Cast & Creative

West End: Trimmingham in The Go-Between; The Producers original London cast; Phantom of the Opera; Snoopy! UK Regional Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady (NT/Cameron Mackintosh),Twelfth Night, By Jeeves, Don Giovanni, Over My Shoulder. Europe: Magaldi in Evita. US Tour: Captain Hook in Peter Pan 360. Film: Brideshead Revisited, Bright Young Things. Twitter: @carlilestephen Instagram: @carlile1

Nteliseng is honored to be making her Broadway debut and joins directly from the Hamburg company of The Lion King. Other credits include Miriam Makeba in The Journey (Zurich), Brenda Fassie in Memeba (Johannesburg) and I’m African (Welkom).

L. Steven Taylor is excited to rejoin the Broadway company of The Lion King after traveling with the national tour, during which time he had the honor of performing at The White House. NYC/Regional: Ataria, Cutman, G word, Miss Saigon, Songs For A New World, Godspell, A Chorus Line. Film and Television: “The Electric Company” (Leo Watson), “Last of The Ninth” (HBO Pilot), Made For Each Other, Expiration Date, Game Over. Always for Granny and Boogie. Twitter/Instagram: @lsteventaylor

Cameron rejoins the Broadway company having previously performed in the London and First National Touring productions of The Lion King. Off-Broadway: The 39 Steps (Union Square Theatre), Accidentally Like A Martyr (Other Side Productions), Comedy of Errors, King Lear, The Iliad-Book One (Aquila Theatre Company). Regional/Touring: Henry V, Julius Caesar, Art, The Tempest, The Wrath of Achilles, Oedipus. TV: “The Good Fight,” “Blindspot,” “The Blacklist,” “Person of Interest,” “Falling Water,” “Deception,” “Pan Am,” “Basile” (Pilot), “OM-City” (Web Series – 2016 Tribeca Film Festival). Film: Henry, The Dead Part of You, The Tramps New World. Instagram: @cameronpow

Ben is pumped to be making his Broadway debut! Ben holds an MFA (Acting) from Rutgers University, where credits included Antigone, Romeo and Juliet, In the Sawtooths and more. His BFA (Acting/Musical Theatre) is from Abilene Christian University, where credits included Jane Eyre and Seussical. TV: “The Good Wife,” “Louie.” Endless thanks to God, his incomparable wife and the family.

Broadway: The Lion King.  Off-Broadway: The Normal Heart, Shockheaded Peter, Bury the Dead, Room Service, The Vocal Lords.  Regional: NSMT, Paper Mill, Geva, New Repertory, Cleveland Playhouse. Tours: The Buddy Holly Story, White Christmas. Film/TV: Putzel, Twelve Thirty, A Very Special Episode,  “New Amsterdam,” “Forever,” “Smash,” “L&O,” “L&O: CI,” “Daily Pops,” “All My Children.” Directing: Trans Am (Keegan Theatre). Podcasts: Opening Weekend. Award-winning narrator of over 300 audio books. Love to Kate, Benjamin and Isabella! For Mom and Dad.

Broadway debut! Vincent has performed around the world in multiple companies of Hamilton (including in Puerto Rico alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda) playing the roles of Hamilton, Burr, Lafayette/Jefferson, George Washington and KGIII. Off-Broadway: White Girl in Danger. Regional: Passing Strange, In the Heights, The Great Society, Hairspray. TV/Film: “Chicago Med” (NBC), “Shots Fired” (FOX), and “American Crime” (ABC). IG: @vincentjamalhooper. If you’re reading this — thank you.

From Durban South Africa, Pearl performed in The Lion King Madrid (2016-2018). She also toured with the KZN Youth Choir (2012-2015) competing in Poland and Italy where she won best female soloist in the Florence International Choir Festival (2013).

James Brown-Orleans originated the role of Banzai on The Lion King Gazelle Tour and is thrilled to be part of the Broadway company. James can be seen as Doc Motors in Disney’s The Princess Diaries. He is also the founder of Protected by Imagination Inc. “media to inspire.” Check out his website to find out more about his passion to empower.

