Disney’s The Lion King Returns to Orlando for Special Four-Week Run April 23 - May 18, 2025
32 Performances and Local Connection Highlight Disney’s The Lion King at Dr. Phillips Center
Orlando, FL – Beginning Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and running through Sunday, May 18, 2025, Disney’s The Lion King will take over the Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for a four-week run, as part of the AdventHealth Broadway in Orlando Season. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King features one of Broadway’s most imaginative creative teams, along with a special homecoming for local actor Julian Villela, who plays “Young Simba.”
Before channeling the legendary lion cub, 12-year-old Julian began his acting journey at Dr. Phillips Center, where he credits learning how to become a professional and developing his focus during auditions. As a student of the AdventHealth School of the Arts, he participated in various programs, including the Quarter Notes and even performed in a school production of The Lion King.
The role of “Young Simba” is alternated between Bryce Christian Thompson and Julian Villela.
The production features Peter Hargrave (Scar), Mukelisiwe Goba (Rafiki), Nick Cordileone (Timon), Nick LaMedica (Zazu), Danny Grumich (Pumbaa), Erick D. Patrick (Simba), Thembelihle Cele (Nala), Forest VanDyke (Banzai), Martina Sykes (Shenzi), Sam Linda (Ed), Wiliam John Austin (Standby Scar, & Pumbaa) and Thom Christopher Warren (Standby Scar, Zazu, Timon & Pumbaa). The role of “Mufasa” will be alternated between Darnell Abraham and Gerald Ramsey.
The role of “Young Nala” is alternated between Ritisha Chakraborty, Jaxyn Damasco and Emmanuella Olaitan.
Rounding out the cast are Kayla Rose Aimable, Ellen Akashi, Layla Brent, Vernon Brooks III, Sasha Caicedo, Lauren Carr, Shaquelle Charles, Reoagile Choabi, Daniela Cobb, Gabriel Croom, Lyric Danae, Maurice Dawkins, Cedrick Ekra, Valériane Louisy Louis Joseph, Joel Karie, Gabisile Manana, Justin Mensah, Sarita Amani Nash, Aaron Nelson, Jeremy Noel, Yuka Notsuka, Sicelo Ntshangase, Sayiga Eugene Peabody, Maurica Roland, Poseletso Sejosingoe, Kevin Ricardo Tate, Courtney Thomas, Ben Toomer, Denzel Tsopnang, Shacura Wade, Brinie Wallace and Jordan Nicole Willis.
The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 22 years, and during that time has welcomed over 23 million theatergoers, making it North America’s longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour. Having already played more than 10,000 performances in over 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to Orlando.
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