Character Breakdown
Villagers
Some villagers will play many roles in the story, from animals of the Pridelands (such as giraffes, elephants, lionesses, etc.) to hyenas to wildebeest.
Rafikis
A wise madrill who acts as healer of the Pridelands and guides Simba on his journey home. The Rafiki narrators - five aspects of one character - are the five leading villagers who become the story's narrators. They are key to the storytelling, and should be played by confident performers who are able to enunciate and project, so look for strong singers, as together they sing sections of "He Lives in You" and "Cricle of Life with Nants' Ingonyama." There is an air of mystery to Rafiki, who seemingly knows all.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: C4
Mufasa
The strong, honorable, and wise lion who leads the Pridelands. Mufasa should command respect onstage and also show tenderness with his son, Simba.
Gender: Male
Sarabi
A featured lioness, Mufasa's mate, and Simba's mother.
Gender: Female
Zazu
The anxious yet loyal assistant to Mufasa who is always busy trying to do his duty. Zazu's lyrics are spoken rather than sung, and the role can be played by a boy or girl.
Gender: Both
Scar
The antagonist of the show, overcome with jealousy of his brother, Mufasa, and nephew, Simba. Coldhearted and wickedly intelligent, he will stop at nothing to become king of the Pridelands.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: B4
Vocal range bottom: B3
Young Simba
The protagonist of the story, is an adventurous and endearing cub who can't wait to be king of the Pridelands. Simba is playful, energetic, and naive, but after his father Mufasa's death, Simba struggles with shame and his destiny.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Simba
Grows from a cub to lion in "Hakuna Matata." Older Simba has more complex moments as he reunites with Nala, mourns his father, and returns to confront Scar. Try having Young Simba hand-off a costume piece, such as a medallion, to older Simba.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Young Nala
A courageous lion and Young Simba's best friend. She is not afraid to speak her mind. While Young Nala does sing a little.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: C4
Nala
Grows from a cub to a lioness before she confronts Scar, so cast a more mature actress. As with Young Simba and older Simba.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Banzai
A slick yet childish hyena who works for Scar. He would be the leader of the group if hyenas weren't so lazy.
Gender: Male
Shenzi
One of Scar's hyenas who plot to take over the Pridelands. She is the sassy one of the trio and is always looking out for herself. With Banzai and Ed, she should be able to laugh loudly and long, as well as be menacing to Young Simba and Young Nala.
Gender: Female
Ed
The third member of Scar's trio of lackeys. He has a loud, cackling laugh that is his only form of communication. This role can be played by a boy or girl.
Gender: Both
Hyenas
Scar's army, helping carry out his evil plot to take over the Pridelands. Hyenas are mangy, mindless creatures who sing in "Be Prepared." Your hyenas can double as animals of the Pridelands or lionesses.
Gender: Both
Timon
An outcast meerkat who lives in the jungle with Pumbaa. He is afraid of his own shadow, but pretends to be the confident, relaxed leader of the duo. Timon is one of the funniest characters in the show and should be played by a charismatic actor who understands comic timing. This part can be played by a boy or a girl.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Pumbaa
A kindhearted, sensitive warthog who enjoys his simple life of grubs and relaxation. Cast a boy or girl who can portray this loveable and loyal friend to Timon and Simba with deadpan humor.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: B3
