Casting Announced For THE LION KING Durham Run, 1/4-30, 2011
By: Gabrielle Sierra Dec. 14, 2010
Casting has been announced for the Triangle engagement of Disney's THE LION KING. Durham's most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the DPAC stage from January 4 to January 30, 2011. The press opening night is Thursday, January 6 at 7:30.
On stage, Director Julie Taymor's creative vision blends elements of African art and Broadway artisanship to depict anthropomorphic animal characters. The sardonic and deviously cunning "Scar" is played by J. Anthony Crane. Dionne Randolph is "Mufasa," the great warrior and ruler of the Pridelands. Brenda Mhlongo is the wise baboon shaman "Rafiki." Tony Freeman portrays the prim and proper hornbilled bird "Zazu." Ben Lipitz 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 Adam Jacobs and Syndee Winters is the loyal lioness "Nala." The three evil hyenas are played by Omari Tau ("Banzai"), Monica L. Patton ("Shenzi") and Ben Roseberry ("Ed"). The role of "Young Simba" is alternated between Jerome Stephens, Jr. and Kolton Stewart and the role of "Young Nala" is alternated between Monique Lee and Madai Monica Williams.As it begins its 14th 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 1997 Broadway premiere, 17 global productions have been seen by more than 54 million people, and grossed over $4.2 billion to date. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the eighth longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only five productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more, both on Broadway and in the West End. Translated into five different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch), the show has been performed in 13 different countries on five continents. THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway (its flagship production), on stages across North America, and in Las Vegas, London's West End, Hamburg and Tokyo. In March of 2011, an all-new production will bow in Singapore.
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 Triangle engagement of Disney's THE LION KING is presented by arrangement with DPAC and is a subscription offering of the SunTrust Broadway Series. NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SCHEDULE THROUGH JULY 2011:Chicago - Cadillac Palace TheatreSept 29 - Nov 27, 2010Norfolk - Chrysler Hall
Nov 30 - Jan 2, 2011Durham - Durham Performing Arts Center
Jan 4 - 30, 2011Providence - Providence Performing Arts Center
Feb 1 - Feb 20, 2011Schenectady - Proctors
Feb 22 - March 20, 2011Rochester - Auditorium Theatre
March 22 - April 17, 2011Toronto - Princess of Wales Theatre
April 19 - May 22, 2011Dayton - Schuster Center
June 14 - July 10, 2011
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