Randolph, Moshell et al. Announced in Orlando's Casting of THE LION KING, 4/17

Casting has been announced for the Orlando return engagement of Disney's THE LION KING. Orlando's eagerly awaited stage production will leap onto the Bob Carr stage from April 17 to May 13. The press opening night is Thursday, April 19 at 8 p.m. The show's six-week premiere engagement in 2006 played a sold-out run at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

During this Orlando engagement THE LION KING North American tour will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Since launching in April 2002 in Denver, CO, the touring production has been seen by over 13.5 million theatergoers in more than 60 cities across North America and grossed over $875 million to date.

Dionne Randolph who plays "Mufasa," the great warrior and ruler of the Pridelands, is a resident of Orlando and worked at Disney World, playing in the "Festival of the Lion King." Selena Moshell, one of the ensemble cast members, grew up in the Orlando area, attending school in Maitland, Winter Park and Rollins College. She also played a role in the "Festival of the Lion King" at Disney World for several years.

The sardonic and deviously cunning "Scar" is played by J. Anthony Crane. Buyi Zama is the wise baboon shaman "Rafiki." Mark David Kaplan portrays the prim and proper hornbilled bird "Zazu." Adam Kozlowski is the carefree warthog "Pumbaa" and Nick Cordileone is the wisecracking meerkat "Timon." Mufasa's son, "Simba," the lion prince born to be king, is played by Jelani Remy and Syndee Winters is the loyal lioness "Nala."

The three evil hyenas are played by Keith Bennett ("Banzai"), Rashada Dawan ("Shenzi") and Robbie Swift ("Ed"). The role of "Young Simba" is alternated between Zavion J. Hill and Adante Power and the role of "Young Nala" is alternated between Sade Phillip-Demorcy and Kailah McFadden.

In Orlando, THE LION KING will play Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. on Sundays. There will be a 2:00pm matinee on Thursday, May 10. There will not be a 6:30pm performance on Sunday, May 13. Ticket prices start as low as $30. Premium Ticket Packages, which include prime seat locations, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available. Tickets are available at the FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America – Orlando Box Office located at 100 South Eola Drive, Suite 101 in downtown Orlando. Tickets can also be purchased by calling1-800-982-2787, or by visiting www.OrlandoBroadway.com. Orders for groups of twenty (20) or more may be placed by calling 407-704-6116, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In its 15th year, THE LION KING remains ascendant, continuing to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 19 productions around the globe have been seen by more than 64 million people, grossed over $4.8 billion and, cumulatively, run a staggering 89 years. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the sixth longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only six productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more both on Broadway and in the West End. Translated into seven different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish), the show has been performed in 15 different countries on five continents. THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway, on stages across North America, on tour in Japan, and in Tokyo, London's West End, Hamburg and Madrid. A UK tour launches in August of this year.

THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical, making Taymor the first woman in theatrical history bestowed with the honor. THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

On stage, Taymor's creative vision blends elements of African art and Broadway artisanship to depict anthropomorphic animal characters. Taymor, along with designer Michael Curry, has created hundreds of masks and puppets for THE LION KING. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film's screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor). Anne Quart serves as associate producer.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" to the haunting ballad "Shadowland."

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.

The Orlando engagement of Disney's THE LION KING is presented by arrangement with Florida Theatrical Association and is a subscription offering of the FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America – Orlando season.

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!