The Lion King handed the role of young Simba to an 11 years old actor from the Philippines. The young actor Vince Ermita will debut his acting skills on Broadway. To him, he says that this is a “dream come true” when he finally assumes that role.
While sharing a headshot that he had taken, Vince called out several people while thanking them for having helped him achieve his dreams. Writing in all caps, he said that he was super-excited.
Based on an official report from a Filipino digital company, the role of “Young Simba” had initially been given to a different actor. However, Vince was then given a second chance due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to Vince’s mother, “The child had auditioned previously at just nine years,” says Anne, the young actor’s mother.
“Of all 3,000 kids that were auditioned, Vince became the top 7th pick. However, at that time, he was not physically big enough to handle the role. This led to just only four people getting picked. Unlucky for the 4 top picks, they neither performed nor finished the play. They then grew bigger than their roles due to the shutdown caused by the pandemic,” Anne continued.
Ultimately, Vince has had another chance to audition one more time for this “dream role.” The best thing is about all of this is that he nailed the audition. “This time, they had all submissions done remotely and virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic. As for Vince, he had his performance in a hotel room located in St. Georges in Utah, said Anne.
Through the assistance of his vocal trainers, Amelia Demayo, Ethan Haberfield, the temporary coach, Janine Molinari, the dance coach, Mallory and Leorah, his agents, he was able to make it.
Vince has also been announced as a member of cats for “The School of Rock” musical special. But he had told the Filipino News outlet that he had wanted to concentrate on the “The Lion King” rehearsals.
On the official website of “The Lion King,” Vince had been described as being extremely happy to finally debut on Broadway.
The online source continued, “He is just 11 years old. He is a proud and talented Filipino.”
Known as the third all-time longest-showing show on Broadway, the Lion King is expected to reopen in Minskoff Theatre on Broadway on September 14, 2021.
