< Back to The Lion King website

Touring Cast

J. Anthony Crane - Scar
Broadway: Butley (Booth), Sight Unseen (MTC).Off-Broadway: Modern Orthodox (New World), The Brothers Karamazov (La MaMa) Regional: Lancelot and others in Spamalot (Wynn Las Vegas), The Old Globe, Papermill Playhouse, Cleveland Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, and The Humana Festival. Film/TV: CSI, Fraser, JAG, Judging Amy, Ugly Betty, As the World Turns, and the series lead in The Big Easy. For Susan Ellen.




Dionne Randolph - Mufasa
Originally from Gainesville, GA now calls Orlando, FL home. Credits include Smokey Joe's Café (Fred), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), and Once On This Island (Agwe). Other credits include Festival of the Lion King (Kiumé) at Disney's Animal Kingdom, American Vybe at Epcot, along with many voiceovers and commercials worldwide.





Buyi Zama - Rafiki
Theatre credits: The Lion King (West End, South Africa, Australia, China and US). Awarded the 2004 Australian MOAward for Female Musical Performer of the Year and nominated in the 2004 Australian Helpmann Awards for Best Female in a Musical. Finalist in the Shell Road to Fame, Concert for Two Nations; Thabo Mbeki Inauguration; Kirk Franklin (Supporting Act); Music Video with Rebecca Malope; Haze; PureMagic; work session with Ringo Madlingozi and featured vocalist with DJ Fistaz and the Admiral.




Mark David Kaplan - Zazu
Mark is happily returning to The Lion King having toured in the original company of the 2nd National. Off-Broadway: Forbidden Broadway. Regional credits: Ragtime (Tateh–Jeff Award–Drury Lane, Chicago); Forbidden Broadway (Jeff Award–Royal George); …Spelling Bee (Panch–James Lapine, dir./Chicago); and many premieres with Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott, Skylight, and Indiana Repertory, among others. Proud AEA Councillor. To my family and MAC – oxox




Ben Lipitz - Pumbaa
Broadway: The Lion King. Stage: The Producers (Walnut St. Theatre); Red, Hot and Blue (Goodspeed Opera, Papermill Playhouse); Just So (Goodspeed Opera); ART; Dirty Blonde; Laughter on the 23rd Floor; Forum; Cleveland Playhouse, Kennedy Center. TV: “The Sopranos”, “Law & Order”, “100 Centre St.”, “Homicide”. Film: The Giraffe and Find Me Guilty (with Vin Diesel).Member of The Actors’ Studio. Love and kisses to my wife, Rosalie, my son, Matthew and my daughter, Mikaela. Proud member of Actors’ Equity.



Nick Cordileone - Timon
Off-Broadway: Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd (Mint Theater), Hamlet (Theatre by the Blind) Regional: The Alchemist (Shakespeare Theatre Company), Lobby Hero (The Old Globe), Crime and Punishment (Cincinnati Playhouse &Actors Theatre), Henry VI, Richard III (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Comedy of Errors, Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey) Film: Step Up 2. LOVE: Amy & Hero.




Jelani Remy - Simba
Coming from the Las Vegas production, Jelani is excited and blessed to be working with the Disney family again! A few past shows include Disney's High School Musical, Parade and Smokey Joe's Cafe. Much love and thanks to Shirley Grant Management, all of his family, teachers, LKLV and friends.AEA.





Syndee Winters - Nala
Syndee is psyched to be making her Broadway Tour debut with the Lion King family. A graduate of Five Towns College Syndee's background ranges from dancing as a NY Knicks City Dancer, performing with artists such as Rihanna, and Jordin Sparks, and also being the in-house anthem singer for Madison Square Garden. She thanks God, her family, and friends. syndeewinters.com




Omari Tau - Banzai
A Sacramento, California native, Omari is excited to perform with the Gazelle Company after 5 years with the Cheetah Company. Regional theatre includes Theatre Under The Stars and Alley Theatre. He received a B.M.E. from Michigan State University and an M.M. from University of Houston. He is also a recording artist,  composer and director. Proud member AEA. omaritau.com




Monica L. Patton - Shenzi
Broadway: Finian's Rainbow, Charlotte; Abby's Song, Leah; Ragtime, Sarah u/s, performed countless times. Off-Broadway: Little Ham, Tiny Lee; City Center Encores, Fanny, Shika Soloist; Finian's Rainbow, Charlotte; On The Town, Flossie's Friend; Other noteworthy productions include: Annie- 30th, Star To Be; Joseph... Dreamcoat, Narrator; Ain't Misbehavin', Charlaine; Smokey Joe's Cafe, BJ; Many Thanks to her family!




