Filipino actors to perform in ‘Lion King’ musical in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — In its 20th year, “The Lion King” continues as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. 

Earlier this month, the full cast for the international tour was announced. The principal cast includes Ntsepa Pitjeng, who is returning to the role of Rafiki, having performed the role in the USA, UK, Brazil, and Switzerland productions. Direct from London’s West End production is Mthokozisi Emkay Khanyile in the role of Mufasa. Also from the United Kingdom is music theater performer Antony Lawrence as Scar.

Joining the company are six actors from the Philippines. Sharing the role of Young Simba will be Julien Joshua Dolor, Pablo Palacpac and Juan Gabriel Tiongson; sharing the role of Young Nala will be Sheena Bentoy, Uma Martin and Felicity Napuli.

Rounding out the principal cast are South African performers Calvyn Grandling, playing the much-loved role of Simba, the up-and-coming star Noxolo Dlamini as Nala, Candida Mosoma who returns to the role of Shenzi, Bjorn Blignaut as Banzai and Mark Tatham as Ed.

Australian actor Andre Jewson will be playing Zazu; the charismatic New Zealand born performer Jamie McGregor will play Timon, while South African favorite Pierre Van Heerden will return as Pumbaa.

The international cast will star in the landmark musical event, which begins performances in Manila at The Theatre at Solaire on March 18. The Manila premiere is presented by Concertus Manila.

Michael Cassel Group in association with Disney Theatrical Productions are excited to confirm that tickets to the Manila premiere of the one of the world's top musicals, Disney’s "The Lion King," are going on sale to the general public on November 3.

To celebrate this announcement, Globe platinum, Globe postpaid customers and Visa credit, debit and prepaid cardholders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the show before the general public, while also enjoying 10 percent off. This offer is only from October 25 to November 2 through the Ticketworld website or branches.

Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 90 million people. 

Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), “The Lion King” is the only show in history to generate six productions worldwide, running for 15 or more years. 

Performed in eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of the musical can currently be seen on Broadway, London’s West End, Hamburg, Tokyo and Sapporo, Madrid, Mexico City, Shanghai; Scheveningen, Holland; and on tour across North America, for a total of 10 productions running concurrently across the globe. 

Having played over 100 cities in 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica, “The Lion King” worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.           

“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. It 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.  

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success.  The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has in recent years supervised new productions of the show around the world.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from the 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 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.”  

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), Anthony Lyn (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as co-producer.

 — Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo