brother ManeMane support her dream.

Sade is nine years old from Valley Stream, NY. She is ecstatic to have her debut role and be a part of The Lion King Tour. Her passion for the arts has grown into dancing, singing, and playing the piano. With the love and support from her parents Myena and Wadley. Her younger siblings Jayden and Kayla. She is accomplishing her dreams.

Zavion is thrilled to be making his debut as Young Simba. Zavion is a 9 year old from Springfield, MA. He has performed in several productions in his hometown at Dream Studios Inc. Zavion enjoys skateboarding, reading and video games. Special thanks to Dream, church family, LMC, mom, dad and baby sis– I love you. You rock!

Adante is delighted to join The Lion King family! He expressed the desire to become a performer at the age of 6 years old. Credits include: The Greatest Movie Ever Made, Empire State Of Mind (part II) 9/11 Tribute, Dragon Fly Tale and Abyssinian Church Youth Choir. Special thanks to God, family, friends and mentor for sharing their wisdom and support.

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.

Morehouse College graduate. Professional credits: Smokey Joe’s Cafe (1^st National, Japan), The Scarlet Pimpernel (1st National), The Lion King (Cheetah Tour, Mexico, Taiwan); Big River (Goodspeed; Best Actor- Connecticut Critics Circle).

Amyia is thrilled to be a part of the Lion King cast. She has performed with Disney since 2003 appearing in shows at Tokyo Disney and Disney World. She would like to thank her family (especially Noah and Tally) and friends for their constant love and support. She gives God thanks for continuous blessings and grace. Proud member of AEA.

Erynn began her artistic studies at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, where she was cast in various musical theater productions at the Freud and Geffen Playhouse. She then graduated from Fordham University and the Alvin Ailey school with B.F.A. and a minor in communications. Since then she has appeared in various print ads, TV shows, commercials, music videos and films.

Ntomb'khona is from South Africa and was in the original Broadway casts of The Lion King and Sarafina. Her soundtrack credits include Power of One, Fantasia, and PBS Children’s Network Between the Lions. All thanks to The Creator, the late Rev. SB Dlamini, my mom, husband and son.

Tony has played Zazu (and occasionally Scar) on Broadway and across the country over 3,000 times since the year 2000. Now he’s added Timon and Pumbaa. 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”

Shameika is a California native, graduated from the L.A. County HS for the Arts. Her credits include six years with the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, national and international television, music videos, award shows, scholarships and competitions.

After a successful run in Las Vegas, Michael is excited to rejoin his friends on the Lion King National Tour.  Broadway: Tarzan, Jumpers. Off-Broadway: Fuerza Bruta, De La Guarda. TV:“Law & Order”, “Sex and the City”, “Guiding Light”. Regional: The Wilma, Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh CLO, Great Lakes Theatre Festival. BFA, Carnegie Mellon. Michael starred as NikoBellic in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV.  Love to my wife Angela and our little cub Max.  Follow our tour adventures at 3fortheRoad.com!

J.E. trained at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. He's danced with Forces Of Nature, Creative Outlet, Hubbard Street 2, DanceWorks Chicago, Cleo Parker Robinson, Lyric Opera, Chicago Opera, Cirque Du Soleil (Beatles LOVE), and the National Tour of The Color Purple.

Broadway: The Lion King, Ragtime, Tommy. National Tours: Ragtime (LA), Tommy, Hairspray, Cats. International Tours: Smokey Joe’s Café. TV: Fox’s “In Living Color” as a FlyGirl. Dedicates this performance to Keith, Tyler and Jordan!

Mykal is honored to be a part of The Lion King National Tour. Stage: Philadanco, Aida (China Tour), The Phantom of the Opera (Broadway & National Tour); TV and Film: Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show, Beyonce, “Friends with Benefits”. Thanks to MSA and my parents for all their Love!

From Long Beach, California, Jason has worked commercially with such artists as Britney Spears, Toni Braxton and Missy Elliott. He has trained with Lula Washington, Karen McDonald and Ailey. He is thrilled to be in The Lion King.

