At This Performance

December 21, 2024 – 8:00PM

Young Nala will be played by

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

Young Simba will be played by

Julian Villela

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

Simba will be played by

Aaron Nelson

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

Rafiki will be played by

Reoagile Choabi

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).

Banzai will be played by

Joel Karie

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.

Specialties

Lioness Chant Vocal

Jeremy Noel

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

Guinea Fowl

Gabriel Croom

Has performed in the 1st National Tour and Broadway productions of The Lion King and is thrilled to be joining the Rafiki Tour. Recent: Live in Concert’s Hollywood Bowl productions of The Little Mermaid (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2018). Other credits: Hollywood Fringe Festival’s A Soldier’s Play, Sirens of Titan (Sacred Fools Company), Carmen (La Jolla Playhouse), West Side Story (Trinity Repertory Company) and George C. Wolfe’s Harlem Song (Apollo Theatre).

Joining the Company

Darian Sanders

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

Isaiah Bailey

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

Marq Moss

Native Washingtonian. CAU alumnus. Theater: The Lion King, Motown:The Musical. Stylist and Costume Designer: Salt-N-Pepa, Naughty By Nature, I Love The 90s Vegas Residency, New Kids On The Block Mixtape Tour, RNB Fridays (Australia/New Zealand). Thank you, Disney…I’m thrilled to be here! www.boxfancr3ative.com