A native of Montgomery, AL. Bonita is a proud graduate of Alabama State University and Brandeis University (MFA). She is overjoyed and grateful to be a part of this talented cast. Credits: NYC/ Regional: Mandela the Musical (staged reading), The Color Purple (workshop), Guys and Dolls, The Piano Lesson, The Old Settler and In the Blood. TV: “The Knick” (HBO). Bonita is a voiceover artist and can be heard on film, podcasts, commercials and animated series. Many Thanks to God, my family, Dr. Tommie (Tonea) Stewart, my husband Neil Caesar and our lovely children Nia and Noah. https://www.bonitahamilton.com/

Robb is overjoyed to return to The Lion King, having previously appeared in the 1st National, North American and Las Vegas companies. Broadway: Wicked (Boq), Shrek (Pinocchio). Off-Broadway: Happiness (Lincoln Center); Enter Laughing (cast recording); Disaster!; Zanna, Don’t! (cast recording); Johnny Guitar (cast recording). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed, The MUNY, Music Theatre Wichita, Syracuse Stage, Barrington Stage Company, Bristol Riverside, ACT of CT, Ogunquit Playhouse. Other: Saturday Night Fever (1st National Tour). Robb holds a BFA from Syracuse University.

Austin Elle Fisher made her Broadway debut at age 9 as Natalie Hillard in Mrs. Doubtfire and played Marta von Trapp in The Sound of Music at Paper Mill Playhouse. TV/Film credits include “Atlanta” as Lottie, “Manifest”, “Kaleidoscope”, “Blue Bloods” and more. Love and gratitude to family, CESD and Rebel Creative Group. @austin.elle.fisher

Annika is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut! She would like to thank her friends and family, teachers, and agent and manager for their love and support. She is also grateful to Disney, the casting team, and the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando for believing in her. IG: @annika_reese

Jacob is thrilled to be making his Broadway debut. Credits: A Christmas Story at CTGLA; Sesame Street, voiceovers for Disney & Nickelodeon. Special thanks to Lisa Calli, DDO Artist Agency, Emilia Sargent, Orlando Pena, Seth Travaglino, his parents, sister Emma and family/friends for believing in him! IG: @jacobphamofficial

AJ is delivering his professional debut as a 10 year old Chicago native. Albert is a talented, actor, dancer, singer and content creator who is following in the footsteps of his talented sister @kalandrarhodes who once played Young Nala in The Lion King North American Tour! Albert mastered his craft at Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Chi CDT, Uniting Voices Chicago and a commercial for Target (United Way). Follow on IG and Facebook: @albertrhodesj

Overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut! Regional: Ragtime, Big River, Beauty and the Beast. Thank God for blessing me with this opportunity and to all my friends and family who’ve supported me along the way.  IG: King_Ezekiela #invictus

(HCKR Agency, Thruline entertainment) THE LION KING (Broadway/National Tour) BLACK NO MORE (Off-Broadway) PRIVATE JONES (Signature Theater). BFA in Musical Theater from the University of Michigan. Thank you to my beautiful family, friends, team and God.

Regional premiere of Kander & Ebb’s Scottsboro Boys. The Lion King Las Vegas. Nat’l tours: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. New York: Showboat (Carnegie Hall), Godspell (workshop), Disney’s High School Musical 2, Respect (NYSAF). TV: CBS “My Broadway Debut.” University of Michigan.

Lindiwe Dlamini, an original cast member, has appeared in Sarafina! (Broadway and national tour). Performances: Radio City Music Hall, Pocahontas in Central Park, Grover Washington, “Arsenio,” “David Letterman,” “Jay Leno,” 1998 Tony Awards® and Essence Awards.

Gilbert is making his Broadway Debut! Regional credits include: The Muny, Steppenwolf, Yale Rep. Gilbert is grateful to God for every opportunity to do what he loves, and to his family and friends for their unending support!

Zinhle was born in Durban South Africa. She has worked with many South African artists. In 2010 she won pop stars South Africa formed a group called Nne-vida. In 2013 she joined The Lion King UK tour. In 2016 she joined The Lion King London cast. In 2017 she performed with Elton John at the Evening Standard Awards.

Bongi Duma was born in Durban, South Africa. Credits: Africa Africa; Mighty Zulu Nation across England, Italy and Ireland. Composer: Generations (Drama Desk Nom.). Thanks to African heroes Ian Sotrey, Duma Ndlovu, Lebo M and my beautiful Mother. Original cast, The Lion King (Germany).

