A young Ezekiel Andrew, who grew up in the Mississippi Delta, watched “The Lion King” over and over again to his family’s VHS athletes, sang alongside Simba and “I can’t wait to become king.” Today, about 20 years later, his appreciation and his range runs as deep as “Ol’Man River,” proving what happens when he dreams of “impossible dreams.”

Andrew is now firmly planted on Broadway, a cast member of “The Lion King” since 2021, and yes, King. “You can play Mufasa from time to time!” he shared with an adorable audience at the 31st Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF) on Saturday, March 1st.

“When I first heard Ezekiel Andrew perform as a big gym on “Big River” in 2018 [at the Utah Shakespeare Festival] And again at “lagtime,” I vowed to take him here to Sedona for a performance. And we did that this year! ” said Patrick Schweiss, a longtime SIFF executive director. “And he brought in his extremely talented friends Garrett Taylor and Samantha Stevens and gave an absolutely incredible performance.”

In “From Broadway with Love,” Andrew, along with musician, voice teacher and performer Garrett Taylor, has been a frequent guest in the orchestra pit of Broadway and British singer Wicked for 16 years, and dancer Samantha Stevens recently performed Lily St. Regis to paint “News” and “News” depicting “News” and “News” depicting “News” and “News” recently. He sings about the female deer in “Sounds of Music” in “do-re-mi.”

“”Broadway with Love “was certainly an inclusive highlight. A magical experience!” Schweiss’s attention to his favorite show Tune of the Night was Andrew’s “Night Music” from “Phantom of the Opera.”

More than 150 films were on display, including “Sweet Water.” From Saturday, February 22nd to Sunday, March 2nd. This is the story of Harlem Globetrotters Fenom Nut “Sweet Water” Clifton, overcoming a lifetime and barrage of discrimination to make history as the first African American to sign an NBA contract.

“My biggest satisfaction is watching the audience enjoy and appreciate our film,” Schweiss said.

Additionally, appearances from costume designer Bob McKee, comedian Vicki Lawrence and actor Jeremy Piven promoted his film “Performance” and were festival favorites. Actress Diane Baker received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The TV and film star’s career spans 50 years, including the roles of “Anne Frank’s Diary” and “Silence of the Lamb of Silence.”

“In our darkest times, it’s the art of speaking,” said Andrew, who grew up singing gospel music in his father’s church choir. “That may seem impossible, but I’m going to keep dreaming anyway. My dreams have come true, everyone!” paused, he added, “The way music reaches you, how I affect you, and how I want to inspire change for the better.” FBN

Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Photo: Bonnie Stevens: Garrett Taylor, Samantha Stevens and Ezekiel Andrew brought the Sedona International Film Festival “with Love from Broadway.”