Ben Roseberry - Ed/Understudy Timon & Zazu
National Tours: Rent. Off-Broadway: Fugitive Songs, Emma. Regional: The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (Barrington Stage), Max Understood (The O'Neill NMTC), The Dogs of Pripyat (Weston Playhouse). He wishes to thank his family, Binder Casting, the entire team at Professional Artists, and his beautiful wife Sarah. Ben is a proud member of AEA. benroseberry.com




Kailah McFadden - Young Nala at certain performances
Kailah of Douglassville, PA is excited to be a part of Disney's The Lion King Family. Kailah's love and passion for music and acting was discovered at age 2. She Graces everyone with her soulful sound and wonderful personality performing in school musicals and singing at Church. She's thankful her parents C'mane, Benitta and brother ManeMane support her dream.





Sade Phillip-Demorcy - Young Nala at certain performances
Sade is nine years old from Valley Stream, NY. She is ecstatic to have her debut role and be a part of The Lion King Tour. Her passion for the arts has grown into dancing, singing, and playing the piano. With the love and support from her parents Myena and Wadley. Her younger siblings Jayden and Kayla. She is accomplishing her dreams.





Niles Fitch - Young Simba at certain performances
An Atlanta native, Niles is still roaring about being Simba! Since 4, Niles has done modeling, commercials, theatre, and voiceover. Before relocating to New York in 2010, he was directed by Jasmine Guy, as young Martin Luther King, Jr. in the musical, I Dream. Niles envisions having his own TV show. Follow his journey at nilesfitch.com.





Zavion J. Hill - Young Simba at certain performances
Zavion is thrilled to be making his debut as Young Simba. Zavion is a 9 year old from Springfield, MA. He has performed in several productions in his hometown at Dream Studios Inc. Zavion enjoys skateboarding, reading and video games. Special thanks to Dream, church family, LMC, mom, dad and baby sis– I love you. You rock!





Andrew Arrington - Swing/Understudy Banzai
The Lion King Las Vegas. Nat'l tours: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. New York: Showboat (Carnegie Hall), Godspell (workshop), Disney's High School Musical 2, Respect (NYSAF); TV: CBS "My Broadway Debut." University of Michigan.





Russell Joel Brown - Ensemble/Understudy Mufasa
Morehouse College graduate. Professional credits: Smokey Joe's Cafe (1st National, Japan), The Scarlet Pimpernel (1st National), The Lion King (Cheetah Tour, Mexico, Taiwan); Big River (Goodspeed; Best Actor- Connecticut Critics Circle).






Amyia Burrell - Ensemble
Amyia is thrilled to be a part of the Lion King cast. She has performed with Disney since 2003 appearing in shows at Tokyo Disney and Disney World. She would like to thank her family (especially Noah and Tally) and friends for their constant love and support. She gives God thanks for continuous blessings and grace. Proud member of AEA.





Alia Crutcher-Zachery - Swing
Stage: Ailey II, Aida National Tour, Nathan Trice/ RITUALS, Creative Outlet Dance Theater of Brooklyn, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, CeDeCe (Alcobaça, Portugal), and Renegade PG; Commercial and Film: Laurie Simon's Music of Regret– Act III (PocketWatch); Cordoniu Navidad 2007 (Barcelona, Spain).





Erynn Marie Dickerson - Ensemble
Erynn began her artistic studies at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, where she was cast in various musical theater productions at the Freud and Geffen Playhouse. She then graduated from Fordham University and the Alvin Ailey school with B.F.A. and a minor in communications. Since then she has appeared in various print ads, TV shows, commercials, music videos and films.




Ntomb'khona Dlamin - Ensemble/Understudy Rafiki
Amyia is thrilled to be a part of the Lion King cast. She has performed with Disney since 2003 appearing in shows at Tokyo Disney and Disney World. She would like to thank her family (especially Noah and Tally) and friends for their constant love and support. She gives God thanks for continuous blessings and grace. Proud member of AEA.





