Disney's 'The Lion King' holds children's casting call

MANILA, Philippines - BASE Entertainment Asia, together with the Singapore Repertory Theatre, has announced an open audition to fill two key roles for the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, The Lion King, which is set to make its Southeast Asia debut in March 2011. The finalists will join The Lion King’s Singapore production, which will feature a new company of performers auditioned from around the world.

Six talented and lucky candidates aged 8 to 13 selected from Singapore or the Philippines will be given the chance of a lifetime to star in a major award-winning Broadway production on the grand theater stage of Marina Bay Sands. The roles offered are those of African Lion cubs Simba and Nala.

Kids who audition must be able to sing, dance and act, and singing experience required.

Auditions will be held on Sunday, Sept. 5, from 2 p.m. onwards at the Singapore Repertory Theatre, Robertson Walk #02-08, 11 Unity Street, Singapore. To register for the auditions, please e-mail a headshot and resume to: LionKingAuditons@srt.com.sg no later than Sept. 1

Rehearsals will commence January 2011.

This production of The Lion King, brought into Singapore by BASE Entertainment, is being developed specifically for the region and Marina Bay Sands’ theater while maintaining the original Broadway-quality standards, spectacular music, beautiful sets, dance and intricate costumes that have made it a worldwide phenomenon.

Milan Rokic, vice president and managing director of BASE Entertainment Asia, said, “BASE Entertainment has just set up a subsidiary in Singapore so we are excited to open the state-of-the-art theater at Marina Bay Sands with Disney Theatrical Group’s The Lion King, one of the most spectacular Broadway shows in history. The show has a tremendous reputation throughout the entertainment industry and we anticipate a strong demand for The Lion King in Singapore from locals and visitors alike.”

The chosen candidates will star alongside the full cast for the musical, which is comprised of the cream of Lion King performers from around the world, including veterans of the acclaimed London and Paris productions. The final cast of 49 will hail from eight countries and five continents and, as in virtually every company of The Lion King, the Singapore cast will include South African members, in keeping with the show’s spirit of authenticity.

“The Singapore Repertory Theatre is thrilled to be involved with Disney Theatrical Group in finding the right talent for what is slated to be the landmark Broadway event for Southeast Asia, putting Singapore on the map as the arts hub for the region. We look forward to finding local talent and growing their careers in what will be a spectacular introduction, via The Lion King, to the arts and Broadway productions,” says Gaurav Kripalani, artistic director, The Singapore Repertory Theatre.  

Brilliantly re-imagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney’s beloved film has been transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience which has been seen by over 50 million people around the world and won over 70 major international theater awards. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba — the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. 

Singapore will join other leading cities hosting The Lion King including New York, London, Hamburg, North American tour, Tokyo and Las Vegas, when the show is unveiled next year.

Tickets go on sale in October 2010.