Casting has been announced for the Las Vegas production of the Tony-winning The Lion King, which will begin previews at the Mandalay Bay Theatre May 5 with an official opening May 15.The cast features performers who have triumphed in productions of Lion King around the world, including stagings in New York, Taipei, South Africa, London, Los Angeles, Australia, Toronto, Shanghai, Paris and Holland.
Thom Sesma (The Times They Are A-Changin') will play the evil Scar with Alton F. White (Ragtime) as Mufasa and Los Angeles native Marvette Williams as Sarabi. South African native Buyisile "Buyi" Zama will play Rafiki. (note she was Rafiki in Taiwan, South Africa and Australia).
The cast will also feature Kissy Simmons (Nala), Clifton Oliver (Simba), Damian Baldet (Timon), Patrick Kerr (Zazu) and Adam Kozlowski (Pumbaa). The three hyenas will be played by Keith Bennett (Banzai), Jacquie Hodges (Shenzi) and Robbie Swift (Ed). Duane Ervin and Elijah Johnson will alternate in the role of Young Simba, and Ruby Crawford and Jade Nelson will alternate in the role of Young Nala.
Since its Broadway opening on Nov. 13, 1997, The Lion King has been seen by 45 million people worldwide. Directed by Julie Taymor — who became the first woman to ever receive a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical — The Lion King has become an international hit with productions playing all around the globe. The Elton John-Tim Rice musical has won over 30 major awards. Those include six Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical; eight Drama Desk Awards; six Outer Critics Circle Awards; two Sir Laurence Oliviers; the Evening Standard Award for Best Theatrical Event; and three Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards.
Tickets will go on sale to the public March 14 during an on-sale event at the Mandalay Bay Events Center beginning at 7 AM. Phone and online sales will launch at 10 AM by calling (702) 632-7580 or (800) 745-3000 or by visiting www.mandalaybay.com or http://www.ticketmaster.com/.
