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At This Performance

February 16, 2026 – 2:00pm

Simba will be played by

Mduduzi Madela
Mduduzi Madela
Born and raised in Umlazi, South Africa. Plays numerous musical instruments. Honored to be one of only two South Africans who’ve played this role on Broadway. Studied music with Peter Giron, studied guitar with Bernard Vidal. TV/FILM: GMA (ABC); Tiny Desk (NPR), The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS), Daytime Emmy (NBC). Insta: @mdu.madela

Pumbaa will be played by

Jim Ferris
Jim Ferris
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.

Sarabi will be played by

Phylicia Pearl Mpasi
Phylicia Pearl Mpasi
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

Appearing in the Ensemble

Antwaun Holley
Antwaun Holley
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

Appearing in the Ensemble

Jacqueline René
Jacqueline Tate
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

Appearing in the Ensemble

Jarred Bedgood
He is overjoyed to be making his Broadway Debut! Credits: Book of Mormon- Australia, Rent - Farewell Tour, Sister Act - Asia, Wu-tang Saga - Hulu, Golem Owned a Tropical Smoothie -The Tank. Love to HH and Mom! @Jarredbedgood

Appearing in the Ensemble

Derrick Spear
Derrick Spear
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!

Appearing in the Ensemble

Alia Kache
Alia Kache
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

Appearing in the Ensemble

Samantha Barriento
Samantha Barriento
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.

Specialties

Stilt Giraffe

Chris McKenzie
Christopher L. McKenzie Jr.
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.   

This performance will be conducted by Cherie Rosen.