Tony Freeman - Understudy Pumbaa, Scar, Timon and Zazu
Tony has played Zazu (and occasionally Scar) on Broadway and across the country over 3,000 times since the year 2000. Now he’s added Timon and Pumbaa. He did Tony Kushner’s musical Caroline, or Change in Los Angeles and San Francisco with the original Broadway cast. Tony has performed guest roles on both “Law and Order” (twice) and “Law and Order, SVU”.





Shameika Hines - Ensemble
Shameika is a California native, graduated from the L.A. County HS for the Arts. Her credits include six years with the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, national and international television, music videos, award shows, scholarships and competitions.






Christopher Figaro Jackson - Ensemble/Understudy Ed
Christopher, a native of Maywood, IL, is a graduate of The Chicago Academy for the Arts. He was a member of Ailey II and The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This is his Broadway debut with the national tour of The Lion King.






Mykal Laury - Swing
Mykal is honored to be a part of The Lion King National Tour. Stage: Philadanco, Aida (China Tour), The Phantom of the Opera (Broadway & National Tour); TV and Film: Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show, Beyonce, “Friends with Benefits”. Thanks to MSA and my parents for all their Love!





Jason Lewis - Swing/Dance Captain
From Long Beach, California, Jason has worked commercially with such artists as Britney Spears, Toni Braxton and Missy Elliott. He has trained with Lula Washington, Karen McDonald and Ailey. He is thrilled to be in The Lion King.






Portia Magwaza - Ensemble/Understudy Nala
Born: Durban, South Africa. TV appearances: South African Music Awards (2004), Gospel Gold with Joyful Sound G.G., Christmas by Candlelight (Australia). Theatre: The Lion King in Australia and Shanghai (Nala). Other credits: E-Connexion Band (performed in Egypt), African Summit at ICC (Durban). Film: Elephant's Tale soundtrack.





Tonoccus McClain - Ensemble/Understudy Banzai
Tonoccus is proud to be making his Touring debut! He could be seen reporting on “Channel One News”, performing in Los Angeles Opera’s Porgy and Bess—3 Academy Awards® live telecasts and heard singing in televisions “Glee”, “The Good Wife” and film soundtracks Avatar, Star Trek, The Simpsons Movie.





Vusi B. Mhlongo - Ensemble
Vusi, from Durban, South Africa, toured Europe with Mama and Sarafina 2. In addition, he sang on The Lion King movie soundtrack and won the Best New Actor Award in Durban. “Being a part of the show is the greatest experience of my life. I thank God and my family.”





Monique Midgette - Swing/Understudy Rafiki & Shenzi
Broadway: The Civil War, Marie Christine, Seussical the Musical, House of Flowers. Regional: Tommy, Dreamgirls, Children of Eden, The World Goes 'Round, Ain't Misbehavin', The Women of Brewster Place.






Kendra Moore - Swing/Dance Captain
Kendra is Canadian born and trained in Edmonton, Alberta. A member of The Lion King Cheetah tour from 2003–2008, Kendra has danced with Ballet Austin, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. She has traveled extensively with all these companies. Love to my family and friends.






Selena Moshell - Ensemble
Selena is from Orlando, FL and a Rollins College graduate (Environmental Studies). She has performed with the Pittsburgh CLO, Orlando City Ballet, Royal Caribbean, and Walt Disney World dancer/aerialist). Selena is grateful to God, family and friends, for their love and support. selenamoshell.com





Marquis Moss - Ensemble/Understudy Simba
A Washington, DC native and Clark Atlanta University Alumnus. I thank God, family, and friends for constant love and support! Each time I touch the stage, I honor my hero—my beloved grandmother, Ruth R. Moss (truly an angel). For more about me, visit marqmoss.com





Suhle Ngema - Ensemble
Sihle, born in Newcastle, South Africa, vocally trained by Boycie Phokeng & Mbongeni Ngema. Theatre: The Lion King (Australia & Shanghai), Dance Through Me, Mama, Woza My Fohloza, Jika The Musical. Television: X Factor, Nelson Mandela 80th Birthday Celebration. Film: Elephant Tails- Soundtrack Vocals.





