Emotional Onstage Surprise for Cast Member from THE LION KING

The touring cast of THE LION KING takes a moment to celebrate graduating high school senior Nia Holloway and the class of 2014!
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THE LION KING continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world, with a worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history. Winner of six 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards in America and worldwide. The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success, and holds the honor of the first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical.

[@gibbsisawesome]

Jesus... I thought my senior year of high school was busy. This chick did that AND eight shows a week? Girl deserves a Tony.

[@alexander.tahtadjian]

BaileyG damn........she’s a true talent being able to handle both senior year of high school and 8 shows a week in a broadway show.

[@BabsChannel]

@@alexander.tahtadjian It isn't that astonishing. There have always been children on Broadway. Most did finish their schooling.

[@miauaslano]

@@BabsChannel with younger children like young Nala/Simba there are labor laws meaning that they will do a max of say 2 shows a week. And at some point they would also age out of that role too. At least for the West End production, they have around 10 kids total between young Nala and Simba. My equivalent of senior year was bloody brutal (more difficult than uni) and I've have found doing 8 shows a week while touring doing that amount of schooling impossible.

[@BabsChannel]

@@miauaslano Good.

[@GeorgiaRattlesnake]

Tyler Tremallose That’s what I did because of my seizures and epilepsy.

[@jester5019]

... the first lion in history to get a high school diploma

[@patrick06]

hahahaha :'D

[@bucketstove]

😂😂

[@ste8025]

Heh heh

[@Drace90]

A big step forward for the lion rights movement!

[@cassiebanaszek453]

She clearly had the necessary koala-fications.

[@drumma4lyfe06]

Wait...she just graduated high school and she's on...Broadway?!??!?!?!? Wow...her resume is complete!

[@disneydreamerdancer]

I know right?! I envy her, I move to South America when I was fourteen (Three years ago) Now I can't find a decent job, I love singing, dancing and acting, my dream is to be on Broadway and I haven't even graduated yet. She's lucky, I'm so happy for her. :)

[@TylerRakstis]

Isn't it funny that Zazu has a college graduate hat and is carrying her diploma and Young Simba has given her flowers.Nice when the curtain drops you see Timon waving goodbye. 1:50 probably one the audiences or ensemble animals playing a zebra whinny.

[@KingdomHeartsFan3211]

Uhh...what? They clearly said she was TOURING across North America.

[@spazsophie97]

But touring with a Broadway national tour company!

[@HeyItsSarah30]

drumma4lyfe06 Hayley Kilgore (from once on this island is 18 too!) Some even start as little kids!!

[@Jeanjellybean13]

She must have been very very busy all the time. Being on Broadway and completing high school. It's amazing she hasn't fallen asleep on stage yet

[@WTH828]

I think that was actually a traveling show of the lion king. He said "touring all over North America". None the less, performing and traveling for the show while completing high school is an amazing accomplishment!

[@jennplatypus]

TheNancyc1 Yes it is. She is part of the touring Gazelle cast, but they are considered a part of the touring professional "Broadway Cast".

[@jaypond4368]

***** Heck yeah, but she is pretty much set for life with a performance like this on her resume. She will not have trouble finding work in theater.

[@JaredGoerke]

+Joseph Ponce If only that were true. You can be a Tony winner and still have trouble finding work on Broadway.

[@KingdomHeartsFan3211]

Yes, it is amazing! But she wasn't--ISN'T--on Broadway; she was on the touring production.

[@Stanley-not-Swan]

Nia is such a kind and amazing person. I tweeted her saying my dream is to be on The Lion King Broadway when I get older. And she is so sweet she told me to reach for my dreams and be the best I can be! She is so kind and humble I wish for her the best life can offer her and to always believe in herself as she has believed in me. I will always chase my dreams and be the best I can be. Thank you Nia Holloway for believing in me and thank you for helping me believe in myself! Love you

[@knighttime8301]

Aw. That’s so sweet!

[@Neevkl_7]

Bella Rose good luck

[@padwicin01]

Did you make it?

[@Samuel-b]

This was a very emotional video in my opinion. It's amazing how nia had to do 8 shows a week for an entire year while still studying to finish high school, and yet she still managed to do it all because she was such a hard working lady. May she continue to have a very successful life and career in the future.

