Beyond a dream to be in the Pridelands. Credits Off-Broadway and regionally including Cleveland Play House, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Disney Cruise Line. TV: “Law & Order: SVU,” “FBI,” “Godfather of Harlem,” “Dynasty” and “Madam Secretary.” Training: CWRU/CPH MFA. Thanks isn’t enough for Harris, JJ, Halley, Matt, and The Lion King family. For Mom, Dad, and my everything, Kat.
Credits: Hamilton, George Washington (International & North American Tour), Color Purple revival (1st National Tour). Select regional credits: Ragtime, Next to Normal, Side Show, Festival of The Lion King. Additional: International Cultural Exchange Resident Artist for U.S. State Department. Thank you God, wife, family, friends, Lion King creatives, Gotham Talent Agency! www.darnellabraham.com. IG: darnellabrahamofficial | Zephaniah 3:17
Mukelisiwe was born in Durban, South Africa. Training: Mbongeni Ngema’s Academy. Credits: K-Cap, Umoja, and The Lion King (Madrid, Gazelle Tour and Broadway). Television: “Code Black,” “Telethon” (France) and “40 Principals” (Madrid). She was a back-up vocalist for South African Gospel star Rebecca Malope. Mukelisiwe thanks her family for their constant support.
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 and Actors Theatre); Henry VI, Richard III (Alabama Shakespeare Festival); Comedy of Errors, Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey). FILM/TV: Step Up 2, “Warrior” Season 3 (HBO Max/Netflix). LOVE: Amy, Hero, & Guthrie. Instagram: @Milquetoastpoints
Broadway: Disney’s The Lion King. Broadway Tour & Tokyo: WAR HORSE. Off Broadway: The Mint. Regional: Denver Center, The Rep St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cleveland Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, TheaterWorks Hartford, City Theatre Company, Barrington Stage Company, Two River Theater. NY: American Globe Theatre. Television: “Chicago Fire.” BFA: Marymount Manhattan College. “…only through love.” www.NickLaMedica.com
Is thrilled to be joining the Pridelands! TV: “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS). Off-Broadway: A Piece of My Heart, With or Without You. Regional: Newsies (Wiesel, Stages St. Louis), Kinky Boots (Ogunquit Playhouse, ACT of CT), Sister Act (Engeman). Concerts: Follies (Carnegie Hall). Love to The Mine, family, and friends for their constant support. For Meryn and Gracie! @danny.grumich
Tours: Jesus Christ Superstar (u/s Simon), Motown The Musical (David Ruffin/ Rick James.) Regional: Rent (Benjamin Coffin III), Dreamgirls (Curtis Taylor Jr.), Songs for a New World (Man 1.) Television: “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” “FBI: Most Wanted.” Erick is honored to be playing Simba and tell this beautiful story that continues to reach people all over the world. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support. IG: @erickdpatrick
Born in Durban, South Africa. Credits Include: Disney’s The Lion King (Broadway, U.K & Ireland Tour, US Nat’l Tour), Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, #D23EXPO 2017. TV Appearance: eTV “Popstars.”For my angel mother, and my dad: VICO. MAGAYE ONGANGOLWANDLE! Endless thanks to my ever-loving husband and family. Nkulunkulu wemihlolo. Mafung’ angajiki. Instagram: @lihlecele91
Thrilled to be making his Lion King debut! Off – Broadway: Dog Man: The Musical (George/Chief, Lucille Lortel Theatre), Cadaver Synod (Pope Formosus, Playwrights Horizon). Regional: Mystic Pizza: A New Musical (Lionel Hampton, Ogunquit Playhouse), Choir Boy (David, Marin Theatre Company), Goddess (Mosi, Eugene O’Neill Theater). “I want to thank my parents who are my biggest cheerleaders!!”
Martina is elated to be joining the Pridelands! Native of St. Petersburg, Fla. and graduate of the University of Florida. Favorite credits: Motown The Musical (Broadway and First National Tour), Raindogs, Rent and Hairspray. I would like to thank God, my family and friends for their unconditional love and support. Ephesians 3:20. Instagram: Ladysykes1 www.theheARTmission.org
Is stoked beyond belief to be a part of The Lion King! Favorite credits: The Band’s Visit (Writers Theatre//TheatreSquared), Fiddler on the Roof (Lyric Opera of Chicago), The Comedy of Errors (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), The Music Man (Marriott Theatre), A Chorus Line (Drury Lane Theatre). Northwestern University ’20. All impossible without Faith, Mom, Dad, Freddi, and his teachers.
