audition sides lion king - St. Joseph School...

Rafiki

�1

Reading for Rafiki:

SIMBA She's wrong. I can't go back. What would it prove, anyway? It won't change anything.

(SIMBA sits. The silence is interrupted by an odd little tune.)

RAFIKI (offstage)

TAMATISO, A SO, A HELELE MA…

(Dances on and taunts SIMBA)

TAMATISO, A SO, A HELELE MA…

SIMBA Will ya cut it out?

RAFIKI Can't cut it out. It'll grow right back!

(SIMBA walks away. RAFIKI follows.)

TAMATISO, A SO, A HELELE MA… TAMATISO, A SO -

SIMBA Who are you?

RAFIKI The question is: Who are you?

SIMBA I thought I knew. Now I'm not so sure.

RAFIKI I know who you are. You're Mufasa's boy.

SIMBA You knew my father?

RAFIKI Correction. I know your father.

SIMBA I hate to tell you this, but my father died a

long time ago.

RAFIKI Nope. Wrong again! He's alive! I'll show him

to you. Shhhh... Look down there.

(SIMBA anxiously, cautiously approaches a pool of water. He looks in and sees the

reflection of a lion.)

SIMBA That's not my father. It's just my reflection.

RAFIKI No... Look harder…

• 5th through 8th grade male or female • Role includes: Singing, acting, and speaking • Featured solos in: “The Circle of Life” and “He Lives in You”

Role Description: Rafiki is a wise mandrill who acts as healer of the Pridelands and guides Simba on his journey home. He or she is an omniscient character (a character who knows everything), giving an air of mystery. We are looking for a confident performer who can embody a powerful presence, and a strong singer that can lead the African chants throughout the show.

Mufasa

�2

MUFASA Well, there’s a lot more to being a king than

getting your way all the time.

YOUNG SIMBA (pointing in the distance)

Dad, what are those birds over there?

MUFASA They’re buzzards.

YOUNG SIMBA They’re scary. Why don’t you chase ‘em

away?

MUFASA I don’t have to. They’re doing what they’re supposed to do. You see, Simba, everything

exists in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all

creatures from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope.

YOUNG SIMBA But Dad, don’t we eat the antelope?

MUFASA Yes, but when we die, our bodies become the

grass, and the antelope eat the grass. Everything is connected in the great circle of

life.

Reading for Mufasa:

MUFASA (looks out over the Pridelands)

Look, Simba: Everything the light touches is our kingdom.

YOUNG SIMBA Wow…

MUFASA A king’s time as ruler rises

and falls like the sun. One day, Simba, the sun will set on my time here and will rise with you as the new king.

YOUNG SIMBA And this’ll all be mine?

MUFASA Everything

YOUNG SIMBA (in awe)

Everything the light touches... (looks off in the distance)

What about that shadowy place way out there?

MUFASA That’s beyond our borders.

You must never go there, Simba.

YOUNG SIMBA But I thought a king can do whatever he wants.

• 6th through 8th grade male • Role includes: Speaking, acting, and singing • Featured solo in: “They Live in You”

Role Description: Mufasa is the strong, honorable, and wise lion who leads the Pridelands. Mufasa should command respect onstage and also show tenderness with his son, Simba. We are looking for a strong, mature actor who can convincingly portray the king.

Sarabi

�3

Reading for Sarabi:

SCAR Sarabi!!!

(SARABI enters with head held high and walks the gauntlet of hostile HYENAS.)

Where is your hunting party? They’re not doing their job.

SARABI Scar, there is no food. The herds have moved on. We must leave Pride Rock.

SCAR We’re not going anywhere.

SARABI Then you are sentencing us to death.

SCAR So be it.

SARABI If you were half the king Mufasa was-

SCAR I am ten times the king Mufasa was!

• 5th through 8th grade female • Role includes: Speaking, acting, and ensemble singing

Role Description: Sarabi is Mufasa’s mate, Simba’s mother, and a featured lioness. We are looking for an actress who can deliver Sarabi’s few key speaking lines with the command of a queen. Sarabi will also be a part of the lioness group, and will therefore be cast as either a lioness ensemble singer or a lioness dancer.

Zazu

�4

YOUNG NALA Yeah. It'd be too weird.

ZAZU Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but you two

turtle doves have no choice. It's a tradition going back generations.

YOUNG SIMBA Well, when I'm king, that'll be the first thing

to go.

