TAMPA, Fla. — Look out Broadway, a Tampa cub is basking in the spotlight.

Since August, 13-year-old Jacob Pham has been adding his signature moves to “The Lion King” as young Simba.

“I was nervous before, but when I stepped onto that stage, you know, I just, just felt like, you know, like energy in me that wanted to shine on that stage,” Jacob said.

Jacob’s shining so brightly, producers recently invited him to extend his stay until the summer of 2025. 

“I’m very grateful to have this extension,” Jacob said. “No matter if I didn’t have this extension, I would still be grateful just to have this experience.”

Jacob got his first shot at playing Simba at Ovation’s Dance Academy in Tampa, but he’s dreamed of that Broadway role long before.

Ovation’s artistic director, and former Broadway performer, Orlando Pena, is one of his mentors.

He was there at Jacob’s debut.

“It hit me when he was doing 'I Can’t Wait to be King' and you have this massive puppet he’s riding on and I’m like holy shoot,” Pena said “Oh my gosh, I started bawling.”

But music and performing are in Jacob’s blood — his mom said he just can’t stand still.

“I mean every time we’re anywhere, whether it’s walking down the street or in the elevator, he’s tapping his feet all day, all night,” said Ngoc Pham.

Since nabbing his dream job, life has changed for the family — his dad is in New York and his mom is still in Tampa.

They chat online every day while Jacob attends Florida Virtual School until he can get back home to Corbett Prep.

“It’s so tough to see him over there,” Ngoc said. “It really is.”

But mom is dedicated to letting her cub roar.

Jacob performs four nights a week in front of a crowded auditorium. 

“The best part in the Lion King has to be just being on stage,” he said.

He misses his friends and Tampa, but Jacob said he is having the time of his life.