New York Theatre: Measure for Measure,On the Verge. Regional: Trinity Rep, Hartford Stage. MFA: Brown/Trinity Rep. Voice over artist: Nigel the Xyzal owl. WilliamJohnAustin.com
22 years with The Lion King on Broadway, tour and Shanghai. B’way: Once Upon a Mattress. Regional: Hello, Dolly! (Horace), La Cage… (Albin), Ragtime (Tateh), Pippin (Charles/Berthe), Next to Normal (Dan), World premiere of Harmony (Harry), Peter & the Starcatcher (Black Stache), Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye) & Come From Away (Claude). IG: @Tcdubs. Host: Thank You, Half Hour podcast on Spotify & Apple podcasts. Love to Adam & Cbus family.
she/her. Ritisha is joining the Pridelands from Basking Ridge, NJ. Her Broadway credits include The Skin of our Teeth and 29-hour readings for the Radio Galaxy and The Lunchbox. Off-Broadway: Fifty Key Stage Musicals at 54 Below, NYC. Other theater credits include playing Annie in Annie Jr. (W. Orange, NJ). Film credits include Concessions and Bubblegum Rox (Short) and TV: “Sesame St – Together We Can.” Instagram: @ritisha.chak
Is thrilled to be back on The Lion King Broadway National Tour! Thank you to the entire Disney team. Very grateful to Family, friends, Renee Koher, Isaiah Bailey, Spotlight Youth Theatre, and Theater Works for their love and support! Instagram @jaxyn.damasco
Is excited to join The Lion King National Tour! Recent stage credits: X: Life and Times of Malcolm X (Young Malcolm, NY Metropolitan Opera). Other credits: The Devil Will Run (Shah – Lead), NBC’s “Bluff City Law.” Bryce would like to thank his family, friends, and manager, Peggy Stamps of The SquarePeg Group, Inc., for their love and support. IG: _bryce_christian
Thrilled to make his National Tour debut! Last seen at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Orlando Family Stage. Enjoys singing and martial arts with his sister Alejandra. Thanks to mom, dad, family, friends, Arc Casting, Disney, BAA, Yael Chanukov (voice) and The First Academy. Representation: Barry Kolker. IG: @julianvillela26
Glory! Theater:The Wiz, Arkansas Repertory, The Color Purple, West Coast Black Theater Troupe, Hairspray, Royal Caribbean. She would like to Thank God, family, and mentors for all of their love and support. Psalm 23.
Honored to join the family! BFA Chapman University. Credits include San Diego Opera, Backhausdance, Laurie Sefton Creates, Dance Lab New York, Company XIV. All love to family, friends, and the team at MSA. @ellen.akashi
A dream to be joining the Pridelands! Training: The Ailey School, BFA: Florida State. Favorite credits: The Met Gala, After Midnight (NCL), Oklahoma! (DCPA), The Music Man (Goodspeed). Commercial: Fujifilm, Shea Moisture, Toyota, Con Edison. Love to my family & friends. @iman.ayana
Originally from Bermuda, Eric attended the University of the Arts (Phila. PA) where he received his BFA in Dance Education & Choreography. A finalist in the Philadelphia A.W.A.R.D.S. competition, Mr. Bean has taught and choreographed nationally & internationally; offering master classes /workshops whenever available. Credits: Koresh Dance Co, Don Arden’s Jubilee!, Viking Ocean. Regional: The Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Once on this Island. IG: EBJDANCE
Since graduating from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Layla has performed with Beckles Dancing Company, the Oklahoma City Ballet, and SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical as Ensemble/Adult Dara.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Vernon is a graduate of Pace University and has performed with Martha Graham Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company and Parsons Dance Co. Vernon is honored to now be part of The Lion King.
Sasha was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She trained at New World School of the Arts for both the HS and BFA program. Sasha has performed on stages such as the San Francisco Opera House, Adrienne Arsht Center, The Fillmore, Perez Art Museum, Lincoln Theater. She is forever grateful to have the opportunity of traveling and being on stage with such a company. IG: @Delayla
Is thrilled to be joining the Pridelands! Bway: New York, New York. BFA Elmhurst College. Thankful for my wonderful agents, my incredible family, and especially God. Romans 8:28. Insta: thisislaurencarr
Is an Afro-Caribbean artist from Guyana who obtained his BFA at Marymount Manhattan College. Since then he has performed with Mark Morris Dance, the Metropolitan Opera, and Dianne McIntyre. He has presented works at La Biennale Dance Festival under Wayne Mcgregor, Symphony space and more.
Is an actress, vocalist and songwriter and graduate of the National School of the Arts. Credits: The Lion King (Ensemble & Understudy Nala; Brazil & Asia tour) 2019 – 2024; performed National Anthem at Chinese Embassy (2018), backing vocalist in Afropunk (2018); guest on Yo-Tv (2017).
