Cast & Creative

Broadway: Sondheim’s Old Friends, The SpongeBob Musical (Tony/OCC noms., DD Award), Mary Poppins (Tony/OCC/Olivier noms., DD and Theater World Awards), Les Miserables, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Showboat.  London’s West End: Beauty and the Beast. Top Hat, Mary Poppins, Crazy For You, Oklahoma!, Contact, Les Miserables World Arena tour. TV: White Collar, Little America, Law and Order SVU, The Good Wife. @gavinleeofficial

Ntsepa is thrilled to make her Broadway debut as Rafiki in Disney’s The Lion King. Originally from Mokopane in Limpopo, she earned a National Diploma in Drama from Tshwane University (South Africa) and continued to perform in children’s theater shows such as Peter Pan and Little Red Riding Hood. In 2010, she joined The Lion King ensemble and was a Rafiki understudy with the Las Vegas cast. Her journey has taken her around the globe, performing in productions of The Lion King that include Las Vegas, Brazil, China, the UK Tour, the West End and Paris.

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

Broadway/NYC:  Back to the Future (Doc Brown u/s), Paramour, High Button Shoes – NYCC Encores!. First National Tours: Shrek (Pinocchio), Cinderella. Helen Hayes Award for Prez in The Pajama Game at Arena Stage. Favorites:  SNL, Tribeca Film Festival, Hermés, Kennedy Center, Muny, Goodspeed, Paper Mill, PCLO. Co-creator of @preproapp. Love to his family and wife Beth. BFA: CCM @bslaybs

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

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

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

James Brown-Orleans 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.

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

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

Caleb is thrilled to be making his Broadway Debut! Credits: Sesame Street/PBS Kids “Together We Can” Music Video Series, Saturday Night Live and various local plays. Special thanks to Barry Kolker, Susan Lipton, Annie’s Playhouse, Danny Greenberg, The Piano Workshop and BHG. Mom, dad, and little brother, for your love and support.

A vibrant 10-year-old from the Bronx, makes her Broadway debut as Young Nala. McKenzie Sherie Lewis is an honor student who loves to sing, dance, act, and figure skate. In her free time, she enjoys reading, volunteering, and spending time with family. Grateful to her parents, Emerald and William, and coach Ketsia Poitevien.

Emma is thrilled to join the Broadway Company of The Lion King as Young Nala. National Tour: Frozen (Young Anna). Grateful to The Lion King family, Paradigm, Broadway Workshop, The Prep NJ/NY, LUX, Skyline Arts, Impress Ballroom, KSA, DMO, and The Ailey School. Endless thanks to her team, friends, and family. @emma_t_o

“J.R. the Star” is a mesmerizing, multi-talented, breakout artist. At 10, he debuted in MJ the Musical on Broadway. Stars in the film Stronger, went viral dancing to Beyoncé’s “Bigger,” and voices animated characters. Grateful to God, family, friends, DDO, coaches and The Lion King. juliusraymondiv.com | social: @juliusraymondiv

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

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.

Samantha is a native of NY, graduating from LaGuardia High School and Fordham University. She has performed with Ailey II, Step One Dance Company and the Lion Rafiki Tour. All Gratitude to family and God. @samantha_barriento.

A Camden, NJ native. Broadway Debut: The Lion King. Education: B.F.A., M.S. Companies: Eleone Dance Theater, RDDC, PHILADANCO. TV: Madame Secretary, Tony Awards, All-American:Homecoming. Commercials: Disney, Bloomingdales. IG: mar_noir, Love & Light!

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

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.

Zinhle was born in Durban South Africa. She has worked with many South African artists. In 2010 she won pop stars South Africa formed a group called Nne-vida. In 2013 she joined The Lion King UK tour. In 2016 she joined The Lion King London cast. In 2017 she performed with Elton John at the Evening Standard Awards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Debut. Cleveland, Ohio native. Credits: Ain’t Too Proud, Book of Mormon, Lin Manuel’s 21 Chump Street, Youth in Passing Strange and Jackie in Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party. Training: Baldwin Wallace Conservatory. @ton1942 #MAKTUB #REDBALLON

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

Off-Broadway: This Ain’t No Disco (ATC), Spamilton (Swing/ Dance Captain). Regional: Pittsburgh CLO; Aida, South Pacific. Cameron thanks his “Wonder Woman” (mom) and everyone at The Mine. Go Blue! IG: i.amandus