ZAZU Not as long as I'm around.

YOUNG SIMBA In that case, you're fired.

ZAZU Nice try. But only the king can do that.

YOUNG NALA Well, he is the future king.

YOUNG SIMBA Yeah! So you have to do what I tell you!

ZAZU Not yet , I don't! And with an attitude like

that, I'm afraid you will be a pretty pathetic king, indeed!

YOUNG SIMBA Not the way I see it!

Reading for Zazu:

ZAZU Step lively! The sooner we get to the waterhole,

the sooner we can leave!

(SIMBA and NALA whisper conspiratorially.)

YOUNG NALA So where're we really goin’?

YOUNG SIMBA An elephant graveyard.

YOUNG NALA (loudly)

Wow!

YOUNG SIMBA Shhhh! Zazu…

YOUNG NALA Right. So how're we gonna ditch the dodo?

(YOUNG SIMBA and YOUNG NALA huddle. ZAZU, thrilled, flies to them.)

ZAZU Oh, just look! Little seeds of romance

blossoming in the savanna! And one day you two will be married!

YOUNG SIMBA, YOUNG NALA Yuck! Eewwww!

YOUNG SIMBA I can't marry her. She's my friend.

• 4th through 8th grade male or female • Role includes: Speaking and acting

Role Description: Zazu is the anxious, yet loyal assistant to Mufasa who is always busy trying to do his duty. Zazu’s lyrics in the songs are spoken rather than sung. We are looking for an actor or actress that can convincingly portray this fretful hornbill from the start of the show to the finish.

Scar

�5

YOUNG SIMBAWhy not?

SCAR An elephant graveyard is no place for a young

prince.

YOUNG SIMBAAn elephant what?

SCAR Oops.

YOUNG SIMBAWhoa!

SCAR Oh dear, I've said too much. Well, I suppose you'd

have found out sooner or later - you being so clever and all. Just promise me you'll never visit

that dreadful place.

YOUNG SIMBANo problem, Uncle Scar.

SCAR There's a good lad. You run along now and have

fun. And remember: It's our little secret.

Reading for Scar:

(SCAR lounges in the shade. YOUNG SIMBA enters.)

YOUNG SIMBAHey, Uncle Scar! Guess what?

I'm gonna be king of Pride Rock!

SCAR Oh, goodie. Well, forgive me for not leaping for joy.

Bad back, you know.

YOUNG SIMBAMy dad just showed me the whole kingdom!

And I'm gonna rule it all!

SCAR(scheming)

Really? He didn't show you what's beyond that rise at the northern border, did he?

YOUNG SIMBAWell, no. He said I can't go there.

SCAR And he's absolutely right! It's far too dangerous.

Only the bravest of lions go there.

YOUNG SIMBAWell, I'm brave. What's out there?

SCAR I'm sorry, Simba... I just can't tell you.

• 5th through 8th grade male • Role includes: Speaking, acting, and singing • Featured solo in: “Be Prepared,” but lyrics may be spoken if the actor is not a confident singer

Role Description: Scar is the antagonist of the show, overcome with jealousy of his brother, Mufasa, and nephew, Simba. Coldhearted and wickedly intelligent, he will stop at nothing to become king of the Pridelands. We are looking for a mature performer who can bring out this villain’s dark side while handling his sarcastic sense of humor.

Young Simba

�6

• 4th through 6th grade male • Role includes: Singing, speaking, and acting • Featured solos in: “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and “Hakuna Matata (Part 1)”

Role Description: Young Simba is the protagonist of the story. He is an adventurous and endearing cub who can’t wait to be king of the Pridelands. Simba is playful, energetic, and naive, but after his father Mufasa’s death, Simba struggles with shame and his destiny. We are looking for a strong singer and a dynamic performer for this role.

Reading for Young Simba:






YOUNG NALA (loudly)

Wow!












to go.









Simba

�7

NALA Why?

SIMBA It doesn’t matter. Hakuna matata.

NALA What?

SIMBA Hakuna matata. It’s something I learned out

here. Look, sometimes bad things happen and there’s nothing you can do about it. So

why worry?

NALA What’s happened to you? You’re not the

Simba I remember.

SIMBA You’re right. I’m not. Are you satisfied?!?

NALA No. Just disappointed.

SIMBA You know, you’re beginning to sound like my

father.

NALA Good! At least one of us does!

Reading for Simba:

SIMBA Isn’t this a great place?

