Dreams are made of Broadway’s storytelling magic. For one 12-year-old actress, Nia Thompson, the Broadway lights have given way to reality, finding the newest star to step into the spotlight as The Lion King’s Young Nala.
You may recognize Nia’s face from shows such as: Ada Twist: Scientist, Godfather of Harlem, Rise Up, Sing Out, Out./Side of Time, The Equalizer, and Jam Van. However, for Nia, getting the part of Young Nala on Broadway, was like a dream come true.
According to her mother, Gessie Thompson, in a recent interview, Nala felt that, she was “supposed to be on stage”. After a backstage tour, for her 8th birthday, guided by the late Sharron Lynn Williams, a seven-year ensemble cast member, Nia knew that The Lion King stage was where she needed to be.
When asked at the theater what she wanted to be when she grew up, Nia confidently responded, “I want to be in The Lion King!”
And now that she is there, Nia feels that it is her duty to be a role model and inspire other children of color. Nia wants them know know that they too be on Broadway one day.
“She is very intentional about being a role model that inspires others in marginalized communities that they too belong on Broadway — or wherever their dreams take them,” Nia’s mother said of her daughter.
So, just what does the future hold for Nia beyond her stint on the Broadway stage?
According to her official website, the talented preteen will be launching her own podcast “Authentic Voices” very soon. “Authentic Voices” will focus on conversations that inspire authentic and courageous living. The podcast will be launched in conjunction with Nia’s partnership with The Conscious Kid — an Education, Research and Policy Organization that supports families and educators in taking action to disrupt racism, inequity and bias.
Congratulations, Nia on your amazing success! We cannot wait to see what other amazing are on the horizon for you!
Photo: Nia Thompson Official Website