Angelica Edwards is making her Broadway debut. She has danced with Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, Kevin Iega Jeff/Deeply Rooted and the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, and received her BFA from Ohio State University. She thanks God.

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.

Broadway debut! National Tours: Fela!; The Prom (1st National). Favorite Regional: Chicago, The Music Man (Zaneeta), Anne of Green Gables, Bring it On (world premiere). A Kansas native. Alumna of The Ailey School and Kansas State University. Endless gratitude to Jesus, family and friends! Matthew 5:16

A Bronx native. Paige is graduate of Ailey/Fordham BFA. She is a Princess Grace Award recipient (2016) and Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” (2017). Dance Companies: AileyII, Visceral Dance Chicago and Deeply Rooted. TV/Commercial: Intel, ESPN, Elle Magazine, Empire (FOX). Theatre: West Side Story (Lyric Opera) and The Lion King Rafiki Tour. She is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut in The Lion King. IG: @lovingthispaige. www.paigefraser.net

Originally from Bowie, MD, Daniel graduated from the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program and performed extensively across the U.S. and abroad with the Ailey company for ten years. He has worked with Debbie Allen, Donald McKayle, Christopher L. Huggins and Camille A. Brown.

Born in the West Indies, Michael earned a Theatre degree from Penn State University. Broadway: The Lion King. International Tours: Hair. Regional: Once on This Island, Chess. Film and TV: “For the People.”

Dancer/Choreographer: Tituss Burgess, Billboard, Netflix. NYC/Regional Theater: A Chorus Line (Richie); Legally Blonde (Warner); Hairspray (Seaweed); Radio City Christmas Spectacular; Take Me to the World (Carnegie Hall); Silueta: A New Musical (Ian). TV: “POSE.” Founder of TFC Training. @thefitcreative__ @tfctraining

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

Broadway: Tarzan, Jumpers. National Tour: The Lion King. Off-Broadway: Fuerza Bruta, De La Guarda. TV: “Law & Order,” “Sex and the City,” “Guiding Light,” “Hawaii Five-O.” Regional: The Wilma, Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh CLO, Great Lakes Theatre Festival. BFA, Carnegie Mellon. Michael starred as Niko Bellic in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV. Love to my wife Angela and our little cubs Max and Eva.

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

Originally from Japan. Graduated from Joffrey Ballet School. Youngsil has danced with Complexions for five seasons. Off-Broadway: Company XIV. 1st National tour of Anastasia the Musical. Much love to my family, friends and Andrew.

Amanda Kunene is an South African singer, actress and performer. Born in Durban, South Africa. BA Music and Drama Studies graduate and BA Honors in Music Performance graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College campus.

Rahway, NJ. Graduate: Hollins University, MFA. Ailey/Fordham, BFA. Television: “WuTang: An American Saga” (Hulu). Credits: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Collage Dance Collective, Ailey II. Thanks God, family and friends. In memory of mom, June Skeete-Lee. IG: @daphne732. www.daphnemlee.com

Born and raised in Durban, South Africa. Has a profound passion for music. Acclaimed for successfully producing a debut album sung in French, Zulu and Creole. Ideal: No level of satisfaction.

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. 

Ray Mercer, an Omaha, NE native, comes directly from The Lion King Cheetah tour. Danced with Deeply Rooted/Chicago and George Faison and has toured with Aretha Franklin. Thanks to family and friends for their love and support.

From Syracuse, NY. Excited to make her Broadway debut! Fav credits: Ailey II, FX Pose, 2017 Vogue Collections, Dance Spirit Magazine. Jamaris is thankful for the love and support of her family and friends! @jamarismitchell

S’bu Ngema, from South Africa, Zululand, is very excited to join The Lion King on Broadway. Credits:Sarafina with M’Bongeni Ngema, I Pintombi with Bertha Egnos. His performances are dedicated to his mother Sibongile. Love always.

A South African native. Theater: The Lion King (Australia, China, Gazelle national tour), Dance Through Me, Mama, Woza My Fohloza, Jika Majika the Musical. TV: “Code Black,” “X Factor” (Australia), Nelson Mandela’s 80th Birthday Celebration.

