Alphonso Romero Jones II who plays Simba in ‘Lion King’ wins Young Artists Award
Alphonso Romero Jones II won the award for “Best Performance in Live Theater” for his portrayal of young Simba in Disney’s Broadway production of “The Lion King,”; in the 32nd Annual Young Artist Awards, held at the Empire Ballroom of the Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel in Studio City, Calif., last sunday night.
Jones bested other nominees Quinton Lopez of “Sick,” Adam Riegler of “The Addams Family,” and Marquis Kofi Rodriguez, who portrayed Simba in “The Lion King” before Jones got the role, at the awards ceremony, best described as the Oscars for young performers.
According to mom Kathy Jones, Alphonso was so excited he texted home right away.
“I got a text from him that said, ‘Mommy, I won. Yaaaaaaaaaaaay! Thank you Jesus,’” she said. “Then I texted him back, ‘Good job, baby!’”
Alphonso, a 12-year-old straight-A student in the sixth grade at P.J. Hill Elementary School, has been in the show since October 2009. His Broadway run will come to an end on Easter Sunday.
Lion King is currently playing on tour in Schenectady, NY through March 20, 2011. Then it moves to Rochester, NY for the performances in Rochester Auditorium Theatre from March 22 to April 17, 2011. Save $10 on Lion King Rochester Auditorium Theatre Ticket Orders over $350. Use Code AFF$10
