Vincent Jamal Hooper joins 'The Lion King' Broadway cast
The actor is set to make his Broadway debut in the leading role of the long-running Disney Broadway musical at the Minskoff Theatre in late September.
He just can't wait to be king! Vincent Jamal Hooper joins the cast of The Lion King on Broadway as Simba on September 26. He will make his Broadway debut with the role.
Hooper previously performed various roles on the North American tour of Hamilton and appeared in the Off-Broadway musical White Girl in Danger earlier this year.
He now replaces Brandon A. McCall, who plays his final performance as Simba on September 24. The current cast of The Lion King also includes Stephen Carlile as Scar, L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa, Tshidi Manye as Rafiki, Nick LaMedica as Zazu, Ben Jeffrey as Pumbaa, Fred Berman as Timon, Pearl Khwezi as Nala, James Brown-Orleans as Bonzai, Bonita J. Hamilton as Shenzi, and Robb Sapp as Ed.
Based on the hit Disney movie, The Lion King follows the young lion cub Simba as he grows up to take his rightful place as King of the Pride Lands, succeeding his father as a just ruler. The Tony Award-winning Best Musical celebrated its 25th anniversary on Broadway in 2022.
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Photo credit: Vincent Jamal Hooper. (Photo courtesy of Disney Theatrical Productions)
Frequently asked questions
What is The Lion King about?
Based on the animated Disney classic, The Lion King features hit Elton John songs like "Circle of Life," "Hakuna Matata" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" Witness the story of a lion cub following in his father's royal footsteps, brought to life with awe-inspiring puppetry evocative of the African savannah. Learn more about tickets to the six-time Tony-winning Best Musical.
Where is The Lion King playing?
The Lion King is playing at Minskoff Theatre. The theatre is located at 200 West 45th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.
How long is The Lion King?
The running time of The Lion King is 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 intermission.
What's the age requirement for The Lion King?
The recommended age for The Lion King is Ages 6+..
How do you book tickets for The Lion King?
Book tickets for The Lion King on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote The Lion King?
The Lion King features music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. The script is by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, who adapted it from the Disney film's screenplay by Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton.
What songs are in The Lion King on Broadway?
The Lion King's songs include all the film favorites, such as "The Circle of Life," "Be Prepared," "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." There are also multiple songs written specifically for the musical. Learn more about all the songs in The Lion King on Broadway.
Is The Lion King appropriate for kids?
The Lion King is recommended for ages 6 and up. Like the movie, the musical's content is appropriate for all ages, but very young children might get restless due to the show's length. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
When did The Lion King open on Broadway?
The Lion King opened in October 1997. The musical is now the third-longest-running Broadway show of all time.
Who directed The Lion King on Broadway?
Julie Taymor directs The Lion King on Broadway. She won two Tony Awards for her work, which included designing the show's unique puppets.
Is The Lion King on Broadway different from the movie?
The Lion King musical is mostly the same as the movie. The plot is the same, but the musical features multiple additional songs beyond the ones from the film. Additionally, one of the main characters, Rafiki, is a female character, whereas the character was male in the film.
Is The Lion King good?
The Lion King has been running for 25 years and counting and is among the best-reviewed shows on New York Theatre Guide. Our five-star 20th-anniversary review reads, "The Lion King continues to be a wonderful evening at the theatre. You will laugh, cry and marvel at all the beauty around."
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