The North American touring production of The Lion King has announced cast changes ahead of its two-week engagement at the Showcenter Complex in Monterrey, Mexico, where it will run from September 19—October 1.
The production will welcome back veteran Lion King performer Mukelisiwe Goba in the role of Rafiki beginning September 26. Goba succeeds Gugwana Dlamini, who will play her final performance September 10 in Philadelphia.
Additionally, Drew Hirshfield will continue in the role of Zazu through November 5, then, Nick LaMedica will return to the role on November 9. Syndee Winters will play Nala through October 22, and Khalifa White will take over on October 30.
They are all joined by Peter Hargrave as Scar, Gerald Ramsey as Mufasa, Nick Cordileone as Timon, John E. Brady as Pumbaa, Darian Sanders as Simba, Forest VanDyke as Banzai, Martina Sykes as Shenzi, Robbie Swift as Ed, Jackson Hayes and Mason Lawson alternating the role of Young Simba, and Jaxyn Damasco and Aniya Simone alternating the role of Young Nala.
Rounding out the cast is Derek Adams, Kayla Rose Aimable, William John Austin, Iman Ayana, Isaiah Bailey, Samantha Lauren Barriento, Eric Bean, Jr., Layla Brent, Vernon Brooks III, Sasha Caicedo, Thembelihle Cele, Daniela Cobb, Lyric Danae, Camille Eanga-Selenge, Marquis Floyd, Tony Freeman, Joel Karie, Samaree Lawson, Gabisile Manana, Christopher L. McKenzie, Jr., Justin Mensah, Marq Moss, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Aaron Nelson, Sihle Ngema, Jeremy Noel, Sicelo Ntshangase, Erick D. Patrick, Sayiga Eugene Peabody, Yael Pineda-Hall, Christopher Sams, Maia Schechter, Poseletso Sejosingoe, Jennifer Theriot, Courtney Thomas, Brinie Wallace, Diamond Essence White, and Jordan Nicole Willis.
The production, now in its 21st year, continues touring across North America, where it has played over 90 cities. The original Broadway production of The Lion King features a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi (adapted from the screenplay by Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton), music by Elton John, and lyrics by Tim Rice, with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Hans Zimmer, and Taymor. Garth Fagan is choreographer.
For tickets and more information, visit LionKing.com.