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

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

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

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

Thrilled to be back in the Pridelands! Broadway: CHICAGO (Velma Kelly), HADESTOWN, THE LION KING, SISTER ACT. Tours: HADESTOWN, SISTER ACT, THE BOOK OF MORMON, DREAMGIRLS, HAIRSPRAY, THE WEDDING SINGER. Screen: FBI, BULL, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert (Hadestown). @misskimizzo www.kimberlymarable.com

Rahway, NJ. Graduate: Hollins University, MFA. Ailey/Fordham, BFA. Television: “WuTang: An American Saga” (Hulu). Credits: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Collage Dance Collective, Ailey II. Thanks God, family and friends. In memory of mom, June Skeete-Lee. IG: @daphne732. www.daphnemlee.com

From East Orange, NJ. Graduate: UArts 2019 B.F.A, “Service and Leadership award” recipient. He is a former trainee from LINES Ballet. He gives all thanks to his village near and far. BROADWAY DEBUT!

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

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

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.

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

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.  www.willianoel.com 

You may recognize her as “Young Celie” from the recent The Color Purple musical movie, produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg for which she won an NAACP Image Award. And a writer for Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies on Paramount+. Love to her family and friends. Beyto Bayayi! IG: @phyliciapearl

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.

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

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

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

Bucks County native and Ithaca College graduate Jeremy Noel is thrilled to be making his Broadway debut, after touring North America with The Lion King National Tour. Instagram: @Jeremynoel13

Broadway Debut! Credits: The Met Opera, BalletCollective, Deeply Rooted, The Muny (WSS), ADM21. TV/Film: Ally Bank, Macy’s Parade. Graduate: NYU Tisch. Thank you, Mom, Crystal, Abuela, That’s Dancing, Caroline and CESD! @tatinunez143 / www.tatiananunez.com

Thrilled to make her Broadway Debut! Favorite credits: A Chorus Line (CPIP), West Side Story (Lyric Opera, Teatro Lirico di Cagliari), Cabaret (Goodspeed), After Midnight (NCL). Training: The University of the Arts/BFA. Thank you to God, family, friends and my agents at CESD. @tonitonitoni93

Is excited to make his Broadway debut with The Lion King! Favorite credits include: The Lion King (National Tour); Beautiful (1st & 2nd National Tours); Love Life, High Button Shoes (NYCC Encores!); Love to MK!

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

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

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

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

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

Broadway Debut! Regional: Jelly’s Last Jam (Hunnie). TV/Film: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”. Sidney is a proud graduate of Elon University ’21. Many thanks to God, her family, CGF and all who have poured into her life. Find her at sidneynicolewilson.com @sidney.nw (Proverbs 3:5-6)

B’way: Rent. Off-B’way: Oedipusat Palm Springs; The Immigrant; Hank Williams: Lost Highway; Love, Janis; Play Yourself; Homebody/Kabul. Tour: It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues. International tour: Biennale-Bonn, Germany; Edinburgh Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland; deSingel Theatre, Antwerp. For Jack and Anna always.

B’way: The Color Purple, Curtains. Off-B’way: Five Course Love; The Immigrant; Eyewitness Blues; Golf the Musical; Hank Williams: Lost Highway; Finder’s Fee; Right You Are. Tour: The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, Anything Goes. Regional: Studio Arena and Little Theatre on the Square.

Broadway: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. National tours: Frozen (first national), A Bronx Tale the Musical (first national). Off-Broadway: Jersey Boys, Little Rock. Regional: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Curvy Widow; Bad Jews.

Trained at the Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne and toured extensively in Australia and North America before settling in NYC. Broadway: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical; King Kong; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Other credits include: An Iliad with Denis O’Hare, Ernest Shackleton Loves Me and The Karate Kid.

National Tours: The Lion King (since 2004); Bring in ’da Noise….; Cinderella; Jekyll & Hyde; Annie 20th anniversary tour. Broadway: Damn Yankees!; Arcadia; The Red Shoes; A Christmas Carol; Annie (ACM); Jekyll & Hyde (ACM). Off-Broadway: Cowgirls. Proud member of AEA & IATSE. Love to Molly & Rebecca.