DISNEY'S THE LION KING Begins at Playhouse Square This June
The national tour will return to Cleveland this summer for a six-week engagement beginning this July.
Casting has been announced for the Cleveland engagement of Disney’s The Lion King, returning to Playhouse Square from Wednesday, July 8 through Sunday, August 16, 2026. The official opening night will take place Thursday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m.
The production will star Peter Hargrave as Scar, David D’Lancy Wilson as Mufasa, Zama Magudulela as Rafiki, Nick Cordileone as Timon, Nick LaMedica as Zazu, Danny Grumich as Pumbaa, Gilbert Domally as Simba, and Thembelihle Cele as Nala. The cast also includes Forest VanDyke as Banzai, Martina Sykes as Shenzi, Robb Sapp as Ed, William John Austin as standby for Scar and Pumbaa, and Thom Christopher Warren as standby for Scar, Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa.
Adding a hometown connection to the production, Cleveland native Robb Sapp will return to Playhouse Square in the role of Ed. Sapp has portrayed the character in the Broadway production of The Lion King since 2021 and previously appeared in the show’s Las Vegas production and North American tour. His additional Broadway credits include WICKED and SHREK.
The role of Young Simba will be alternated by Aaron Chao and Josiah Watson, while Journey Compas and Marley Gomes will alternate as Young Nala.
Additional cast members include Kayla Rose Aimable, Ellen Akashi, Aja Simone Baitey, Eric Bean Jr., Vernon Brooks III, Shaquelle Charles, Reoagile Choabi, Daniela Cobb, Lyric Danae, Maurice Dawkins, Cedrick Ekra, Camryn Hampton, Quiana Onrae'l Holmes, Valériane Louisy Louis Joseph, Joel Karie, Gabisile Manana, Keyveontae' Martin, Morgan Reed McDaniel, Justin Mensah, Aaron Nelson, Yuka Notsuka, Sicelo Ntshangase, Sayiga Eugene Peabody, Poseletso Sejosingoe, Jennifer Theriot, Brena K. Thomas, Courtney Thomas, Ben Toomer, Denzel Tsopnang, and Jordan Nicole Willis.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
In Cleveland, The Lion King will perform Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Additional matinee performances are scheduled for Thursday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, July 30 at 12:00 p.m., and Thursday, August 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Extra Magic Packages, which include premium seating and show merchandise, will also be available. Tickets may be purchased through Playhouse Square or by calling 216-241-6000. Group orders for 10 or more may be arranged by calling 216-640-8600.
ABOUT The Lion King
Approaching 30 years on Broadway, Disney’s The Lion King remains one of the most successful musicals in theatre history. Since premiering in 1997, the production has been seen by more than 130 million people worldwide across 32 global productions.
Currently, productions of The Lion King are running on Broadway, in London, Paris, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Mexico City, and on tour throughout North America and Australia. The production has played more than 100 cities in 24 countries and has been performed in nine languages.
Directed and designed by Julie Taymor, the musical won six Tony Awards in 1998, including Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical. The score features music by Elton John and Tim Rice alongside additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer.
