Stephen Carlile makes Broadway debut in The Lion King

Disney Theatrical's Broadway production of The Lion King welcomed a new principal cast member last night, as West End alum Stephen Carlile made his Broadway debut as Scar. Derek Smith played his final performance in the role on January 29.

Stephen Carlile previously originated the role of Scar on the First National UK Tour. His West End credits include 'The Go-Between,' 'The Producers,' 'The Phantom of the Opera' and 'Snoopy! The Musical.' Other UK theatre credits include 'My Fair Lady,' 'Twelfth Night,' 'By Jeeves,' 'Don Giovanni' and 'Over My Shoulder.'

The principal adult cast of The Lion King currently includes Jelani Remy (Simba), Adrienne Walker (Nala), Stephen Carlile (Scar), L. Steven Taylor (Mufasa), Tshidi Manye (Rafiki), Cameron Pow (Zazu), Ben Jeffrey (Pumbaa), Fred Berman (Timon), James Brown-Orleans (Banzai), Bonita J. Hamilton (Shenzi), and Enrique Segura (Ed).

Directed by Julie Taymor and choreographed by Garth Fagan, The Lion King originally opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on November 13, 1997, following previews from October 15. On June 13, 2006, the musical moved to its current home - the Minskoff Theatre. It is currently booking through to August 13, 2017.

The Lion King features a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, with additional musical material by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer.

The musical tells the story of the epic adventures of a young lion cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role as king.

The creative team for The Lion King features scenic design by Richard Hudson, costume design by Julie Taymor, lighting design by Donald Holder, and sound design by Steve Canyon Kennedy. Masks are co-designed by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry, who also functions as puppet co-designer.

The Lion King won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical.

Stephen Carlile