A native of Montreal Canada, Farah is so honored to be a part of this amazing company.  She began her journey with The Lion King Las Vegas company 2 years ago, and she's so thankful and blessed for the amazing opportunity to now be a part of the National Touring company.  She would like to thank her family for their support.

Born: Durban, South Africa. TV appearances: South African Music Awards (2004), Gospel Gold with Joyful Sound G.G., Christmas by Candlelight (Australia). Theatre: The Lion King in Australia and Shanghai (Nala). Other credits: E-Connexion Band (performed in Egypt), African Summit at ICC (Durban). Film: Elephant’s Tale soundtrack.

Tonoccus is proud to be making his Touring debut! He could be seen reporting on “Channel One News”, performing in Los Angeles Opera’s Porgy and Bess—3 Academy Awards® live telecasts and heard singing in televisions “Glee”, “The Good Wife” and film soundtracks Avatar, Star Trek, The Simpsons Movie.

Vusi, from Durban, South Africa, toured Europe with Mama and Sarafina 2. In addition, he sang on The Lion King movie soundtrack and won the Best New Actor Award in Durban. “Being a part of the show is the greatest experience of my life. I thank God and my family.”

Kendra is Canadian born and trained in Edmonton, Alberta. A member of The Lion King Cheetah tour from 2003–2008, Kendra has danced with Ballet Austin, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. She has traveled extensively with all these companies. Love to my family and friends.

Selena is from Orlando, FL and a Rollins College graduate (Environmental Studies). She has performed with the Pittsburgh CLO, Orlando City Ballet, Royal Caribbean, and Walt Disney World dancer/aerialist). Selena is grateful to God, family and friends, for their love and support. selenamoshell.com

A Washington, DC native and Clark Atlanta University Alumnus. I thank God, family, and friends for constant love and support! Each time I touch the stage, I honor my hero—my beloved grandmother, Ruth R. Moss (truly an angel). For more about me, visit www.marqkmoss.com.

Sihle, born in Newcastle, South Africa, vocally trained by Boycie Phokeng & Mbongeni Ngema. Theatre: The Lion King (Australia & Shanghai), Dance Through Me, Mama, Woza My Fohloza, Jika The Musical. Television: X Factor, Nelson Mandela 80^th Birthday Celebration. Film: Elephant Tails- Soundtrack Vocals.

5th LK Company. NY/Regional: Radio City Christmas Spectacular, South Pacific (Hollywood Bowl); Flower Drum Song. Europe: CATS, Saturday Night Fever, West Side Story, Grease. Jazz Dance World Congress Soloist. www.etsy.com/shop/theresajewelry

Rob is a native of Grand Rapids, Mi., now residing in NYC, Rob is thrilled to be a part of the National Tour of The Lion King! Rob has sung throughout the U.S. and China singing musical theater, jazz and opera. Many thanks to Avalon Artists and Prestige Management.

FortWorth, TX, trained at Dian Clough West Studios, Debbie Allen Dance Academy and The Ailey School receiving the prestigious Alvin Ailey Fellowship. Professional credits include Ailey II, and tours of Radio City Christmas Show and Movin’Out.

Maurica is a Pensacola, FL native and Louisiana State University graduate. Recent credits: American Vybe at Disney World, Orlando, Hairspray First National Tour (swing, u/s Dynamite). “Thanks be to God, family, and friends for your love and support.” mauricaroland.com

Paul is a native Clevelander and attended Wilberforce University. He is delighted to join the cast of The Lion King. Broadway debut: Phantom of the Opera. Other credits: The Philadelphia Dance Company (principal), Cleveland Ballet, and the American Dance Guild. Paul thanks god for his talent and wife Loreen for all her love, support, and partnership in the creations of their children Chase and Noah. AEA member since 1993.

Mpume has worked with renowned writer, producer, director M’bongeni Ngema since 1989. Toured internationally with The Zulu and released album Babaka Mdudu in 2002. Love and thanks to God, Simon, Thandekile and family.

Detroit native and University of Michigan graduate, John Sloan III is excited to perform with a talented cast and crew. Regional theatre: Aida, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Julius X. John thanks God, his family, friends, agent, cast, and crew. 