Daniela is a graduate of Alabama State University. She has shared her artistry and love for theatre in many places. Other Theatres: Melantho and Ensemble in The Odyssey; Swing in Disney’s Beauty and The Beast; Alto Pit Singer in The Wiz. Understudy: Dorothy/Lion in The Wiz; Dorcas in The Winter’s Tale; Uma and Ensemble in Roe (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Kassidy in These Three Words (Montgomery Performing Arts Center); Gabriel in Black Nativity, Lady in Orange in For Colored Girls…, Deena inDreamgirls, Whitney Houston in One Moment in Time (also Cloverdale Playhouse), Shug Avery/Church Ladies in The Color Purple (Alabama State University).
Lyric is elated to be making her debut in the Pridelands! She is a graduate of the Ailey/Fordham BFA program and her favorite credits include: The Bodyguard, Oscar At The Crown, and the NBA Boston Celtics. @lyricdanae
Broadway tours: Cats, The Prom. Regional: West Side Story (Lyric Opera of Chicago), A Chorus Line (Cincinnati Playhouse), Cats (RCCL), Newsies. Alum of Sarah Lawrence College and LaGuardia Arts HS. Thanks ATB! Love you, Mom, Laura, and my cats, Mr. Business and Luna! Instagram: @dawkinsmaurice.
National Tour Debut! Originally from West Hartford, CT. Select Credits: The Preacher’s Wife (Alliance Theatre – World Premiere), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Ogunquit Playhouse, Tuacahn). About Artists. Emerson MT ’22. bisou mama et emanuella. @cedrickekra
Versatile Artist/Choreographer. Trained in St. Petersburg, FL. A graduate of the Boston Conservatory. Gene Kelly Artist Award Winner. Featured credits: Dance Theater Of Harlem, Bad Boys of Ballet, Super Bowl LV Halftime Show, 2021 VMA Awards, Apple+ Dickinson, and Fire Shut Up In My Bones at the Metropolitan Opera House. Marquis is ecstatic to be making his debut in the Pridelands!
Played Zazu on Broadway and across the country for over 3,000 performances. Now he loves also getting to play Scar, 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.”
A Parisian with roots from Martinique. Ailey School graduate. Credits: The Lion King (Paris), Sony Music Entertainment, Classical Theater of Harlem, Shirley Black Brown, Christopher L. Huggins, Ronald K. Brown, Ruddur Dance, Creative Outlet. Featured in Omah Lay’s “SOSO” music video, Asake’s Barclays Center concert. @valerianellj
Happy to be returning to The Lion King after performing in the Broadway and German companies. Other credits include Aida (Germany), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (UK), With A Song In My Heart (UK), Dancing in the Streets (West End), Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens (West End), and proud uncle to Kennedi (Tampa). After telling this story in 4 languages, in 3 foreign countries, Joel is thrilled to be performing on America’s national tour.
Born in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, Gabisile has previously performed with The Lion King in Australia, Holland and Spain, and throughout the world with other international performing groups, including Africa Umoja, Stamping and Mother Africa.
A Native New Yorker who at an early age fell in love with the stage. To further develop his craft, he studied at Harlem School of the Arts and the Institute for American Musical Theatre.
Was born in Mtunzini, South Africa. Theatre: Songs of June 16, Naledi, “Madam President,” TV (Muvhango), The Lion King (Madrid, Netherlands, Asia Tour), Nandi. He got featured with Chambao’s Nuevo Ciclo 2016 Album.
Overjoyed to join the Pridelands! Broadway: Harry Potter & the Cursed Child. Off-Bway: Gospel According to Heather. Endless gratitude to her loved ones for their support, her agents, ARC, & TheLion King family for the opportunity to be part of this incredible legacy. @saritaamani
A South African native, Nhlanhla has been singing since before he could talk and loves live music and performances. He is grateful to be back onstage and is excited to be traveling across the country with this show. He’s been with The Lion King for over half a decade now and has worked with the Broadway cast, North American tour and the Madrid cast in Spain. God is good all the time. Ayikho Inkomo Yobuthongo
Is honored to be among the few in The Lion King‘s history to cover the “Big 3” roles and notably the first African American to perform as Scar on tour. Select Broadway/TV: The Lion King (Simba), “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS), “Chicago Fire” (NBC). Aaron dedicates each performance to his children and loved ones. @theactlete // Psalm 9:2
Thrilled to be making his Broadway debut! He’s grateful to be back on the stage. Originally from Bucks County, PA. Past credits include: SKELETON CREW (Dez), SISTER ACT (TJ). Ithaca College, BFA MT ‘21. Insta: @Jeremynoel13
Originally from Mpumalanga Delmas in South Africa, Sicelo formed a band with close family friends in 2012, performing at weddings and events. In 2016 he took part in DStv’s choir singing show “Clash of the Choirs” and in 2017 he joined The Lion King’s Madrid Production.
