The Lion King: Syndee Winters to play Nala

Syndee Winters will play the role of 'Nala' from 1 Jun - 26 Aug 2012 in Walt Disney's Broadway production of The Lion King playing at the Minskoff Theatre. Winters assumes the role from Chaunte Schuler.

Winters, who is making her Broadway debut, joins the New York company of the musical directly from the North American tour.

Winters previous performance credits include appearing as a NY Knicks City Dancer, performing with artists such as Rihanna, and Jordin Sparks, and also being the in-house anthem singer for Madison Square Garden.

The Lion King opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on 13 Nov 1997, following previews from 15 Oct. On the 13 Jun 2006 the musical moved to the Minskoff Theatre.

The musical tells the story of the epic adventures of a young lion cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role as king.

Directed by Julie Taymor and choreographed by Garth Fagan, The Lion King now features Patrick R. Brown (Scar), Alton Fitzgerald White (Mufasa), Tshidi Manye (Rafiki), Cameron Pow (Zazu), Ben Jeffrey (Pumbaa), Fred Berman (Timon), Dashaun Young (Simba), Syndee Winters (Nala), James Brown-orleans (Banzai), Bonita J. Hamilton (Shenzi), Enrique Segura (Ed), Judah Bellamy and Niles Fitch alternate the role of 'Young Simba' and, Nia Ashleigh and Imani Dia Smith alternate the role of 'Young Nala.'

Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical.

The Lion King has book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, music by Elton John, with additional music by Hans Zimmer, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Jay Rifkin, and lyrics by Tim Rice.

The creative team for The Lion King features Richard Hudson (sets), Michael Curry (costumes), Donald Holder (lighting) and Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound).

The Lion King won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is the 6th longest-running musical on Broadway, surpassing the record previously held by 'Oh! Calcutta.'