At This Performance

December 8, 2024 – 6:30PM

Young Nala will be played by

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

Young Simba (Top of Show)

Bryce Christian Thompson

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

Young Simba (Mid Act One)

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

Sarabi will be played by

Sarita Amani Nash

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, & The Lion King family for the opportunity to be part of this incredible legacy. @saritaamani

Specialties

Lioness Chant Vocal

Justin Mensah

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.