Zimbabwean actor and film producer Shaun Mundawarara has joined the cast of Disney's Musical titled, THE LION KING, for their ongoing United Kingdom and Ireland Theatre tour as a member of the ensemble and as an understudy for the role of Simba.
"I am so excited to share that I am joining the cast of Disney's THE LION KING UK and Ireland tour as part of the ensemble and understudying for the role of SIMBA." Tweeted Mundawarara who had previously hinted his Heartbreak Mafia performance during the past weekend would be his last appearance on a Zimbabwe stage for a while.
"THE LION KING is the first movie I ever memorized all the lines to as a kid, it is a story that is etched into my soul. It was the first theatre musical I ever went to watch when I saw it in London some years ago, and I remember thinking to myself that one day it would be me up there. A new challenge and a new journey that I "just can't wait" to get started on." he says.
The show, based on Disney's popular 1994 blockbuster, follows young lion Simba as he battles his wicked uncle to return to the land of his ancestors and recover his rightful role as King of the majestic Serengeti, all set to life-affirming music by Tim Rice and Elton John.
The award-winning show is currently running at Sunderland Empire from Thursday 16 March to Saturday 6 May, and additionally at Birmingham Hippodrome from Thursday 6 July to Saturday 16 September 2023.
THE LION KING is currently led by Stephenson Ardern-Sodje as Simba, Nokwanda Khuzwayo as Nala, Jean-Luc Guizonne as Mufasa, Richard Hurst as Scar, Thandazile Soni as Rafiki, Alan Mchale as Timon, Carl Sanderson as Pumbaa, Matthew Forbes as Zazu, Rebecca Omogbehin as Shenzi, Simon Trinder as Banzai and Owain Rhys Davies as Ed.
Julie Taymor, one of the world's most imaginative directors, contributed to THE LION KING to a wide range of disciplines, including substantial expertise in presenting epic theatrical and opera performances, and exploring old tales through ritualized puppetry, mask, and dance. Taymor made history as the first woman to win the Tony Award® for 'Best Director of a Musical' with her debut Broadway production, THE LION KING.
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