NALA It is beautiful.

SIMBA And there’s lots more you haven’t even seen

yet.

NALA Simba, I don’t understand. You’ve been alive all

this time. Why didn’t you come back to Pride Rock?

SIMBA And leave paradise?

NALA Simba, Scar let the hyenas take over the

Pridelands!

SIMBA What?!?

NALA Everything’s destroyed. There’s no food, no

water. If we go back together, we can do something about it.

SIMBA I can’t go back.

• 5th through 8th grade male • Role includes: Singing, speaking, and acting • Featured solos in: “Hakuna Matata (Part 2)” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”

Role Description: Simba grows from a cub to a lion in “Hakuna Matata.” Older Simba has more complex moments as he reunites with Nala, mourns his father, and returns to confront Scar. We are looking for a mature actor that can portray these more complex moments.

Young Nala

�8





to go.









Reading for Young Nala:






YOUNG NALA (loudly)

Wow!








• 4th through 6th grade female • Role includes: Speaking, acting, and ensemble singing • Some solo lines in: “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”

Role Description: Young Nala is a courageous lion and Young Simba’s best friend. She is not afraid to speak her mind. We are looking for a strong young performer to portray this confident cub.

Nala

�9

NALA Why?

SIMBA It doesn’t matter. Hakuna matata.

NALA What?

SIMBA Hakuna matata. It’s something I learned out

here. Look, sometimes bad things happen and there’s nothing you can do about it. So

why worry?

NALA What’s happened to you? You’re not the

Simba I remember.

SIMBA You’re right. I’m not. Are you satisfied?!?

NALA No. Just disappointed.

SIMBA You know, you’re beginning to sound like my

father.

NALA Good! At least one of us does!

Reading for Nala:

SIMBA Isn’t this a great place?

NALA It is beautiful.

SIMBA And there’s lots more you haven’t even seen

yet.

NALA Simba, I don’t understand. You’ve been alive all

this time. Why didn’t you come back to Pride Rock?

SIMBA And leave paradise?

NALA Simba, Scar let the hyenas take over the

Pridelands!

SIMBA What?!?

NALA Everything’s destroyed. There’s no food, no

water. If we go back together, we can do something about it.

SIMBA I can’t go back.

• 5th through 8th grade female • Role includes: Singing, speaking, and acting • Featured solos in: “Shadowland” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”

Role Description: Nala grows from a cub to a lioness before she confronts Scar. We are looking for a more mature actress who can portray this complex role with grace, and a confident singer who can sing with great emotion.

Shenzi

�10

BANZAIMufasa Mufasa Mufasa Mufasa…

(SHENZI shudders as BANZAI and ED laugh uncontrollably.)

SCARI'm surrounded by idiots.

BANZAIHey, did'ja bring us anything to eat, Scar old

buddy, old pal? Huh?

SHENZI, BANZAIDid’ja-did'ja-did'ja?

SCARI don't think you really deserve this. I practically

gift-wrapped those cubs for you!

(SCAR tosses his carrion to the HYENAS, who dive in and eat voraciously, speaking with their

mouths full.)

SHENZI Well, ya know, it wasn't like they were exactly

alone, Scar.

BANZAIYeah, what were we supposed to do, kill Mufasa?

SCARPrecisely.

• 4th through 8th grade female • Role includes: Speaking and acting

Role Description: Shenzi is one of Scar’s hyenas who plot to take over the Pridelands. She is the sassy one of the trio and is always looking out for herself. With Banzai and Ed, she should be able to laugh loudly and long, as well as be menacing to Young Simba and Young Nala.

Reading for Shenzi:

BANZAIThat lousy Mufasa. I won't be able to sit for a week!

SHENZI If it weren't for those pushy lions, we'd be running

the joint!

EDHee-hee-hee….

(#10 SCAR ENTERS. SCAR emerges from the shadows with a scrap of carrion.)

SCAROh, surely we lions are not all that bad.

(The HYENAS gasp... until they recognize SCAR and heave sighs of relief.)

BANZAIOh, Scar. It's just you.

SHENZI Yeah, we were afraid it was somebody important.

BANZAIYeah, you know - like Mufasa.

SHENZI Oh, I just hear that name and I shudder.

Banzai

�11

• 4th through 8th grade male • Role includes: Speaking and acting

Role Description: Banzai is a slick yet childish hyena who works for Scar. He would be the leader of the group if hyenas weren’t so lazy. We are looking for an outgoing and confident actor who can portray Banzai’s nastiness and gruffness. As he is one of three featured hyenas, he must work well acting in a trio.