[@jesslynch94]

Samuel Black I took 2 months off school for a local show and teaching myself income tax kicked my ass, I couldn’t imagine 8 mo this woman is a legend

[@1996jacksparrow]

A senior in HighSchool and Nala on Broadway ? Wow

[@WTH828]

Although they are considered a professional Broadway cast, this particular cast was not "On Broadway". "On Broadway" actually refers to only being in NYC, whereas this particular production was a traveling show.

[@upintheizzy]

TheNancyc1 Don't be a stickler.

[@porcelaindolli3]

+TheNancyc1 You're technically correct, they're not On Broadway......they are so much BETTER. They are giving the gift of this wonderful experiences to numerous states and countries.

[@WTH828]

I didn't mean anything bad by it or to be disrespectful. I was just trying to educate. I love musical theatre no matter what form it comes in.

[@daniellecozzetto5802]

IT’S NOT BROADWAY.

[@JoannaShin]

the kid on the left is SO happy for her hahaha. This made me tear up..

[@tealwashablemarker8886]

he's young simba i'm pretty sure lol

[@sc4739]

Hes waiting to graduate grade school so he can get the same love from the crew

[@tamarahcamera]

I just saw her last night and I assumed she was in her 20's. She is literal goals

[@ylanalasagna3071]

Right

[@ehidunno9737]

I think it was so cool that the puppet actors stayed in character the whole time!

[@relientkrox1234]

oh my gosh! she's in high school and in a famous broadway show. she must be so kick ass!! go her!

[@amandagrace31]

High School?? She is young to be in broadway! What amazing talent!

[@cassandrafaithstrand9372]

I love the puppet Zazu’s mini Graduation hat, it’s so cute

[@Elysia63]

I really hadn't noticed that!!

[@declanfoxsplendidltefox6228]

It is awesome Right?

[@coolbasset]

Scar looks thrilled.

[@LchanOtakudom]

He's always thrilled! ;D

[@stefansalvatierra4913]

He just can’t leap for joy. Bad back y’know?

[@shnabiha]

i wish to graduate this way.

[@rocknroll20024]

Sharifah Nabiha me too

[@wendygarcia3018]

Me 3

[@josejuliangonzalez9216]

Me too

[@AlexMcGillvrey]

I saw the tour version of the Lion King Broadway musical 2 years ago and will never forget that day. What a great musical.

[@Zolwena]

How awesome of you to not only recognize this accomplishment, but also to do this onstage! Crying while I am typing!

[@emilynicole1234]

I just graduated and there's no way I'd have been able to handle all that while being in a Broadway show. Congrats to Nia!

[@alexander.tahtadjian]

she’s a true talent being able to handle both senior year of high school and 8 shows a week in a broadway show.

[@tealwashablemarker8886]

I love how even the guys in the back with the animal puppets were waving the paws up and down in celebration

[@Antwanette0386]

Proud of this young lady and all those working hard to achieve their goals!!!! THIS WAS REALLY SWEET OF HER FELLOW CAST MEMBERS!!! God's love and blessings!!!

[@tawnyclawx]

I knew 2014 was an amazing year to graduate. Great job Nia.

[@Imnottheonlyone]

I saw them in San Antonio back in December. I thought she was in her 20's! Wow! That's true dedication! To Nia, congratulations on not only becoming a lead role in one of the most beautiful musicals but doing it while finishing high school. Wonderful job, dear. You're gonna go far. I envy you. :)

[@etaylor146]

holy shit that's impressive hasn't graduated yet but still made it to Broadway

[@gratuitytucci]

Wow! She's on Broadway while being in high school and she's just graduating high school! I am surprised she's hasn't fallen out on stage yet. She sounds pretty amazing. 🐒🐵🐶

[@caitolent]

I'm impressed she even chose to pursue a complete high school education. She clearly already achieved an enormous goal and will continue to go on and achieve more, with or without a diploma. The fact that she persevered for something she didn't technically need because she wanted to continue to better her life is inspiring.

[@KarlaLopez-qi9yd]

Wow. I’m 16 and all my respect for this young talented girl!!!!!!

