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.
Gerald is grateful to continue this journey across the continent with The Lion King. Born in Tacoma, Washington – Raised in Aunu’u, American Samoa and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Proud graduate of the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Credits: My Name Is Gary Cooper at Kumu Kahua Theatre. Hā: The Breath of Life, Rainbows of Paradise, The Ali’i Luau at The Polynesian Cultural Center. Tupulaga O Samoa Mo A Taeaoat The Merrie Monarch Festival. Ever thankful for the support of friends and especially the love of my aiga. Honored to represent the pride that has come before us. Fa’atuatua -Fa’amoemoe – Alofa IG: @ramsey.gt
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. All my love to Kate and my parents. www.NickLaMedica.com
Brady is excited to be back in the Pridelands having performed Timon, Pumbaa, and Zazu on Broadway. He also appeared in the original cast and film of NEWSIES the Musical. He has performed in every venue you can imagine and done over a hundred radio commercials and just as many TV commercials. His favorite role? Dad.
Trained as a musician with trumpet, he’s toured internationally as an instrumentalist, conductor, and performer. As an ordained worship pastor, Darian regularly leads worship while on tour. Honor first to Jesus Christ. Endless love to Jessica & Titus, family/friends, & Peggy at The Square Peg Group Inc. Regional Credits: Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus), Songs for a New World (Man One), Hairspray (Seaweed). Film/TV: Someone Worthy, New York Homicide. IG/Twitter: @_DarianSanders_. www.dariansanders.com
“To whom much is given much is required.” Broadway: Caroline or Change, Off-Broadway: Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette), School of Rock 1st Nat; Aida (Aida), Ain’t Misbehavin, The Bodyguard, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Dreamgirls, Beehive, Hairspray, HKDL|WDW(Nala/Tiana/Kibibi)/NCL, #TheSearchForRoxie, UCF Alumknight. Thank you God, family, friends & Dave. Check out “You Ok? (Black Girl)” on all streaming platforms. IG|Tiktok:@Lifaland, www.khalifawhite.com. -For Mommy, my Expressionist.
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
Robbie is honoredand excited to return to THE LION KING family. Stage creditsinclude Snoopy!, Rumbles, The Red Flower, Water Children, Our Town, Godspell, etc. Film/Television: On The Run (Hyperboy), “Fastlane” (Fox),“Urban Graffiti” (Fox), “Scrubs” (NBC), etc. Manythanks to God, Mom, Dad, The Starting Five, Familyand Friends. Special thanks to Barry, Karenand Lois Yvonne. Robbie is a proud member ofAEA, SAG and ASCAP. I dedicate this show to my beautiful wife, Lisa. You are my heart, my life, and my inspiration. Thanks for marrying me.
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
From NYC and thrilled to join the Pridelands! Professional credits include Anastasia National Tour and Sesame Street. Many thanks to my coaches – Raquel & MVS, Janine & DMO, and Rance, my incredible team at Nouveaux and Zuri, and friends and teachers at PS59 for your love and support! @leelachopraofficial
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.
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
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
Born in Durban, South Africa. Credits Include: The Nat & Natalie Show with Colin Penn, Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, Disney’s The Lion King (Broadway, U.K., Ireland Tour and US Nat’l Tour), #D23EXPO 2017. TV Appearance: “ETV Popstars 2010.” She gives thanks to God and family. Instagram: lihlecele91 Twitter: cele_lihle
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.
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
Proud Chicagoan. BA in Arts Management from Columbia College Chicago. Regional theater credits include columbinus 2.0 (ATC), RENT (ATC) and Dreamgirls (Theater 47). Television credits include “Chicago Fire” (NBC), “Unforgettable” (CBS) “The Breaks” (Vh1). Love to his wife, son, daughter, parents and family. Dedicates this performance to his uncle Dr. Larry E. Ross.
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.
Is grateful to be joining the PRIDELANDS!! Theatre credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar (National Tour), Motown the Musical (National Tour), Songs For A New World (The Cape Playhouse) and Rent (Oregon Shakespeare Festival). TV: “Law & Order Organized Crime” and “FBI: Most Wanted.” Training: New York Conservatory For Dramatic Arts. IG: @erickdpatrick
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, Melbourne and Sydney (since 2003); A Christmas Carol (2013-14), Festival of The Lion King, HK (2007-08). Part of various Philippine Musical Theater Companies (2000-14) and Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company (1985-94). Grateful to be back on stage!
Broadway: Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. 1st national tour Newsies. Dance: Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance. Thanks to The Lion King creative team, Disney, Binder Casting and family for love and support.
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.
Overjoyed to join thisproduction. Attended: American Musical andDramatic Academy NY. Regional credits: Tarzan; Dreamgirls; Hairspray; Little Shop; International: Beauty and the Beast Tour and Disney cruise lines. “I thank my family and friends for their constant and overflowing prayers and support!!”
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
A St. Louis City native, Wade’s previous credits include: The Opera Theatre St. Louis, The Ailey School, The University of Missouri- KC, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance, NU World Contemporary Danse Theatre, and The KP Project. Shacura is grateful to honor her family on this journey ahead; giving all the glory to God.
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.
20 years with The Lion King on Broadway, tour and Shanghai. B’way: Once Upon a Mattress. Regional faves: La Cage… (Albin), Ragtime (Tateh), Pippin (Charles/Berthe), Next to Normal (Dan), Bruce Sussman and Barry Manilow’s Harmony; World Premiere (Harry), Peter and the Starcatcher (Stache), and Spring Awakening (Adult Men). www.thomchristopherwarren.com; Rep: FSE Talent. Love to Adam & Columbus family
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 (Tokyo, North American Tour), 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