Derrick is a native of Washington, D.C. He has danced with Washington Reflections Dance Company and National Ballet of Santa Domingo.

Born in Queens, New York. Lilli graduated from the Ailey/Fordham University BFA program with Departmental Honors in dance in 2009. And was a member of Evidence Dance Company/Ronald K. Brown. 

A Columbus, Ohio native and Howard University graduate. Credits include: The World Goes Round, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Ragtime, The Secret Garden and Trojan Women. Tryphena has traveled throughout The Mediterranean as a principal singer with Norwegian Cruise Lines. “This is TRULY a dream come true!! Praises to God! tryphenawade@gmail.com

Germany: The Lion King (Sarabi and Shenzi), Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon). France: Releases: “Life,” “Music and The Rhythm” (Warner), “Alright” (Sony). Film: Jonathan Demme’s The Truth about Charlie. Africa: Toured with “Diblo Dibala and Matchatcha (Congo).”As Filmmaker/Producer: “Maybe Dreams Can Come True.” PariSoul.net

Sharron is a proud native of Miami, FL and high school graduate of New World School of the Arts. She has worked extensively as a concert and commercial dancer and was recently filmed as a featured dancer in Scary Movie 5. She is also a model and holds two B.A. degrees from Florida State University in Applied Economics and Interdisciplinary Social Science.

Dion, a native of Baltimore, MD. BFA from SUNY at Purchase and graduate of the Baltimore School of the Arts. He was a member of Philadanco, The Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Awarded a Princess Grace Foundation Fellowship for dance. Dion is proud to be a part of The Lion King for his son Cameron.

Frank joins the Gazelle Company after having been blessed with performing in the Cheetah and Broadway companies of The Lion King. He thanks God for his wife, Charlotte and son, Paden. With God all things are possible.

The monumental career of international singer/songwriter and performer Elton John has spanned more than five decades. He is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 35 gold and 25 platinum albums and more than 250 million records sold worldwide. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has awarded Elton multiple Grammys®, 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 won Grammys for Best Musical Show Album. Elton composed the music for Billy Elliot, which was nominated for a record nine Olivier Awards, winning Best Musical, among others. He garnered a top-five U.K. hit with the song “Electricity.” Billy Elliot was nominated for a record-tying 15 Tony Awards and won ten including Best Musical. Elton was also one of the producers for Next Fall on Broadway. 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.

Tim Rice (that's Sir Tim to you) has been writing lyrics for musical theatre and related enterprises for over forty years, something he only intended to do for a few months while waiting to become a pop star. The waiting has been extended, mainly because of the world’s failure to accept him as a rock god, but also because of the distracting success of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita with Andrew Lloyd Webber; Aladdin, King David and Beauty and the Beast with Alan Menken; Chess with Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson; and The Lion King and Aida with Elton John.  He is well known in England, his home country, for his love of cricket and as a tolerable radio and television personality. He has won numerous awards along the way, including Oscars®, Tonys® and Boy Scout badges, but often for the wrong thing and often for simply turning up. He is currently working on a musical play about Machiavelli, is producer and co-lyricist on a new show with a score by Stuart Brayson, based on James Jones' great novel From Here To Eternity and is plugging the recently released DVD and album of Chess in Concert starring Josh Groban, Idina Menzel and Adam Pascal. He has just completed the lyrics for all the songs for the forthcoming (March 2011) animated movie Jock of the Bushveld. More gripping info can be found on timrice.co.uk, but please don’t feel obliged to go there.

Roger Allers makes his Broadway debut with this Tony®-nominated book, adapted from the animated feature, which he co-directed. Mr. Allers has been instrumental in shaping the structure and dialogue of many Disney animated features since 1988, including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Oliver and Company, Rescuers Down Under, Prince and the Pauper and the computer-animated movie Tron. Prior to working with Disney, he created animation on children's programs and features for studios in Boston, Toronto and Tokyo. He is currently developing an animated feature for Sony and a new stage musical with Irene Mecchi.