[@sibleyboys5002]

Hold a sec, who are the HATERS disliking this??!! they need to grow up. THIS IS AN AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT!!! BROADWAY BEFORE HIGHSCHOOL ABD STILL FINISHED!!! BLESSED YOUNG WOMAN!!! VERY TALENTED!!

[@hillyplays29]

This brought me to tears! I know it was 5 years ago but congratulations!

[@lydiawilliams7964]

Nia my cousin my sister I'm so very proud of you

[@WarriorIcebreath]

that is ADORABLE omg she really deserves it, what a feat. what a cast

[@DisabledComics1995]

And y’all the kid playing young Simba is SO HAPPY AND PROUD OF HER I LOVE IT

[@evolvedturtleproductions7600]

I love how everyone is still in character! I wish I was a part of this show...

[@verticalsmurf]

Such lovely recognition for her efforts.

[@Ranney165]

It's kind of amazing that someone can be in high school and tour on stage at the same time as a play member.

[@itseilleenroman287]

I like the guy presenting the award,

[@uzziah02072011]

You mean Mufasa

[@Kyolover8]

That's flipping cool to see a fellow Georgian on Broadway and before finishing high school even. I know this way a long time ago but still Congratulations Nia. Keep up the great work.

[@faeryb0mb]

This is the sweetest most blessed thing i've ever come across.

[@TheLilScarab]

Love how Scar is trying not to cry

[@fritzgfeller]

Very sweet. This must be like one big family

[@aimeedooley5995]

As a NHS Blue Devil alumn, all I can say is congratulations to an amazing young woman!

[@daninmills]

I saw the show a few months before this video was made and I had no IDEA she was still in high school. That's amazing. She's amazing.

[@jamesparker1387]

This reminds you that even those within show-business are indeed... human.

[@Elysia63]

I hadn't really noticed that!!!!

[@m1y00t00b]

Beautiful to have such thoughtful and loving people in one's life.

[@theresaivy7274]

So cool! After all her hard, her company was justifiably proud of her. Congratulations young lady into her company good for you for being one of the good guys yeah.

[@NikkiRikki]

SHE WAS ONLY IN HIGH SCHOOL?! She's absolutely fantastic

[@MrBarnardoo98]

WOWWWW! Beautiful!!!She rocks!! What an unbelievable accomplishment right after graduating from high school! Wow! inspiring!

[@tawnyclawx]

She was on Broadway, and in the show, even before graduating from high school.

[@nursabrina8397]

i can't even imagine the struggle she face i mean studying for 8 hours and practicing the play woah thats commitment 😱👏🏻👏🏻

[@ZestyB888]

This is so pure

[@urbancowgirl2245]

Nia Holloway is AMAZING. Saw her as Nala. She is an incredible singer.

[@Iamhannah129]

This is so sweet :') She must be pretty amazing to be balancing all that work and study! Also, can anyone please tell me the name of the actor who plays Zazu here??

[@georgepelham5425]

JOHN CENA

[@cosmicsmemedump4629]

+Rebel Gaming They walked right into that one! X'D

[@faithmynameisfaith6731]

Rebel Cuber More like.. HERCULES MULLIGAN!!

[@puppetshack4931]

That’s awesome good for her! Awesome lion king family

[@chrisssnackgame5440]

Awww thats something nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@ninhafer7]

8 shows a week for an entire year (not to mention rehearsals)! YOU GO GIRL! So proud. WOW! How many of us would have a full time job while in high school? Goosebumps!

[@cherabimholy4407]

Congratulations Miss Nila Holloway for your success , we loooooove you sooooooo much !

[@YoutubeOverTV]

I really love these people. So amazing. Congratulations!!

[@macycrockens1173]

I saw this cast last night and I am amazed how they put all of this is put together it's amazing

[@DiCaprioAngel]

I just came home from watching them all live on Broadway and she, along with her cast members, were absolutely amazing! A performance I will never forget!

[@Natty2Lyte757]

She is amazing! Congratulations! I wish you much more success in life!

[@TaylorMG47]

Congratulations Nia! That's so awesome! :D

[@AliceHasenkohl]

this is so darn nice, i can't believe it! so sweet!

[@ThePlumOf]

What is this strange liquid seeping from my eyes?

