Broadway’s “The Lion King” will welcome Blakely Slaybaugh as Zazu, beginning March 25. Slaybaugh takes over the role from Cameron Pow, who will perform his final show at the Minskoff Theatre on March 23. Pow has played multiple stints as the hornbill since 2009.
Additionally, Leela Chopra and Juliana Martínez will join the cast, alternating as Young Nala, starting Feb. 18.
Slaybaugh’s Broadway credits include “Back to the Future” and “Paramour.” His national tour experience includes “Shrek” and “Cinderella.” He won a Helen Hayes Award for his performance in “The Pajama Game” at Arena Stage and has worked for institutions like Tribeca Film Festival, the Kennedy Center and Goodspeed.
Chopra previously appeared in the national tour of “Anastasia.” Martínez is best known as the voice of Nina in Netflix’s series “Cocomelon.”
Casting is by ARC/Mark Brandon.
“The Lion King” is produced by Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart and Thomas Schumacher.