Irene Mecci began her association with Disney in March 1992, 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 wrote the teleplay for “Annie,” which aired on ABC. Irene is developing an animated film at Pixar, a television adaptation of Broadway’s classic musical, Peter Pan and has a production company which is acquiring literary material written for young adults in order to produce a slate of films.

In 1998, Taymor became the first woman to win the Tony® Award for Best Direction of a Musical, and also won a Tony® for Best Costumes, for her landmark production of The Lion King. The musical has won three Molière Awards including Best Musical and Best Costumes, garnered Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League awards for Taymor's direction, and myriad awards for her original costume, mask and puppet designs. For her latest Broadway production, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Taymor served as director and co-book writer. Taymor made her Broadway debut in 1996 with Juan Darién: A Carnival Mass, nominated for five Tony® Awards. Other theatre work includes The Green Bird, Titus Andronicus, The Tempest, The Taming of the Shrew, The Transposed Heads and Liberty's Taken. Taymor's feature film directorial debut, Titus, starred Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Lange and Alan Cumming. In 2002, her biographical film Frida, starring Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina, earned six Academy Award® nominations, winning two. She took on the music of the Beatles, and earned a Golden Globe® nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, in Across the Universe. Julie's most recent film, The Tempest, had its North American premiere at the 48th New York Film Festival in October 2010, following a world premiere at the 67th Venice International Film Festival. Taymor's adaptation of the William Shakespeare play features an all-star cast including Helen Mirren, Russell Brand, Djimon Hounsou and Alfred Molina. Beyond the theatre and screen, Taymor has directed five operas internationally including Oedipus Rex with Jessye Norman, for which she earned the International Classical Music Award for Best Opera Production. A subsequent film version premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won her an Emmy® award. Taymor also directed Salome´, The Flying Dutchman, Die Zauberflöte (which has been in repertory at The Met for six years), The Magic Flute (the abridged English version of Die Zauberflöte, which inaugurated a new PBS series entitled “Great Performances at The Met”) and Elliot Goldenthal's Grendel. Taymor is a 1991 recipient of the MacArthur "genius" Fellowship.

Garth Fagan is the recipient of the 1998 Tony® Award for Best Choreography and the 2000 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer (London, UK) as well as the Drama Desk Award, the Astaire Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award for his work with The Lion King. Mr. Fagan was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and for more than 33 years has toured the world with Garth Fagan Dance. On television the company has appeared on "Great Performances," "The Tonight Show" and the Academy Awards®. Mr. Fagan forged his own dance language and technique, drawing from modern dance, Afro-Caribbean and ballet, and has choreographed for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Jose Limon Company, the New York City Ballet's 50th Anniversary, and others.  In addition, he choreographed Joseph Papp's A Midsummer Night's Dream and the Duke Ellington street opera, Queenie Pie at the Kennedy Center. A distinguished university professor at SUNY Brockport, he has received numerous awards and fellowships, including the 2001 Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award, a Bessie Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Fulbright 50th Anniversary Distinguished Fellow. He has also been inducted into the American Academy of Achievement.

Lebo M. 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); 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.

A Tony® nominee and multi-platinum, three-time Grammy Award®-winning composer, he was an obvious choice to produce the music for the stage production of The Lion King, having arranged and produced songs for the blockbuster animated feature film, for which he received both Grammy and American Music awards in 1994. The film also spawned the hit album Rhythm of the Pride Lands, for which Mr. Mancina co-wrote, arranged and produced three tracks, including "He Lives in You" and "Shadowland," which are featured in the stage production. Ranked among the upper echelons of film composers, his credits include mega-hits Training Day, Speed, Twister, Bad Boys, Tarzan and Brother Bear among many others. Current feature films include August Rush, Camille and Shooter.

Hans Zimmer received the Oscar®, Golden Globe® and two Grammy® awards for his original film score for the film version of The Lion King. He started his film scoring career with My Beautiful Laundrette in 1985, and his other credits include six Oscar-nominated film scores, among them Gladiator, The Thin Red Line, As Good as It Gets and Rain Man. Additional credits include the Grammy-winning score for Crimson Tide, Driving Miss Daisy, Thelma and Louise, Black Hawk Down and The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise. Mr. Zimmer also heads the film music division for DreamWorks SKG studios.