Rob Parks - Ensemble/Understudy Simba
Rob is a native of Grand Rapids, Mi., now residing in NYC, Rob is thrilled to be a part of the National Tour of The Lion King! Rob has sung throughout the U.S. and China singing musical theater, jazz and opera. Many thanks to Avalon Artists and Prestige Management.





Kevin Petite - Ensemble
Fort Worth, TX, trained at Dian Clough West Studios, Debbie Allen Dance Academy and The Ailey School receiving the prestigious Alvin Ailey Fellowship. Professional credits include Ailey II, and tours of Radio City Christmas Show and Movin'Out.





Rhea Roderick - Ensemble
Rhea began her dance training in Philadelphia. She's a former company member of the Dance Theater of Harlem, Complexions and Oakland Ballet. She has performed regularly with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and was a cast member of the National Tour of Carousel. 





Maurica Roland - Ensemble/Understudy Nala, Shenzi & Sarabi
Maurica is a Pensacola, FL native and Louisiana State University graduate. Recent credits: American Vybe at Disney World, Orlando, Hairspray First National Tour (swing, u/s Dynamite). “Thanks be to God, family, and friends for your love and support.” mauricaroland.com





Paul B. Sadler, Jr. - Ensemble
Paul is a native Clevelander and attended Wilberforce University. He is delighted to join the cast of The Lion King. Broadway debut: Phantom of the Opera. Other credits: The Philadelphia Dance Company (principal), Cleveland Ballet, and the American Dance Guild. Paul thanks god for his talent and wife Loreen for all her love, support, and partnership in the creations of their children Chase and Noah. AEA member since 1993.




Mpume Sikakane - Ensemble/Understudy Rafiki
Mpume has worked with renowned writer, producer, director M'bongeni Ngema since 1989. Toured internationally with The Zulu and released album Babaka Mdudu in 2002. Love and thanks to God, Simon, Thandekile and family.






John Sloan III - Ensemble/Understudy Banzai
Detroit native and University of Michigan graduate, John Sloan III is excited to perform with a talented cast and crew. Regional theatre: Aida, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Julius X. John thanks God, his family, friends, agent, cast, and crew. 





Sophia N. Stephens - Swing/Understudy Nala & Shenzi
Broadway/National Tour: The Lion King. Regional: Subway Love & Other Tales, Guys and Dolls, Damn Yankees, Bubbling Brown Sugar, Tambourines to Glory. Woody Award Recipient for St. Lucy's Eyes. TV: VH1 Storytellers Jay-Z. sophianicole.com





Tryphena Wade - Sarabi/Ensemble
A Columbus, Ohio native and Howard University graduate. Credits include: The World Goes Round, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Ragtime, The Secret Garden and Trojan Women. Tryphena has traveled throughout The Mediterranean as a principal singer with Norwegian Cruise Lines. “This is TRULY a dream come true!! Praises to God!





Electra Weston - Ensemble/Understudy Sarabi
Germany: The Lion King (Sarabi and Shenzi), Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon). France: Releases: “Life,” “Music and The Rhythm” (Warner), “Alright” (Sony). Film: Jonathan Demme’s The Truth about Charlie. Africa: Toured with “Diblo Dibala and Matchatcha (Congo).”As Filmmaker/Producer: “Maybe Dreams Can Come True.” PariSoul.net





Sharron Williams - Ensemble
Sharron of Miami, FL is a high school graduate of New World School of the Arts. She was a member of Ailey II and Spectrum Dance Theater. She also works as a print/commercial model and holds two B.A. degrees from Florida State University in Applied Economics and Interdisciplinary Social Science. She is thrilled to be a part of this cast!





Dion Wilson - Ensemble
Dion, a native of Baltimore, MD. BFA from SUNY at Purchase and graduate of the Baltimore School of the Arts. He was a member of Philadanco, The Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Awarded a Princess Grace Foundation Fellowship for dance. Dion is proud to be a part of The Lion King for his son Cameron.





Frank Wright II - Swing/Understudy Mufasa
Frank joins the Gazelle Company after having been blessed with performing in the Cheetah and Broadway companies of The Lion King. He thanks God for his wife, Charlotte and son, Paden. With God all things are possible.