Nhlanhla is an actor, voice over artist, song writer and singer with 10 years backing vocalist experience. He’s multilingual and performed on numerous international stages. 2013-2014 he was in The Lion King Brazil cast.

Broadway Debut! Credits: West Side Story (Muny), Rondine (Met Opera), BalletCollective, Deeply Rooted, ADM21. TV/Film: “Ally Bank.” Graduate: NYU Tisch. Thank you, Mom, Crystal, Abuela, That’s Dancing, Caroline and CESD! @tatinunez143 / www.tatiananunez.com

Thrilled to make her Broadway Debut! Favorite credits: A Chorus Line (CPIP), West Side Story (Lyric Opera, Teatro Lirico di Cagliari), Cabaret (Goodspeed), After Midnight (NCL). Training: The University of the Arts/BFA. Thank you to God, family, friends and my agents at CESD. @tonitonitoni93

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

From Bahia, Brazil. Youth American Grand Prix finalist/scholarship recipient, training at Houston Ballet, The Harid Conservatory, and Joffrey Ballet. Lead dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem. Passionate about giving back to the dance community.

Broadway debut! Nat’l tour: The Lion King; Something Rotten! (Ensemble, u/s Bea). Regional Favorites: Ragtime (Actor’s Playhouse), The Pirates of Penzance (freeFall Theatre). TV: “The Vampire Diaries”, “Red Band Society”. FSU grad. Endless gratitude to my family. Instagram: @kseckel

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!

Broadway debut! Credits: Chicago 25th Anniversary Tour, Memphis the Musical and Dreamgirls (POTS). Dancer with Ballet Memphis and Tallahassee Ballet. Wayne State University; BFA dance major. Endless thanks to my family, my partner and the HK Agency! Instagram: @thejamesvessell

Dallas, TX native making his Broadway debut! He was in the Emmy-Winning cast of The Let Go at the Park Avenue Armory and a previous company member with Phantom of the Opera (world tour), Ailey II, Philadanco and Fire Shut Up in My Bones (MET Opera and Chicago Lyric Theatre). Williams thanks God, family and friends for helping him get here. IG: @marcus.n.williams

(South African) Sang in the 1994 movie soundtrack; played Rafiki in The Lion King, 1st National Tour. Performed at the 25th Anniversary of The Lion King and in HZL Tour, 2024. Award nominee for “Rafiki” (The Lion King Tour) at The Helen Hayes Awards, Washington D.C.

Broadway Debut! Regional: Jelly’s Last Jam (Hunnie). TV/Film: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”. Sidney is a proud graduate of Elon University ’21. Many thanks to God, her family, CGF and all who have poured into her life. Find her at sidneynicolewilson.com @sidney.nw (Proverbs 3:5-6)

B’way: Rent. Off-B’way: Oedipusat Palm Springs; The Immigrant; Hank Williams: Lost Highway; Love, Janis; Play Yourself; Homebody/Kabul. Tour: It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues. International tour: Biennale-Bonn, Germany; Edinburgh Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland; deSingel Theatre, Antwerp. For Jack and Anna always.

B’way: The Color Purple, Curtains. Off-B’way: Five Course Love; The Immigrant; Eyewitness Blues; Golf the Musical; Hank Williams: Lost Highway; Finder’s Fee; Right You Are. Tour: The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, Anything Goes. Regional: Studio Arena and Little Theatre on the Square.

Broadway: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. National tours: Frozen (first national), A Bronx Tale the Musical (first national). Off-Broadway: Jersey Boys, Little Rock. Regional: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Curvy Widow; Bad Jews.

Trained at the Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne and toured extensively in Australia and North America before settling in NYC. Broadway: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical; King Kong; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Other credits include: An Iliad with Denis O’Hare, Ernest Shackleton Loves Me and The Karate Kid.

National Tours: The Lion King (since 2004); Bring in ’da Noise….; Cinderella; Jekyll & Hyde; Annie 20th anniversary tour. Broadway: Damn Yankees!; Arcadia; The Red Shoes; A Christmas Carol; Annie (ACM); Jekyll & Hyde (ACM). Off-Broadway: Cowgirls. Proud member of AEA & IATSE. Love to Molly & Rebecca.