Raised in Stevensville, MI of Liberian descent. T.V.: Fosse/Verdon Series on FX. Tour: An American In Paris (1st National). Regional: Cats, Sister Act, and Evita (Marriott Lincolnshire). Thanks to Binder Casting. Here to Persevere!
Disney’s The Lion King: Broadway, North American Tour, Singapore, London, Shanghai, Melbourne and Sydney (since 2003); A Christmas Carol (2013-14), Festival of The Lion King, Hong Kong (2007-08). Part of various Musicals in the Philippines (2000-14) and Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company (1985-94). Thank you family and friends for your utmost support.
A Pensacola, FL native, a graduate of Louisiana State University, and is thrilled to return to the Pridelands. Favorite credits: American Vybe at Disney World, Orlando, Hairspray First National Tour (swing, u/s Dynamite).“Thanks be to God, family, friends and my ECSD squad foryour love and support.” www.mauricaroland.com
Is a South African singer and actress. International theater credits: Disney’s The Lion King (West End), The Magic Flute, The Mysteries, Aesop’s Fables, A Christmas Carol. Television: “M-Net’s Idols” (Runner-Up), “Forced Love” (SABC1 mini-series). Poseletso has performed with international artists Michael Bolton, Josh Groban, Beyonce and Westlife.
Incredibly humbled to be rejoining The Lion King National Tour. Born in Atlanta, Ga he begandancing at North Atlanta High School at 16 underthe direction of Tracy Vogt and immediately fell inlove with arts. He studied dance at AREA (Atlanta’sResource for Entertainment and Arts) under the directionof Jai Jones and is humbled that The Lion King is his first professional work as a dancer. Insta:@cthomdance94
Broadway: Girl from the North Country. TV: “Law & Order.” National Tour/Regional credits: Swept Away (Berkeley Rep—World Premiere), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (National Tour), Jubilee (Arena Stage). Thanks to his family, CGF and the creatives. BFA in Musical Theatre from Texas State University. @B_toomer
Ecstatically joining the Pridelands! Select credits: Moulin Rouge! The Musical (1st National Tour), The Scottsboro Boys (MTI Pilot), Boys in the Band (Windy City Playhouse), “Utopia” (Amazon Prime). Thanks to Gray Talent and my amazing friends and family! @edensbee1
Is so honored to join the legacy of the legendary The Lion King! BrinieWallace.com, PSU’12. Special thanks to: Roger Graziani, YoungArts Foundation, Avalon Artists Group, her family, the Volkman’s, the Tombros’, Jen Waldman, Dr. Beverly Patton and Kate Emerich.
Native of Dallas, TX, Jordan Nicole Willis received her education from Booker T. Washington HSPVA and Point Park University. Since graduating she’s performed with The Black Iris Project, Houston Contemporary Dance Company, Open Dance Project and B.MOORE Dance.
Broadway: Aladdin, Frozen, Moulin Rouge, School of Rock, Something Rotten!, Rocky, Annie, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway, Billy Elliot the Musical, Cat on A Hot Tin Roof (2008 Revival), Les Misérables (2006 Revival), The History Boys, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bombay Dreams, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Wild Party, The Scarlet Pimpernel (1.0, 2.0, 3.0). Off-Broadway: Elaine Stritch: At Liberty – The Public Theater. National tours: Frozen, Billy Elliot the Musical, Carousel. Other: Associate Production Supervisor – The Lion King (Worldwide), Frozen (Worldwide), Jimmy Buffett’s Don’t Stop the Carnival –Nassau, Bahamas.
Broadway: Love Life (Encores), Fish In The Dark, Matilda, Forever Tango, Chaplin. NYC: The Public Theater, Audible, The New Group, Red Bull, The Shed, Atlantic; TV: “Encore!” (Disney+), NBC’s “The Wiz Live.” Regional: Kennedy Center, Bucks County, Goodspeed, Williamstown, Old Globe. Education: University of Arizona & Juilliard. For Dad, Mom, & Julie.
Broadway: The Phantom of the Opera. Off-Broadway: Silence! The Musical, The Fantasticks, Triassic Parq, Wanda’s World. Regional theatres including: Ogunquit Playhouse, Fulton Theatre, Crossroads Theatre Company. Love and thanks to Mom, Dad and Aunt Joan. Twitter: @HeadsetChatter
Broadway: KPOP, Thoughts of a Colored Man. Tours: Disney’s Frozen, Moulin Rouge! The Musical (1st National). Regional: Thoughts of a Colored Man, King of the Yees (Baltimore Center Stage); Pamplona, Father Comes Home from the Wars, The Wolves, Yasmina’s Necklace (Goodman Theatre).