BANZAI Mufasa Mufasa Mufasa Mufasa…



BANZAI Hey, did'ja bring us anything to eat, Scar old






mouths full.)


alone, Scar.

BANZAI Yeah, what were we supposed to do, kill Mufasa?

SCARPrecisely.

Reading for Banzai:

BANZAI That lousy Mufasa. I won't be able to sit for a week!


the joint!

EDHee-hee-hee….




BANZAI Oh, Scar. It's just you.


BANZAI Yeah, you know - like Mufasa.


ed

�12

• 4th through 8th grade male or female • Role includes: Acting

Role Description: Ed is the third member of Scar’s trio of lackeys. He has a loud, cackling laugh that is his only form of communication. We are looking for an actor or actress who can laugh unabashedly and communicate through physicality and facial expressions rather than words.

Reading for Ed:

BANZAI That lousy Mufasa. I won't be able to sit for a week!


the joint!

ED Hee-hee-hee….




BANZAI Oh, Scar. It's just you.


BANZAI Yeah, you know - like Mufasa.


BANZAI Mufasa Mufasa Mufasa Mufasa…



BANZAI Hey, did'ja bring us anything to eat, Scar old






mouths full.)


alone, Scar.

BANZAI Yeah, what were we supposed to do, kill Mufasa?

SCAR

Timon

�13

PUMBAA Aw, Timon - look at him. He's so cute and all

alone. Can we keep him?

TIMON Pumbaa, are you nuts? You're talking about a

lion! Lions east guys like us!

PUMBAA But he's so little.

TIMON He's gonna get bigger!

PUMBAA Maybe he'll be on our side!

TIMON That's the stupidest thing I ever heard.

(light bulb)

Hey! I've got it! What if he's on our side? Ya know, havin' a lion around might not be such

a bad idea!

• 4th through 8th grade male or female • Role includes: Singing, speaking, and acting • Featured solos in: “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” and “Luau Hawaiian Treat” (duet)

Role Description: Timon is an outcast meerkat who lives in the jungle with Pumbaa. He is afraid of his own shadow, but pretends to be the confident, relaxed leader of the duo. Timon is one of the funniest characters in the show. We are looking for a charismatic actor or actress who understands comedic timing.

Reading for Timon:

TIMON, PUMBAA (offstage, war-whooping)

Eeeee-yaaaaa!

(PUMBAA and TIMON enter and charge at the birds, which scatter.)

TIMON Get out! Get out! Get out of here!

PUMBAA I love this! Bowlin' for buzzards!

(sniffs YOUNG SIMBA)

Uh-oh. Hey, Timon, ya better come look. I think it's still alive.

TIMON All righty... what have we got here?

(realizing)

Yikes, it's a lion! Run, Pumbaa! Move it!

Pumbaa

�14

• 4th through 8th grade male or female • Role includes: Singing, speaking, and acting • Featured solos in: “Hakuna Matata,” and “Luau Hawaiian Treat” (duet)

Role Description: Pumbaa is a kindhearted, sensitive warthog who enjoys his simple life of grubs and relaxation. We are looking for an actor or actress who can portray this lovable and loyal friend to Timon and Simba with deadpan humor.

Reading for Pumbaa:

TIMON, PUMBAA (offstage, war-whooping)

Eeeee-yaaaaa!

(PUMBAA and TIMON enter and charge at the birds, which scatter.)

TIMON Get out! Get out! Get out of here!

PUMBAA I love this! Bowlin' for buzzards!

(sniffs YOUNG SIMBA)

Uh-oh. Hey, Timon, ya better come look. I think it's still alive.

TIMON All righty... what have we got here?

(realizing)

Yikes, it's a lion! Run, Pumbaa! Move it!

PUMBAA Aw, Timon - look at him. He's so cute and all

alone. Can we keep him?

TIMON Pumbaa, are you nuts? You're talking about a

lion! Lions east guys like us!

PUMBAA But he's so little.

TIMON He's gonna get bigger!

PUMBAA Maybe he'll be on our side!

TIMON That's the stupidest thing I ever heard.

(light bulb)

Hey! I've got it! What if he's on our side? Ya know, havin' a lion around might not be such

a bad idea!

audition sides lion king - St. Joseph School...

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