The Lion King: Aaron Nelson plays Simba

Newcomer Aaron Nelson will play the role of 'Simba' from 27 Aug 2013 in Walt Disney's Broadway production of The Lion King playing at the Minskoff Theatre. Nelson assumes the role from Andile Gumbi who played his final performance on 25 Aug 2013.

Nelson is making his Broadway debut as a brand new member to The Lion King family. He received his BA in Arts Management from Columbia College Chicago. His regional theater credits include 'columbinus 2.0' (American Theater Company), 'Rent' (American Theater Company), and' Dreamgirls' (Theater 47). He made his television debut as "Kyle" in NBC's "Chicago Fire."

Nelson is the first 'Simba' since Jason Raize created the role nearly sixteen years ago to play Broadway without having previously been a member of another The Lion King company. 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, where it is currently booking trough to 16 Mar 2014. Now in its 16th year, the musical is the 5th longest running show in Broadway history.

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 Gareth Saxe (Scar), Alton Fitzgerald White (Mufasa), Buyi Zama (Rafiki), Jeff Binder (Zazu), Ben Jeffrey (Pumbaa), Fred Berman (Timon), Aaron Nelson (Simba), Chantel Riley (Nala), James Brown-Orleans (Banzai), Bonita J. Hamilton (Shenzi), Enrique Segura (Ed), Jaden Jordan and Caleb McLaughlin alternate the role of 'Young Simba' and, Bobbi Bordley and Teshi Thomas alternate the role of 'Young Nala'.

Alton Fitzgerald White as Mufasa, Chantel Riley as Nala, Gareth Saxe as Scar, Buyi Zama as Rafiki, Jeff Binder as Zazu, Ben Jeffrey as Pumbaa and Fred Berman as Timon. 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.'