She said she immediately connected with the role. Holloway first performed with the touring musical at the Fox back in 2014 when she was 18. While Nala begins the song in a dark place, she ends the piece strong, “ready to take on the world.” The song showcases Holloway’s strong and beautiful voice. “Shadowland” is Holloway’s favorite moment to perform. Holloway describes her character as “a young, fierce princess warrior.” Nala takes care of the Pride Land, and she also helps bring Simba back to take on his responsibility as king, Holloway said. In her spare time, she works on crafting her own music. Holloway said her contract will keep her in the role of Nala for the next year, and after that, she hopes to continue performing in Broadway productions. Disney also gave Holloway time off from the show so she could go to her high school prom. She also credited Disney for helping make sure she could attend her high school graduation. (One is now a college student at Georgia State University, and the other sister is at Clark Atlanta University.) Her dad joined her on tour, and her mom stayed at home with her two younger sisters. Holloway credits the support of her family for helping her take on a big role at such a young age, and helping her continue her studies. For the first couple of years on tour, she spent four to five hours a day studying and working with a tutor. RELATED | What's coming to Atlanta stages in the next few months?Īfter Holloway landed the role, she was determined to still get a diploma from her high school.

King, who grew up in Stone Mountain, danced for the Metropolitan Opera and Lustig Dance Theatre.

Thomas began attending dancing classes at North Atlanta High School at the age of 16, and he studied dance with AREA (Atlanta's Resource for Entertainment and Arts).

The touring production features two more Atlanta residents - Courtney Thomas and Jane King, ensemble cast members. “The Lion King” won six 1998 Tony Awards, including best musical, best scenic design, best costume design and best choreography. 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 90 million people. In its 20th year, “The Lion King” endures as one of the most popular stage musicals around the world.

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