TAMPA, Fla. — A young Tampa Bay area student will be making a name for himself on Broadway.

What You Need To Know

  • At 12 years old, Jacob Pham is starring in "The Lion King" musical in New York City

  • The Corbett Prep student trained in the Bay area under the leadership of Artistic Director Orlando Pena and Voice Coach Emilia Sargent

  • Pham will take the stage at the Minskoff Theater in New York City on Aug. 20

At 12 years old, Jacob Pham is starring in “The Lion King“ musical in New York City.

The Corbett Prep student is playing Young Simba, son of the Lion King, Mufasa.

“I was determined to play Young Simba because he’s playful, he’s funny, he’s sneaky, he loves to do whatever he wants,” Pham said.

Pham said Simba reminds him of himself.

His journey for the role started two years ago, after he saw the Lion King on Broadway. Pham said he fell in love.

“The music, the costumes, the acting — all the songs were beautiful,” Pham said. “I told my mom I really wanted to do this.”

At first, casting agents thought Pham was too small.

He tried out three times before the casting agents gave him the role.

“I burst down in tears,” Pham said. “It was amazing.”

His voice teacher and acting coach, Emilia Sargent, said there’s something different about Pham and his work ethic.

“Jacob is an extremely mature young man that’s dedicated to practice. That’s unusual for his age,” Sargent said. “He’s going to soar. He’s going to fly. Jacob’s a star.”

Pham started his musical theater career at Ovations Dance Academy, where he starred as Bud Healy in Annie Junior.

He continued training there under the leadership of Orlando Pena.

Pena, a former Broadway performer, is flying to New York to see Jacob in his first Broadway performance.

“When you have talent, good mentors, loving parents who push you and a wish for your success, and the universe stars align, that’s all the ingredients of success.” Pena said. “Jacob’s stars did align and the best part is he’s loved by many people who wish him the best.”

Pham has starred in numerous roles in the Tampa Bay community. Recently, he went to Los Angeles to be part of “A Christmas Story: The Musical.” Now, he’s excited about this Broadway opportunity. His mom is excited, too.

“I love this kid so much and I’m so proud of him,” said his mother, Ngoc Pham.

Jacob will take the stage at the Minskoff Theater on Aug. 20. He will be a part of “The Lion King” cast until February of next year.