Disney’s The Lion King Casting Announced for ASU Gammage

Tempe’s Limited Return Engagement Begins January 2, 2009

Tempe, Arizona – Casting has been announced for the Tempe engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING. Tempe’s most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the ASU Gammage stage from Friday, January 2, 2009 to Sunday, February 8, 2009. The press opening night is Saturday, January 3 at 7:30 p.m. This Tempe engagement is currently one of seven productions running worldwide along with New York, London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Paris and Fukuoka.

The malevolent and evil “Scar” will be played by Timothy Carter, who is a native of Lexington, Kentucky. Mr. Carter’s credits include The Three Musketeers and Macbeth with The Acting Company; King Lear, As You Like It, and Julius Caesar at Colorado Shakespeare Festival; Richard III and Merry Wives of Windsor at Nebraska Shakespeare Festival; and Hay Fever at Westport County Playhouse. Dionne Randolph will play the lion king “Mufasa.” Mr. Randolph’s credits include Smokey Joe’s Café, Little Shop of Horrors and Once on this Island. Phindile Mkhize, a native of South Africa, is the wise “Rafiki.” Ms. Mkhize has traveled to Germany, Australia, Holland and Amsterdam performing and sharing her talents, and her credits include The Lion King Soundtrack ‘94, Sarafina 2; Mama, Maria, Maria, and WozaMyFohloza.

The meerkat “Timon” will be played by Mark Shunock, who has appeared in productions of Romance, Beauty and the Beast, Princess Turandot, The Skin Of Our Teeth, Howie The Rookie and Lovelace: The Musical. Tony Freeman, who will portray “Zazu”, has previously played the role on Broadway for more than 1,300 performances. Mr. Freeman recently performed in Kander and Ebb’s new musical All About Us and in Caroline, or Change in Los Angeles and San Francisco. And Ben Lipitz, is “Pumbaa,” the warthog; Mr. Lipitz’ stage credits include Red, Hot and Blue, Just So, ART, Dirty Blonde, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Dan’yelle Williamson, a native of Tampa, FL and a graduate of The Boston Conservatory, is the lioness “Nala” and was recently seen in Wicked in Chicago. Mufasa’s son, “Simba,” will be played by André Jackson, who is an alumnus of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and has numerous Broadway, film and television credits.

The three hyenas will be played by: Randy Donaldson (“Banzai”), whose past credits include “Five Guys Named Moe” and Broadway’s “Wonderful Town” and “Annie Get Your Gun;” Jayne Trinette (“Shenzi”), whose credits include Caroline or Change, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Nuncrackers; and Andrew Frace (“Ed”), whose stage credits include Finding Nemo: The Musical, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Ragtime.

Performances in the role of “Young Simba” will be alternated between Nicholas L. Ashe and Marquis Kofi Rodriguez. Mr. Ashe is an honor roll student involved in his school’s drama club, all-county chorus and jazz band. Mr. Rodriguez has been seen in Law & Order: SVU, the upcoming feature film Phoebe in Wonderland, and numerous commercials. Performances in the role of “Young Nala” will be alternated between Sadé LouAnn Murray and Ah-Niyah Neal. Ms. Murray is an 11 year-old from Springfield, MA and is making her professional debut in The Lion King. Ms. Neal, a native of Hempstead, NY and a student at The Harlem School of the Arts, is also making her professional debut in The Lion King.

Now in its second sold-out decade in New York, THE LION KING is the winner of six Tony® Awards including Best Musical, eight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, the New York Drama Critics award for Best Musical, the Evening Standard Award for the Theatrical Event of the Year, two Olivier Awards, a Theatre World Award, the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography, two Drama League Awards and a Grammyâ Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony® Award for Best Director of a Musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for THE LION KING. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design is by Richard Hudson, costume design is by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay for THE LION KING. The 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.

THE LION KING begins performances on Friday, January 2 and will play Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Good seats are still available and may be purchased in person at all Ticketmaster outlets, via the telephone at 480.784.4444, and online at www.ticketmaster.com . Groups of twenty (20) or more may call (480) 965-6678. ASU Gammage and Ticketmaster are the only authorized ticket sales outlets for the ASU Gammage engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING. Prices range from $20.75 to $81. Special Premium Ticket Packages, priced at $133.50, are also available and include prime seat locations, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, redeemable at the show.

THE LION KING is a season ticket offering of M&I Bank Broadway Across America – Arizona series and is presented by ASU Gammage and Broadway Across America.

About ASU Gammage
Located on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University, ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world. ASU Gammage is the home theater of M&I Bank Broadway Across America – Arizona and Beyond series. Its mission is connecting communities by providing artistic excellence and educational outreach to the public. ASU Gammage is an historic hall designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. asugammage.com

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