[@olabisikuku2356]

It's tears, kiddo, it's crying tears, get used to it, you'll experience it every time you see something sad or emotional.

[@dietriterocks]

+Adil Sunesara lmao

[@LukaGreen]

My left ear really enjoyed this

[@Athespian128]

She isn't on "Broadway" she's touring with the national cast of The Lion King but thats still equally as amazing !

[@lilyeliason9290]

She must have been so devoted to do that wow!

[@kaitlinmcneely9475]

Now THAT’S commitment right there! Wow!

[@queen_vicky3488]

Man I miss nia so much I am so proud of her we used to be good friends when I was younger

[@ianhimmelstein5915]

She definitely always got the leads in her school musicals

[@hannahrosereviews5073]

Dude! I wish I graduated with that much style!!!

[@whatdoyousuppose]

Awww! This is adorable, congrats Nia!

[@gleelover150]

I saw her live two nights ago and she was absolutely amazing!!!

[@Shadowthehedgehog623]

I saw this cast perform they were absolutely incredible

[@andsoshebecameaphoenixandf561]

My family and I had the amazing pleasure of seeing this show in Miami with this very cast. We were so blown away and this young lady Nia Halloway graced us with her performance. Her talent, grace, her aura seeped to every person in the room. She is a testimony of hard work, determination, and what it means to truly achieve your dreams. Congratulations 🎉👏❣️ what an amazing journey you have under your belt. May God continue to bless you.

[@alyzu4755]

Amazing! And what a wonderful tribute to her. 🥰

[@myownme53]

What a great great talent she has.! Amaging!!!!

[@brianbanks8042]

This defines celebrating excellence! 💕

[@RandaLeigh18]

Man, now I'm wishing this would be my graduation ceremony 😔 Btw, I giggled when Zazu came out with a cap and diploma 😁

[@PhantomDrums917]

Just saw Nia and this company in Philadelphia last night. An amazing troupe of actors, the show was wonderful!! Go see it before it closes on Sunday. Academy of Music at Broad and Locust.

[@a-bittersweet-tragedy0203]

I’m actually crying

[@aaronshowalter9459]

Nia Holloway YOU GO GIRL!

[@nataliefreeman-clark3016]

She is amazing.

[@alexis83708]

she is 15. Wow. That's amazing.

[@clairebear1101]

I’m super late Im just seeing this video first time now. Usually in america seniors are 17/18 years old idk where you got 15

[@jadewong1]

SHE JUST GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL!? THE SO AWESOME!

[@phillickman9053]

I'm cry for her

[@theBestArts]

Congratulations, Nia! And a special thanks to you and the almost 30 LION KING cast members who performed in an Atlanta benefit cabaret in April to raise much-needed funds for Broadway Cares and Joining Hearts.

[@katrinavortex4267]

Yay!!! Congrats!! I bet the years of high school were worth it!!

[@dietriterocks]

The tears! The tears! I'm late but the tears were streaming.

[@kylgrv]

That's incredible. Congratulations Nia!

[@borahearttt5060]

Wow!!!! Congrats to you 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😁

[@TheLilScarab]

young Nala giving adult Nala a congratulatory sash that is very symbolic

[@tylersulimowski]

That’s really incredible. Really liked that she got her rewards. Congratulations Nia!

[@MsBroadway209]

Unreal!!! Someone in high school landed Nala, that's freaking amazing!!!

[@HMSPerformingArts]

love the mortar board on Zazu!!

[@tiny.dancer8570]

I LOVE THIS! CONGRATULATIONS NIA!!!

[@amandatelling134]

This is such a sweet and thoughtful thing to do!

[@avadubbs1160]

I can’t this is so amazing 😭❤️

[@KyleeBee]

That's so sweet of the cast! Congrats!

[@sc4739]

I guess the 112 that disliked this video didnt graduate from high school... what a shame. Congrats girl!

[@melmunson07]

Way to go class of 2014!!!!

[@irmathesperma8548]

Wow! Completing high school and she has already accomplished so much! :0

[@LoriWolfcat]

Aww I love this! They really are like a family. 😸

[@josejuliangonzalez9216]

Lori Wolfcat me too