Ezekiel Kekuna, the Kaneohe lad performing the role of Young Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King,” Broadway in Disney’s hit show, has been extended through Aug.18.
His original closing performance was to be on June 2, but he was offered to continue his role at the Minskoff Theatre, and Zeke, pictured, decided to stay.
“We are very proud of Zeke and left the decision up to him to accept or decline the extension,” said Sarahlea Gamiao Kekuna, his mom who’s been very much a part of the Broadway experience.
The extension is not related to Zeke’s injury earlier this year when he was on sick leave to mend. But clearly, the lad was determined to return to the Pridelands undergoing rigorous PT and occasional rehearsals, to rejoin his acting ‘ohana in Broadway’s No. 1 hit, week after week.
A continuous flow of islanders has been flocking to the family favorite to catch Zeke in action. But he’s double-cast in the role, so it’s pertinent to know when Zeke’s in the show.
For early summer travelers, for instance, Zeke will be in costume, singing and dancing, on these June dates:
- Wed, June 5 at 2 p.m.
- Fri, June 7 at 8 p.m.
- Sat, June 8 at 8 p.m.
- Sun, June 9 at 3 p.m.
Martin to lead ‘Salesman’ cast
Dwight Martin, pictured, former executive director at Manoa Valley Theatre, is returning to the fold – to star as Willy Loman, in Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” playing May 23 through June 2.
The profound drama deals with a struggling salesman seeking the American Dream, but success and happiness evade him.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and at 3 p.m. Sundays, with an additional matinee at 3 p.m. June 1.
Tickets: $25 to $46, at www.manoavalleytheatre.com and (808) 988-6131…
Broadway grosses, for week ending April 21
“The Lion King” still rules on Broadway, but “The Wiz”
is a newbie making an impressive debut.
The Top 10:
1– “The Lion King,” $2,174 million.
2—“Wicked,” $1,966 million.
3—“Hamilton,” $1,897 million.
4—“MJ the Musical,” $1,509 million.
5—“The Wiz,” $1,481 million.
6—“Moulin Rouge, the Musical,” $1,400 million.
7—“Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber on Fleet Street,” $1,391 million.
8—“Aladdin,” $1,394 million.
9—“Merrily We Roll Along,” $1,313 million.
10—“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” $1,141 million.
The complete list, courtesy the Broadway League:
And that’s Show Biz…