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
From Durban, South Africa, Dlamini trained at Committed Artists Academy. Theater credits include Disney’s The Lion King (London, UK tour, Singapore, North American tour), Sarafina; Township Fever; Unity in Diversity (South Africa). Television: “Generations: The Legacy” (South Africa). Film: Sarafina! Dlamini can be heard on the original Disney movie soundtracks of The Lion King and Dinosaur and also appeared in the BBC Radio play Dear Mr. Lampard, alongside various South African artists. She has also performed with Lucky Dube and Vusi Mahlasela, Bayete, Sankomota and Victor Ntoni.
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). LOVE: Amy, Hero, & Guthrie. Instagram: @Milquetoastpoints
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.
Has trained as a musician – voice, trumpet – from an early age, touring with international music groups; chaplain with UofL-FCA; worship pastor with regional ministries; regional credits: Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus), Songs For A New World (Man One), Hairspray (Seaweed). Glory to Jesus Christ and endless love to Jessica/Titus (wife/son), family, friends, Binder Casting, cast & crew, and Peggy@TheSquarePegGroup,Inc. 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.
Broadway National Tour debut! Film: Cupids (Tribeca Film Festival), Scarlett has appeared locally in Annie, Fame Jr, and with Dionne Warwick at the BPAC Gala. Thank you Disney Theatricals, Binder Casting, Mara Entertainment, CESD, Amelia Demayo, Janine Molinari, Nic Cory, Michael Herwitz, my parents and brother Hudson. Follow on instagram @scarlettlndn
Born in Granada, Spain, Jaylen lives in Memphis, TN and is a student at Evangelical Christian School. Jaylen has been featured in Young Actors Guild (YAG): The Jungle Book, Fame Jr., Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. (as Young Simba), The Wiz and Tribute to Michael Jackson with Love.
A 10-year-old from Richmond, VA, Jordan is excited to make his Broadway tour debut in The Lion King! He thanks his family, Nicole Pearson, Schehe Quiroga, Laura Mehl, Mallory Keene, Tyrick Jones, and his teachers and friends at Mary Munford ES and JCC for their love and support. Follow on instagram @jordan_d_pendleton
A 10 year-old New York native, Farrah is beyond thrilled to be making her debut performance on tour with Disney’s The Lion King. Farrah would like to thank her mom, dad, tía, tío, Mamí, and the rest of her family for their constant support. Always Dream Big! IG: @farrah.o
Derek is originally from Connecticut, and is thrilled to be joining the cast of The Lion King. Favorite credits include starring in VEGAS! The Show at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas. Regional: Sister Act, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors and the world premiere of Disney’s When You Wish. @derekadamsmusic
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
Excited to be a part of the Pridelands! Special thanks to God, the entire LK family, his family, friends, and supporters. Credits can be found at www.isaiahbailey.com. “You are abundantly loved.” @sangisaiah
Since graduating from the Ailey Fordham BFA program, Samantha has danced for Ailey II and many other productions in NYC. She most recently danced with Step One Dance Company of Holland America Cruises. @samantha_barriento
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.
A graduate of OKCU where he studied with Dr. Florence Birdwell and Dr. William Christensen. Credits include: HBO: “Euphoria,” Amazon Prime: “Conframa.” Off Broadway: FIGARO! 90210 (Lil’ B-Man). Regional: Shout Sister, Shout! (Little Richard), Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus). For my Granny and my Mama. Psalm 100. IG: @ChristinByrdsong
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
Born in Durban, South Africa. Credits:“The Nat & Natalie Show” with Colin Penn & The Pennants, Mary Zimmerman’s “Metamorphoses,” Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors,” THE LION KING (UK & Ireland Tour). Trained with the “Flatfoot Dance Company.” TV Appearance: ETV POPSTARS 2010. Thembelihle is honored to be a part of the National Tour.She gives thanks to God and family. Instagram: lihlecele91 Twitter: cele_lihle
Producer/Casting/Creative Director: Dreamgirls on Clubhouse, featured on CNN. Chita Rivera Award Winner. Broadway/Theatre: King Kong, The Lion King (Broadway and North American tour), Cirque Du Soleil. Film: Passing. TV: “Smash” with Jennifer Hudson (NBC), “So You Think You Can Dance” (FOX), Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (NBC). Commercial: Gap, Stella Artois, Miracle-Gro, Disney’s Feel Alive. Follow: @LeroyChurch
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: Paradise Square, The Book of Mormon. Selected Regional: Little Shop of Horrors, Billy Elliot the Musical, Caroline, or Change. Elated to join the pride! Love to mom, Michael, family and friends, and Talent House @camilove90
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.”
