The Lion King: Gareth Saxe returns to show

Gareth Saxe will return to the role of 'Scar' from 02 Jul 2013 in Walt Disney's Broadway production of The Lion King playing at the Minskoff Theatre. Saxe assumes the role from Derek Smith.

Saxe began his The Lion King journey on Broadway in Jun 2010, and returns after appearances in the Atlantic Theater Company production of 'Harper Regan' and, most recently, 'Nikolai and the Others' at Lincoln Center.

Gareth Saxe has previously appeared on Broadway in 'The Homecoming' and 'Heartbreak House.' Off Broadway credits include 'Nikolai and the Others' at Lincoln Center, 'Harper Regan' with the Atlantic Theater Company, 'The Duchess of Malfi' (Red Bull) and The Public Theater's 'Richard III' and 'The Winters Tale.' Film and TV credits include Michael Mann's "Public Enemies," "SVU," and "Law & Order."

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 through to 05 Jan 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 also features Alton Fitzgerald White (Mufasa), Buyi Zama (Rafiki), Cameron Pow (Zazu), Ben Jeffrey (Pumbaa), Fred Berman (Timon), Andile Gumbi (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'.

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.'