After playing to packed houses and standing ovations in Manila for almost two months, the first international tour of the world’s no. 1 musical is extending its season, adding one final week of shows.

Disney’s “The Lion King” will now close in Manila on May 27.

“The Lion King” is presented by Michael Cassel Group and Concertus Manila in association with Disney Theatrical Productions. The production’s co-presenting sponsors in Manila are Globe and Visa.

The principal cast of includes Ntsepa Pitjeng who returns to the role of Rafiki, having performed the role in the USA, UK, Brazil, and Switzerland productions. Direct from London’s West End production is Mthokozisi Emkay Khanyile in the role of Mufasa.

Also from the United Kingdom is music theater performer Antony Lawrence as Scar. Australian actor André Jewson plays Zazu; the charismatic New Zealand-born performer Jamie McGregor plays Timon, and South African favorite Pierre van Heerden returns as Pumbaa.

Joining the company are six actors from the Philippines. Sharing the role of Young Simba are Julien Joshua M. Dolor Jr., Gabriel P. Tiongson, and Omar Sharief L. Uddin; and Young Nala is played by Sheena Kirtsten Bentoy, Uma Naomi Martin and Felicity Kyle Napuli.

Rounding out the principal cast are South African performers Calvyn Grandling playing the much-loved role of Simba; Noxolo Dlamini as Nala; Candida Mosoma returns as Shenzi; Björn Blignaut as Banzai; and Mark Tatham as Ed.

“The Lion King” ensemble includes Chachano Báez, Dayan Kingsley Beukes, Tertia Coetzee-Dippenaar, Viridiana Cortés, Felipe Flores, Jabulani Gambu, Liso Gcwabe, Sheila Hernández, Phumelele Jili, Kudzai Christine Kapswarah, Amanda Kunene, Sfiso Matlala, Lungile Mkhize, Fumane Moeketsi, Noluyanda Mqulwana, Zodwa Mrasi, Lwazi Mzimase, Zolina Ngejane, Thato Nkwe, Thabani Ntuli, Peace Nzirawa, Nonofo Olekeng, Angeles Reyes, Khanyisani Shoba, Phumelele Sikhakhane, Romy Jo Swales, Clifford Tlomatsana, Vuyelwa Tshona, Tlholo Tsotetsi, Benn Welford, Zi-Rong Wu, Daniel Zazueta, Monde Zondi, and Sandile Zondi.

After the Philippines, the international tour of “The Lion King” heads to Singapore, Korea and Taiwan with more engagements to be announced soon.

For further information, visit TheLionKing.ph