The Lion King: Adam Jacobs plays Simba

Adam Jacobs joins the cast of Walt Disney's Broadway production of The Lion King on 29 Aug 2011, assuming the role of 'Simba' from Clifton Oliver , who played his final performance on 26 Aug 2011.

Jacobs, who most recently starred in the title role of the world premiere of 'Aladdin' at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, previously played the role of 'Simba' on national tour. p> Jacobs has appeared on Broadway as 'Marius' in 'Les Miserables.' His national touring credits include 'The Lion King' (Simba), 'Mamma Mia!' (Sky), 'Les Miserables' (Marius) and 'Cinderella' (Prince).

Jacobs joins existing cast members Gareth Saxe (Scar), Alton Fitzgerald White (Mufasa), Tshidi Manye (Rafiki), Jeff Binder (Zazu), Ben Jeffrey (Pumbaa), Fred Berman (Timon), Chauntee Schuler (Nala), James Brown-Orleans (Banzai), Bonita J. Hamilton (Shenzi), Enrique Segura (Ed) and Alphonso Romero Jones II and Judah Bellamy (Young Simba), and, Khail Toi Bryant and Shaylin Becton (Young Nala).

The musical, directed by Julie Taymor and choreographed by Garth Fagan, 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.

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 7th longest-running musical on Broadway, surpassing the record previously held by 'Beauty and the Beast.'