LION KING – AUDITIONS!

THE AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION – CASTING BRIEF

THE LION KING is the multi award winning musical based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name.  THE LION KING will open at the Capitol Theatre Sydney in December 2013.
Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the fifth longest-running musical in Broadway history and only the second show to produce five productions running 10 or more years.
Tony Award® winning director Julie Taymor leads the creative team, with choreography by Garth Fagan. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.
The score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music, with additional musical material by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer. Associate Director is John Stefaniuk, Associate Choreographer is Marey Griffith and Music Supervisor is Clement Ishmael.

SEEKING: PRINCIPAL ROLES

NOTE: ALL PRINCIPALS SHOULD BE PHYSICALLY LIMBER AND MUST MOVE WELL.

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PERFORMERS OF ALL CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS TO BE SUBMITTED.

SCAR: To play a male lion in his mid 30’s – mid 40’s. Mufasa’s brother and Simba’s uncle. Evil and maniacal but still capable of humor and high style. Scar will do anything to be the King of the Pridelands. This role requires an exceptional actor (Classical training is helpful) who is also a character singer.
MUFASA: To play a strong, masculine male lion in his mid 30’s – mid 40’s. The King of the African Pridelands. Regal, omnipotent and powerful. Must have a physical strength and have an excellent, rich baritone voice.
RAFIKI: To play female in her late 20’s – mid 40’s. A soulful, but comedic, African female baboon. Sings “The Circle of Life”. Must possess an excellent, rich unique South African style belt voice.
ADULT SIMBA: To play male in his late teens – early 30’s. Male actor/singer to play the African lion, Simba. This actor must have sex appeal, charm and an urban sensibility as well as a strong pop/rock singing voice. Should be a high baritone and able to sing to an “A”. Must be in excellent physical condition and dance and/or move very well. Should be 5’8” – 6’2”.
ADULT NALA: To play female in her late teens – late 20’s. Female actor/singer to play Nala, a very attractive African lion with sex appeal and charm. Should have excellent pop belt to an “E.” Must be in excellent physical shape and have great strength and presence. Must dance/and or move well.
TIMON: To play male in his late 20’s – mid 40’s. A meerkat. Wise cracking, New York urban comic character actor. Stand-up comedy experience is a plus. No taller than 5’8”. Character singer. Actor must move well and be comfortable operating a puppet.
PUMBAA: To play male in his late 20’s – mid 40’s. Timon’s sidekick. Not so bright but loveable warthog. Should also have strong comedic skills. Somewhat larger frame or body type is preferred. Character singer. A gravelly distinctive voice is good.
ZAZU: To play male in his early 30’s – mid 40’s. A parrot-like bird (or a hornbill). A proper and somewhat befuddled, English butler with a cynical outlook on life but completely dedicated to the king. Actor must possess strong comedic skills.
Character singer. This actor must be comfortable operating a puppet.
SHENZI (Female), BANZAI (Male) AND ED (Male): To play in their mid 20’s – mid 30’s.
Funny, maniacal hyenas. Street smart and urban. Must have strong rock and roll singing voices. Actors must move well and be comfortable operating puppets. Ed will also cover Timon and Zazu.

SEEKING: ENSEMBLE

NOTE: WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE DANCERS AND SINGERS OF ALL CULTURAL
BACKGROUNDS TO BE SUBMITTED.

DANCERS:
– Strong male and female dancers with a modern/ballet dance background—late teens to early 30’s. Some male dancers require strong acrobatic skills.
– Two female dance swings and two male dance swings required.
SINGERS:
– Strong male and female singers who move very well—late teens – mid 40’s.
– Two female singer swings and two male singer swings required.

KEY INFORMATION

AUDITION DATES (subject to change)

1st Round AUDITIONS:

Sydney: Week commencing 14 January 2013
Auckland: Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th January 2013
Melbourne: Week commencing 21 January 2013
Further auditions will be held at the beginning of April 2013 and final auditions will be held mid May 2013. Rehearsals commence in Sydney in October 2013. Run of Play Australia contracts will be offered.
SUBMISSION PROCESS
All submissions are to be emailed to Leanne Cherny, Casting Director of THE LION KING at
Submissions must include a biography stating age range, height and nationality, a headshot/photo, the suggested role/s, and the audition city.

Submissions due by: Friday 30th November 2012