Tshidi Manye will lead "Circle of Life" for the final time when she plays her last performance in Broadway's The Lion King August 31 at the Minskoff Theatre.
Manye, who first stepped into the role of Rafiki in the Toronto production of the Disney hit in 2000, has played the part more than 9,000 times, more than any other actor. She first joined the Tony-winning Broadway company in August 2007.
About leaving the role, the South African native told The New York Times, "Here’s the thing. You never leave The Lion King. I’m pretty sure that if they call me two days after I’ve left and say, ‘Tshidi, we want you to come in for a second,’ I will jump and be here, no matter what.”
The role of Rafiki was created on Broadway by Tsidii Le Loka. Manye's successor will be named next week, according to a production spokesperson...READ MORE