Having first transformed TPAC’s Jackson Hall into the magical, musical land of Pride Rock, the home and playground of future Lion King, Simba back in 2006, and again in 2013, Disney’s The Lion King once again returns to Nashville, TPAC for an extended engagement with shows January 6-23.
Based on the blockbuster 1994 Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated film that featured music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer, since its Broadway debut back in 1997, directed by Taymore, Disney’s The Lion King has become the world’s highest grossing musical playing to more than 100 million audience members who’ve witnessed the spectacle by way of 25 productions around the globe. During the last near-quarter century, The Lion King has garnered 70 major theatre awards world-wide. Among those awards, the original Broadway production received 11 Tony nods, taking home six, including Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design (both awarded to Julie Taymor), Best Choreography given to Garth Fagan for his majestic moves as well as Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting Design awarded to Richard Hudson and Donald Holder respectively.
The current tour, known as the Rafiki Tour first began in October of 2017, following on the heels, or perhaps I should say…paws of two previous US tours, Gazelle Tour (April 2002-July 2017) and Cheetah Tour (April 2003-March 2008). Like all live theatre, the Rafiki Tour of The Lion King was paused during the global pandemic, but the company resumed performances October 1, 2021 in Cleveland at the city’s Playhouse Square.
As The Lion King roars back onto the stage and returns to TPAC’s Jackson Hall, the pack will be lead by Kentucky native, Darian Sanders, who assumed the role of Simba during the company’s recent return to preforming following the aforementioned pause. Sanders previously understudied the role of Simba since joining the tour in 2019 and previously appeared in a number of regional productions at The Lexington Theatre, University of Kentucky and Kentucky Conservatory Theatre.
In addition to Sanders, the cast will include Spencer Plachy as Scar, a role he’s played since 2018, Pacific Islander Gerald Ramsey, who began his Lion King journey during the Gazelle Tour, is once again portraying Mufasa. Nick Cordileone, who has been with the show for a decade now, will once again give voice to wise-cracking Timon. Jürgen Hooper, who fans of TV’s Chicago Med, might recognize for his work as Dr. Jason Wheeler, is playing Zazu. Ben Lipitz, who has clocked in more than 6, 200 performances as Pumbaa as a longtime member of the Lion King family, is once again appearing as Pumbaa. Kayla Cyphers, who previously performed the title role in yet another Elton John/Tim Rice musical, Aida at the John W. Engeman Theatre in Northport, NY in 2019, is now starring as Nala. Gugwana Dlamini plays Rafiki, having played the role in a multitude of worldwide productions of The Lion King since 2002, mostly recently on the West End in London. Keith Bennett, Martina Sykes and Robbie Swift play the show’s secondary antagonists, Banzai, Shenzi and Ed, the trio of trouble-making spotted hyenas.
Rounding out the cast in principle roles are Newark, New Jersey native, Charlie Kahler shares the role of Young Simba with Memphis’ Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, while Chicago-born Kalandra Rhodes and California native Nia Mulder share duties as Young Nala. For more about the cast, CLICK HERE.
Disney’s The Lion King will play TPAC’s Jackson Hall January 6-23, with matinee and evening performances at various times during the three-week Nashville engagement. CLICK HERE for dates/times and to purchase tickets.
As a reminder, as TPAC reopens its doors for their Broadway series, their commitment to their patron’s safety is key. To that end, attendees age 12+will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test dated within 72 hours of their selected performance. All patrons age 6+ must wear masks inside the venue. CLICK HERE for more on TPAC‘s Patron Health initiative.
Not in Nashville or can’t make it to TPAC for The Lion King? Be sure and check out The Lion King official site for future dates as the national tour continues. You can also follow The Lion King on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
For the latest on TPAC and their upcoming Broadway Season and Special Presentations, including Mean Girls, The Prom, Dear Evan Hansen, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, What the Constitution Means to Me, Come From Away, Oklahoma! and May We All, be sure to check out TPAC online and on socials by clicking any of the following: TPAC.org, TPAC on Instagram, TPAC on Facebook, TPAC on Twitter and TPAC on YouTube.
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