Disney’s THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino welcomes Phindile Mkhize, Dashaun Young and Samantha Ware to the cast of the Las Vegas production this summer.
South African native Mkhize takes the stage as Rafiki Monday, July 4 after touring with THE LION KING for eight years. Mkhize has traveled to Germany, Australia, Holland and Amsterdam performing and sharing her talents. Past credits include The Lion King: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Sarafina 2, Mama, Maria, Maria and WozaMyFohloza.
A LION KING veteran, Young began his role as Simba in Las Vegas Thursday, June 23 following performances in London, Broadway and the National Tour. As a graduate of California State University, Fullerton, Young is no stranger to the West Coast. Young has performed with Hairspray, Legends, The Scottsboro Boys, Emerald Man, Aida, Hello, Dolly! and Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Broadway newcomer Ware debuted with THE LION KING Monday, June 13. Ware, 19, hails from Lincoln, Neb. where she was a student at Doane College. Her recent roles include Mimi in Rent and Velma in Chicago, both at City Stage in Union Station in Kansas City, Mo.
The Las Vegas production of Lion King is virtually identical in production music, sets and costumes as the other worldwide productions. The show opened at Mandalay Bay on May 15, 2009.