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.
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.
Began training at Dance Institute of Washington, in addition to Dance Theatre of Harlem, Kansas City Ballet and The Alvin Ailey School. Samaree has worked with Kevin Malone, Hope Boykin and Anthony Burrell. This is Samaree’s Broadway debut.
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.
Thrilled to return to the Pridelands. Broadway: The Lion King. Regional: Oklahoma, On the Town (5th Ave), Measure for Measure (Shakespeare Theater). Concert dance: The Trey Mcintyre Project, Donald Byrd’s Spectrum Dance Theatre, Elisa Monte Dance, Wideman/Davis, Washington Reflections. BFA, SUNY Purchase. For Ayana, Matthew and Duke IG: Ambernmayberry
A native of Miami, Florida. Education: New World School of the Arts College. Training: The Ailey School (Fellowship Student). Professional Credits: Dallas Black Dance Theatre, The Las Vegas Contemporary, Festival of the Lion King. Thanks to family & friends for support.
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.
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.
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!
Christopher is honored to share in this legacy. Nat’l tours: Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker Jr.), Rock of Ages (Mayor/Ja’Keith),The Color Purple (Ensemble/Buster). Regional: Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Drury Lane Theater). Many thanks to Shirley Hamilton Talent and the ever endearing Lowery-Harts.
It is an honor to be a member of The Lion King! Training: University of Maryland Baltimore County, BA. Credits: The Met Gala: “In America,” English with An Accent (GALA Hispanic Theatre), The Missing Fruit (Sadler’s Wells Digital Season). Love to my family and friends.
Grateful to join the Pride! Chicago Native. Broadway: Motown the Musical (Diana Ross), Book of Mormon. Favorite Credits: Kennedy Center, Jazz at the Lincoln Center & BAM. Thank ya Lord, my Family & Dave! Psalm 23. @_allisongstress
Proprietor of CoreLOVECulture, Pilates/Rehab Studio, Nicole is thrilled to return to the Pridelands in the cheetah track. Nicole’s development of a Pilates certification program is to promote integrity, diversity in the Pilates community, offer scholarship’s. www.corelove-culture.com
Broadway: The Lightning Thief (OBC). National Tour: The Lightning Thief (1st National). Regional: Sister Act.TV/Film: “The Equalizer,” “The Blacklist,” “Power Book II: Ghost,” “Partner Track,” “Kennedy Center Honors,” White Face App (NYC Comedy Short Film Festival). Education: Spelman College, GWU & Georgetown. IG: @tshyvonnestewart . tshyvonnestewart.com. Thanks: God, parents, family, friends, Take 3 Talent and Apex Talent Group.
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
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.
DC native; Graduate of The Duke Ellington School of the Arts’11 & The Boston Conservatory ‘15. Previous credits include: Ronald K Brown/Evidence, Spectrum Dance Theater, Atlanta Opera. Currently: Entertainment Plus Pro & Xcel Talent.
Comes to the Pridelands after several years with CHICAGO (U.S. tour and international companies in Tokyo, Manila, Taiwan, Seoul, Mexico City, Tel Aviv and more). Broadway: Phantom of the Opera, A Doll’s House, Juan Darien; Tours: Chicago, The King and I, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fiddler on the Roof, Annie Warbucks. Select Off-Broadway: Forbidden Broadway, Wanda’s World, Broadway Kids Sing Broadway. Other credits include Crossroads Theatre Company, Signature Theatre, Arkansas Rep, Syracuse Stage, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Eliot Feld’s Ballet Tech, Connecticut Ballet and more. For my parents, family, and friends for unending support. UCLA graduate.
Broadway: Frozen, 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: 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: 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.
