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Adam Jacobs (Marius in the Les Miserables revival) will play Simba with Dionne Randolph as Mufasa, J. Anthony Crane (Spamalot in Las Vegas) as Scar, Brenda Mhlongo as Rafiki, Tony Freeman as Zazu, Syndee Winters as Nala, Ben Lipitz as Pumbaa and Nick Cordileone as Timon.
Omari Tau is cast as Banzai, Monica L. Patton will tackle Shenzi, and Ben Roseberry will play Ed. Jerome Stephen, Jr. and Kolton Stewart will alternate as Young Simba with Monique Lee and Madai Monica Williams rotating as Young Nala.
The tale of an African lion who must reclaim his place in the animal kingdom 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 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. Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi co-adapted the book from the Disney animated film's screenplay.
Taymor directs and Tony winner Garth Fagan choreographs the production, which features the work of puppet and mask designer Michael Curry, scenic designer Richard Hudson, costume designer Taymor and lighting designer Donald Holder. The scenic, costume and lighting designs for The Lion King all won Tony Awards.
The itinerary for the current Lion King tour, which is planned through July 2011, follows: Salt Lake City – Capitol Theatre
Aug. 11 – Sept. 26, 2010
Chicago – Cadillac Palace Theatre
Sept. 29 – Nov. 27, 2010
Norfolk – Chrysler Hall
Nov. 30 - Jan. 2, 2011
Durham – Durham Performing Arts Center
Jan. 4 – 30, 2011
Providence – Providence Performing Arts Center
Feb. 1 – Feb. 20, 2
Rochester – Auditorium Theatre
March 22 – April 17, 20
Toronto – Princess of Wales Theatre
April 19 – May 22, 20
Dayton – Schuster Hall
June 14 – July 10, 20
For more information visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.