The The Lion King: Andile Gumbi plays Simba

Andile Gumbi plays the role of 'Simba' from 28 Aug 2012 in Walt Disney's Broadway production of The Lion King playing at the Minskoff Theatre. Gumbi assumes the role from Adam Jacobs.

Gumbi joins the New York company ofThe Lion KingG, after having performed the role in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Shanghai and South Africa.

Andile Gumbi is from Durban, South Africa. Theatre credits include: 'Ntsikana' (DUT); 'Nkonyeni High' (DUT and Bloemfontein); 'Dance Through Me' (Black BiRD Productions, Australia). Television: "Good Friday Appeal" and "Carols By Candlelight" (both in Australia).

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 7 Jul 2013. 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 Patrick R. Brown (Scar), Alton Fitzgerald White (Mufasa), Tshidi Manye (Rafiki), Jeff Binder (Zazu), Ben Jeffrey (Pumbaa), Fred Berman (Timon), Andile Gumbi (Simba), Chantel Riley (Nala), James Brown-Orleans (Banzai), Bonita J. Hamilton (Shenzi) and 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.'