In Toronto’s Lion King production: Filipino-Canadian cast as young Simba

In Toronto’s Lion King production: Filipino-Canadian cast as young Simba

Twelve-year-old Filipino-Canadian Ira Nabong

By Mari-Len De Guzman

Twelve-year-old Filipino-Canadian Ira Nabong has been cast to play young Simba in the upcoming Toronto production of Disney’s The Lion King.

Mirvish Productions announced the new cast of the Tony Award-winning musical on July 18, with Ira as one of three young male actors playing young Simba. The other two are Lucien Duncan-Reid and Oliver Woon. South African actor Aphiwe Nyezi will play the role of adult Simba.

“After an extensive seven-month search across Canada and abroad, we are delighted to be offering the professional debuts of many new actors, and, for already established actors, an opportunity to be part of this truly one-of-a-kind production,” David Mirvish said in a statement.

Ira is among 51 actors cast for the new sit-down production of the Lion King, the second such production since March 2000. Toronto is the only city in North America to host a second sit-down production of the Lion King, according to Mirvish.

“I’m so excited to be part of this amazing production,” said Ira, recalling the day he got the call from the casting team to inform him that he got the part. “I was so nervous. The Lion King has been one of my favourite movies growing up, and now to be part of it, and play young Simba is such an honour and privilege.”

Born in Newmarket, Ontario, Ira is the youngest child of Dennis and Irene Nabong, and little brother to two older siblings, Iden and Iesha. He is a member of Bradford, Ont.-based Magic in Moments Performing Arts’ (MIMPA) competition team and has performed in several MIMPA productions, including Aladdin, 101 Dalmatians and Tuck Everlasting.

Ira began his journey in the performing arts in 2022, and immediately became a favourite in competitions, winning numerous awards and accolades, including MIMPA’s Most Outstanding Dancer in 2023 and Most Outstanding Triple Threat Performer in 2024, Broadway Bound award at the 2023 Shooting Star competition in Ontario, Best Junior Dancer at Access Broadway’s 2024 competition in Pittsburgh, and Best Junior Vocalist at Access Broadway Nationals Dollywood 2024.

Ira and the rest of the Lion King cast will begin rehearsals in Toronto in September. He says he understands he will have to work extra hard to ensure that he is still on top of his school work despite the busy rehearsal schedules.

“My parents have been very supportive in helping me manage my time, and I am so thankful to them. School will always be my priority so I will make sure that I always spend enough time to do my homework,” Ira said.

The Lion King will open at the Princess of Wales Theatre on Nov. 2, 2024. The multi awarded musical debuted in Toronto in 2000 with a record-breaking 1,567 performances at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The sit-down show closed in 2004. Since then, the Lion King touring productions visited Toronto three times in 2011, 2014 and 2019.