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.

Richard Hudson was born in Zimbabwe and educated in Zimbabwe and England. In 1988 he won a Laurence Olivier Award for designing a season of seven plays at the Old Vic Theatre, London. His set designs for The Lion King have won numerous awards, including a Tony® in 1998. He is a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI). In 2003 he won the Gold Medal for Set Design at the Prague Quadriennale, and in 2005 he was given an honorary doctorate by the University of Surrey. He has designed sets and costumes for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, the Young Vic and the Gate, London. In opera he has worked at the Royal Opera, English National Opera, La Scala Milan, Metropolitan Opera New York, Opera National de Paris, Lyric Opera Chicago, Staatsoper Vienna, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and in Zurich, Munich, Amsterdam, Venice, Florence, Turin, Bregenz, Houston and Washington.

Donald Holder received the 1998 Tony®, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for his work on The Lion King; a 1999 Olivier nomination for The Lion King - London; and the LA Drama Critics Circle, NAACP and Ovation awards for The Lion King - Los Angeles. Broadway: Movin' Out (Tony® and Drama Desk nominations), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Juan Darien (Tony® and Drama Desk nominations), King Hedley II, The Green Bird, Bells Are Ringing, Hughie, Voices in the Dark, Eastern Standard, Little Shop of Horrors and The Boy From Oz. Off-Broadway: Observe the Sons of Ulster... (Lucille Lortel Award), A Man of No Importance, Jitney, Tiny Alice, Saturday Night, Everett Beekin, Three Days of Rain, Chaucer in Rome, Sight Unseen, Spunk, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Jeffrey, Raised in Captivity, Pterodactyls and many others. He has designed at resident theatres across the United States. Mr. Holder is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama.

Michael Curry is one of the world's leading production designers. He works widely in both conceptual and technical development with the foremost entertainment companies, such as Cirque du Soleil, the Metropolitan Opera, London's Royal National Theatre, Disney Theatrical Productions, LA Opera and Universal Pictures. He collaborates regularly with directors such as Robert Lepage, Nicholas Hytner, Julie Taymor and William Friedken. Michael has been the recipient of many prestigious awards from his peers, including several awards for his puppet and costume work on Broadway, Olympic ceremonies and his continuing innovations in the fields of visual effects and puppetry design. He owns and operates Michael Curry Design Inc., which designs and creates live-performance oriented dimensional characters and productions, such as those seen by worldwide audiences in the 1996 and 2002 Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, Superbowl 2000 and New York City's epoch 2000 millennium event.

STEVE CANYON KENNEDY was the production engineer on such Broadway shows as Cats, Starlight Express, Song & Dance, The Phantom of the Opera, Carrie and Aspects of Love. His Broadway sound design credits include 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, Hairspray, The Producers, Aida, Titanic, Big, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Carousel and The Who’s Tommy (Drama Desk Award).

Michael Ward 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.

with Jay Binder, CSA, Jack Bowdan, CSA, and Jason Styres have cast over 70 Broadway shows including Nice Work, Born Yesterday, The Miracle Worker, Finian’s Rainbow, Brighton Beach Memoirs, A Chorus Line, Gypsy, The Thirty Nine Steps, White Christmas, Is He Dead?, Inherit The Wind, Journey’s End, Butley, Virginia Woolf, Sweet Charity, Wonderful Town, Movin’ Out,  42^nd Street, Music Man, Iceman Cometh, Charlie Brown, Sound of Music, Beauty & the Beast, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Chicago, King and I, Damn Yankees, Lost in Yonkers, Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, The Goodbye Girl and every City Center Encores! production since its inception in 1994. Film: Hairspray, Dreamgirls, Chicago, Nine. Nine–time Artios Award winner.with Jay Binder, CSA and Jack Bowdan, CSA, has cast more than 70 Broadway shows including Born Yesterday, The Miracle Worker, Finian’s   Rainbow, Brighton Beach Memoirs, A Chorus  Line, Gypsy, The 39 Steps, White Christmas, Is He Dead?, Inherit the Wind, Journey’s  End, Butley, Virginia  Woolf, Sweet Charity, Wonderful Town, Movin’ Out, 42nd Street, The  Music  Man,  The Iceman Cometh, …Charlie  Brown, The Sound of  Music, Beauty and the Beast, The Last  Night of Ballyhoo, Chicago, The King and I, Damn Yankees, Lost in Yonkers, Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, The Goodbye Girl and every City Center Encores! production since its inception in 1994. Film: Hairspray, Dreamgirls, Chicago, Nine. Nine–time Artios Award winner.

