The Broadway production of “The Lion King” has announced an incoming principal player. Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi will take her first bow in the role of Rafiki on Dec. 10 at the Minskoff Theatre, for a limited engagement through summer 2025, with an exact end date to be announced. Pitjeng-Molebatsi takes over for Tshidi Manye, who, having exited the production in October, will step back into the role next summer. Manye is a longtime cast member, having played several long tenures as Rafiki since January 2004; she initially performed in the 2000 Toronto production.
While “The Lion King” at the Minskoff will mark the Broadway debut of Pitjeng-Molebatsi, she is an alum of the Julie Tayor-directed musical. Pitjeng-Molebatsi appeared in the ensemble and understudied Rafiki in the Las Vegas sit-down production, in addition to appearances in global “Lion King” stagings in Brazil, China, the United Kingdom and France.
Based on the 1994 animated film of the same name and featuring music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, “The Lion King” opened on Broadway on Nov. 13, 1997. The production was nominated for 11 Tony Awards, winning six, including the trophy for Best Musical. “The Lion King” is the third-longest-running show in Broadway history.
“The Lion King” is produced by Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart and Thomas Schumacher.
