Michael Ward

Disney’s THE LION KING Tour to Close in 2027; New 'Reimagined' Production to Launch
by Joshua Wright - Sep 11, 2026

The Lion King North American tour will close in 2027 in anticipation of a newly-configured production, designed to allow the landmark musical to continue reaching audiences in cities and venues across North America for years to come. The timetable and route for the new tour will be announced at a later date. 

THE LIGHT Cast Announced at Live Arts Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 10, 2026

Live Arts Theatre announced the full cast for THE LIGHT by Loy A. Webb, starring Michael Ward and Mary D. Cheeks. The 70-minute play explores a couple confronting a secret from their past.

Review: Roadtrip - DISNEY'S THE LION KING at Montreal's Place Des Arts
by Courtney Castelino - Sep 6, 2026

What did our critic think of DISNEY'S THE LION KING at Place Des Arts?

CULT OF LUNA Share New Single "A Way Back" Ahead of IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR SHADOW LP
by Rachel Stone - Aug 19, 2026

The Swedish post-metal band released a slow-burning new track from its upcoming tenth studio album, set for release via RED CRK Recordings.

YOU CAN'T FAKE THE FUNK: A JOURNEY THROUGH FUNK MUSIC To Take The Stage At Black Ensemble Theater
by Marissa Faith Curley - Aug 14, 2026

Black Ensemble Theater continues its 50th Anniversary Season with the world premiere of You Can’t Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music, written and directed by Artistic Director Daryl D. Brooks. 

THE LION KING to Return to Melbourne's Regent Theatre In 2027
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 12, 2026

Disney's THE LION KING will return to Melbourne for the first time since 2015, with performances set to begin at the Regent Theatre as part of the musical's third Australian tour.

Interview: David D'Lancy Wilson of DISNEY'S THE LION KING at Salle Wilfred Pelletier, Place Des Arts
by Noelle Hannibal - Aug 12, 2026

Canadian-born David D’Lancy Wilson is nearly one year into his run as Mufasa in THE LION KING. Next week, Pride Rock comes roaring into Montreal and Wilson is coming home to Canada. I had the opportunity to chat with Wilson about his life, career, and the experience of wearing the mask of one of musical theatre’s most iconic fathers. For Wilson, however, Mufasa is more than a king, warrior, husband and protector. At his core, he says, “he is just a parent trying to do right and best for their child.” As a father of two young boys himself, that perspective carries particular weight. THE LION KING takes the stage at Salle Wilfred-Pelletier, Places des Arts, 175 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H2X 1Y9 from August 19 - September 6, 2026.

CONSTRUCTED IDENTITY Exhibit to Spotlight SoCal Architecture at foaSOUTH
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 4, 2026

The Festival of Arts' satellite gallery foaSOUTH will present paintings from its Permanent Art Collection depicting Southern California homes, churches and landmarks spanning more than a century.

THE LION KING Broadway and Touring 'Ed' Will Swap Productions
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026

Disney’s The Lion King has announced that Robb Sapp and Sam Linda, who play the role of Ed on Broadway and tour, respectively, will switch productions. Learn more here!

Daryl D. Brooks Named Artistic Director Of Black Ensemble Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2026

Black Ensemble Theater has promoted Daryl D. Brooks to Artistic Director, and revealed and the opening of a new 150-seat Studio Theater, rehearsal room and dressing room as the second phase of the Free to BE Village.

THE LION KING Will Welcome Mduduzi Madela as Simba Beginning February 24
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2026

The Lion King has announced that longtime cast member Mduduzi Madela will assume the role of Simba beginning Tuesday, February 24. Learn more about him here!

Zama Magudulela Will Join THE LION KING Tour as Rafiki
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2026

The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome Zama Magudulela as Rafiki. Magudulela will begin performances on Tuesday, January 13 in Sacramento at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center.

Black Ensemble Theater Unveils 50th Anniversary Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 5, 2026

Black Ensemble Theater celebrates 50 years of its mission-based theater with a full season of musicals and special events. The company will continue with the Plays With A Purpose series for school groups, Black Playwrights Initiative, and more.

Photos: Siobhan James and More in CINDERELLA at Hackney Empire
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 28, 2025

You can now get a first look at Hackney Empire's 2025 pantomime, Cinderella, directed by Clive Rowe, now playing.

Tickets For Disney’s THE LION KING Go On Sale In Grand Rapids On November 24
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 24, 2025

Broadway Grand Rapids and Disney Theatrical Group will place tickets on sale for THE LION KING’s return to DeVos Performance Hall beginning November 24 at noon.

Photos: CINDERELLA Pantomime in Rehearsal at Hackney Empire
by Stephi Wild - Nov 14, 2025

Hackney Empire has released the first rehearsal images from its 2025 pantomime, Cinderella, directed by Clive Rowe. Check out the photos and learn more here!

THE LION KING to Return to Seattle at The Paramount Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2025

Disney’s The Lion King is coming to The Paramount Theatre stage.

Cast Set For THE HAUNTING OF SPOOK MANSION (BY GHOSTS) at Chapel Off Chapel
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2025

Producer and writer Michael Ward has announced the cast members for his highly anticipated world premiere season of THE HAUNTING OF SPOOK MANSION (BY GHOSTS) at Chapel off Chapel this November.

Experience Disney's THE LION KING in Chicago at Cadillac Palace
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2025

Disney's THE LION KING runs at Cadillac Palace Theatre until October 19. Get ticket info and details about this must-see Chicago show!

Cast Announced for Disney's THE LION KING in Chicago
by Michael Major - Sep 3, 2025

The production features Peter Hargrave (Scar), David D’Lancy Wilson (Mufasa), Mukelisiwe Goba (Rafiki), Robert Creighton (Timon), Nick LaMedica (Zazu), Danny Grumich (Pumbaa), Gilbert Domally (Simba), and more.