Tony® and Drama Desk nominee Robert Elhai has orchestrated many concert, theatre and film scores for composers Elliot Goldenthal (Juan Darien, Final Fantasy) and Michael Kamen (Don Juan de Marco, X-Men), among others. His arrangements for Metallica's GRAMMY® Award-winning "S&M" made good use of his doctorate in composition from Yale University.

David Metzger has orchestrated many films, including the Disney animated film Tarzan, Training Day, Domestic Disturbance, Bait and Return to Paradise. His television work includes composing episodes of "The Magnificent Seven" and Disney's "The Legend of Tarzan" and five years as an arranger/composer for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." David was nominated for Tony® and Drama Desk awards for The Lion King.

Bruce Fowler is an accomplished trombonist who has played with such notables as Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Frank Zappa, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Don Van Vliet. He performs with his family's band, The Fowler Brothers (there are five Fowlers); his own band, The Enormous Bones; and Banned from Utopia. Bruce was the supervising orchestrator for Pearl Harbor (he also composed the big band numbers), Shrek, As Good as It Gets, Black Hawk Down and Hans Zimmer's Academy Award®-winning The Lion King movie score.

Clement is a conductor, composer and arranger. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto and Royal Conservatory of Music, where he specialised in composition and conducting as well as singing with Joyce Britten. Conducting credits include Abbey Players Opera Company, Ad Astra Chorus, Addison Jazz Ensemble and West London Gospel Choir. He also conducted the new ballet Awakening at Sadlers Wells. West End credits include: Five Guys Named Moe, Ain't Misbehavin' Smokey Joe's Café, and Soul Train. He has also directed and arranged the music for numerous shows which include: Sweet Lorraine, Up Against the Wall, The Amen Corner, The Grape Vine, The Cavalcaders and most recently Gem of the Ocean at the Tricycle Theatre. His classical compositions and arrangements have been performed worldwide as well as being broadcast by BBC Television and Radio. His opera Grazyna was performed at the Royal Opera House's Lindbury Studio and his most recent commission, for the London Piano Trio was performed at Cardogan Hall in 2008.

A native of Toronto, Canada, John studied theatre at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Upon leaving school, John worked as an actor and voice over artist in both Canada and the U.K. He can be heard in many cartoons and commercials as well as being heard as the voice of the Cartoon Network. He has taught, directed and guest lectured for many theatre schools and colleges in Toronto, New York, and London including the Royal Academy of Music, Sylvia Young Theatre School, and Duke University. For three years John was the Artistic Director for Stagedoor Manor in New York directing many productions including Side Show, Sweeney Todd and A Midsummer Night's Dream starring Natalie Portman and Bryce Howard. John has worked as Resident Director for Cameron Macintosh and JAR Productions on Hey Mr. Producer! and for Disney's The Lion King at London's Lyceum Theatre as well as the American National Tour. John is thrilled to be continuing his work with this incredible company.

A native New Yorker, Miss Griffith toured worldwide with the acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as a featured dancer/soloist for 8 years. She is most known for her performances in the works of the late, world renowned choreographer Ulysses Dove. Other guest appearances include Déjà vu Dance Theatre, and the Spoleto festival in Italy. She 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. Miss Griffith has appeared in numerous commercials and voice-overs. Her soap opera credits include As the World Turns and Another World. She has also performed with Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA. Miss Griffith joined the creative team of The Lion King in August of 2000. She feels privileged to work with choreographer Garth Fagan.