Ezekiel Kekuna, the Kaneohe lad tapped to star as Young Simba in Disney’s cast of “The Lion King” on Broadway, is looking forward to return to the Pridelands.
Zeke has been on sick leave for several weeks, due to an injury that left him wearing a leg/foot boot, and he will finally return to the limelight this Saturday (Feb. 24) at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. He opened last December for a six-month run before the injury in January sidelined him.
Ezekiel Kekuna and his February playdates in “The Lion King.”
Meanwhile, older brother Ezra Kekuna will portray Squidward in “SpongeBob Squarepants: the Musical,” a modified junior production of the Broadway musical based on the cartoon character and his undersea colleagues. It’ll be a three-day run Friday night (Feb. 23) through Sunday afternoon, in a Castle Performing Arts Center production at the Ron Bright Theatre.
Ezra Kekuna as Squidward, in “SpongeBob” at Ron Bright Theatre.
Hence, the brothers Kekuna will be in action in two musicals on two stages for the first time.
“I am so excited to be back and wanted to say a big thank you for your love, well wishes, and prayers,” Zeke said in a Facebook posting. “God blessed me with the best family, friends, doctors, and specialists to get me back to where I’m supposed to be, especially Mom (Sarahlea Gamiao Kekuna) for being there every step of the way. I am ready and look forward to seeing you in the Pridelands!”
Zeke’s performance dates are listed in the visual above; he is alternating with another youth actor as Young Simba, in compliance with usual Broadway guidelines. Many island family and friends had been securing tickets to see him on the grand stage; more are anticipated with his rejoining the cast.
Tickets for “The Lion King” can be ordered at www.disneyonbroadway.com or through usual websites like Ticketmaster or Telecharge.
Seats for “SpongeBob” are available at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/79651sor (808) 233-5626 …
Disney casting for ‘Moana’ cruise
Disney Cruise Line is seeking dancers and singers for planned “Disney the Tale of Moana” shipboard show. Tryouts are underway in Honolulu.
Auditions for dancers were being conducted today (Feb. 20), at 9:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., with calls for singers set for the same times Wednesday (Feb. 21).
Two islanders are involved in the first theatrical version of the popular Disney cartoon transfer to the stage: Peter Rockford Espiritu and Aaron Sala. “Moana” also is in the midst of shooting a live-action film.
Contracts will be available for eight weeks of rehearsals in Toronto and also for a six-month tour aboard a cruise ship in Disney’s fleet. It’s not stated whether applicants should be able to withstand seasickness at sea.
And that’s Show Biz…