THE LION KING

Jelani Remy as "Simba"

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

DISNEY’S THE LION KING

PHILADELPHIA’S LIMITED RETURN

 AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC

Casting has been announced for the Philadelphia engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING, part of Broadway Philadelphia, presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization. The production features Patrick R. Brown as “Scar”, L. Steven Taylor as “Mufasa”, Tshidi Manye as “Rafiki”, Drew Hirshfield as “Zazu”, Ben Lipitz as “Pumbaa”, Nick Cordileone as “Timon”, Jelani Remy as “Simba”, Nia Holloway as “Nala,  Keith Bennett as “Banzai”,  Jacqueline Renae Hodges as “Shenzi” and  Robb Sapp as “Ed”. The role of “Young Simba” will be alternated between JJ Batteast and Tré Jones and the role of “Young Nala” will be alternated between Mikari Tarpley and Alexandra Underwood. The Academy of Music stage will be filled with the sights and sounds of the African jungle from Wednesday May 20 through Sunday June 14. THE LION KING can be seen Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, with matinees on Saturdays  at 2:00 pm and Sundays at 1:00 pm. Additional weekday matinees are scheduled for Thursday May 21 and Thursday June 11, both at 2:00 pm. The show has won six 1998 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard  Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Traymor) Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical. It has also earned more than 70 other major arts awards. The Broadway score features Elton John and Tom Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs that the duo have written as well as additional music. The North American touring productions of THE LION KING have been seen by over 15 million theatre goers. It once again returns to Philadelphia on the Academy of Music stage in May. Tickets are available at the Kimmel Center Box Office, Broad & Spruce Sts. (open daily 10 to 6 pm), at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locusts Sts (open during performances only), online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, or by calling  215-731-3333.  Orders for groups of 20 or more may be placed by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947.