Aaron Chao
Young Simba
Aaron Chao (Young Simba) From Orange County, CA, Aaron is thrilled and excited for his Broadway debut as Young Simba! He discovered his love for performing at age 5 and has appeared in local productions, voiceover, TV, and film.He thanks his family, friends, coaches, and the CTG team for their support! @i_am_aaron_chao
Journey Compas
Young Nala
Journey Compas (Young Nala) Has been passionate about the stage since starting her musical theater training at age three.She is excited to make her professional debut in The Lion King. During her downtime, Journey trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is a 2x season champion.Grateful to Disney and my family for this opportunity! IG: @journeycompasofficial
Marley Gomes
Young Nala
Marley Gomes (Young Nala) is thrilled to make her national tour debut! Credits include Broadway: Gypsy (Baby June) and TV: “Sesame Street.” Huge thanks to her amazing coaches, agents at The Osbrink Agency, managers at Ascend Talent Management, and her incredible family and friends.Follow her journey on Instagram @marleylgomes.
Josiah Watson
Young Simba
Josiah Watson (Young Simba) is thrilled to join The Lion King National Tour! Credits: Milo Imagines the World (Milo, Alliance Theatre) and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (Charlie, Legacy Theatre).He is grateful to God, and thanks his family, ARC Casting, Disney, CBD (voice), and Landmark Christian Fine Arts program.IG: josiah.a.watson
Tour Schedule
The Lion King
| Providence, RI | 05/20/26 - 06/07/26 | Providence Performing Arts Center | BUY TICKETS |
| Cincinnati, OH | 06/10/26 - 07/05/26 | Aronoff Center | BUY TICKETS |
| Cleveland, OH | 07/08/26 - 08/16/26 | Playhouse Square | BUY TICKETS |
| Montreal, Quebec, Canada | 08/19/26 - 09/06/26 | Place Des Arts | BUY TICKETS |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 09/09/26 - 09/27/26 | Benedum Center | BUY TICKETS |
| Indianapolis, IN | 09/30/26 - 10/18/26 | Old National Centre | BUY TICKETS |
| New Orleans, LA | 10/21/26 - 11/08/26 | Saenger Theater | BUY TICKETS |
| Louisville, KY | 11/12/26 - 11/29/26 | Kentucky Center | BUY TICKETS |
| Springfield, MO | 12/02/26 - 12/13/26 | Hammons Hall | BUY TICKETS |
| Los Angeles, CA | 12/17/26 - 02/13/27 | Pantages Theater | BUY TICKETS |
| San Diego, CA | 02/18/27 - 03/07/27 | San Diego Civic Theatre | BUY TICKETS |
| Tucson, AZ | 03/10/27 - 03/21/27 | Centennial Hall | BUY TICKETS |
| El Paso, TX | 03/24/27 - 04/04/27 | Plaza Theatre | BUY TICKETS |
| East Lansing, MI | 04/08/27 - 04/25/27 | Wharton Center | BUY TICKETS |
| Rochester, NY | 04/28/27 - 05/16/27 | Auditorium Theatre | BUY TICKETS |
| Greensboro, NC | 05/19/27 - 05/30/27 | Steven Tanger Center | BUY TICKETS |
Review Quotes
Providence Online - May 26, 2026
"Of course, as the main character, the actors playing both Simba and Young Simba (Justin Mensah and Aaron Chao, respectively), did a wonderful job bringing the character to life through the more nostalgic numbers of “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” and “Hakuna Matata.”"