'Lion King' star inspires Lakewood Ranch High students

When Darian Sanders' key moment came on stage, he knew it was his time to roar.

What he thought was a “crappy” audition tape transformed into five years of touring as part of the cast of "The Lion King” in its Broadway North American Tour. 

For two years Sanders worked in the tour's ensemble, but he then took advantage of a big break and when the role of Simba came open, Sanders proved he could be a hit, spending 2021-2024 singing tunes that included "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," "Hakuna Matata" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"

Now that his touring role as Simba has finished (it ended in 2024), Sanders spent Oct, 6-7 working with Lakewood Ranch High School students who will be looking for their own big breaks after high school.

Sanders actually began visiting high schools when he began his run with "The Lion King," in 2019. He wanted to share his own story about working hard and making the most of opportunities.

Sanders didn't always want to be a professional performer. He was a church minister for 16 years before he began to pursue acting and singing at the age of 33. 

Courtesy image

Before making it to Broadway, he was part of shows in other cities that included “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Dreamgirls,” “Music Man” and “Newsies.”

"The Lion King" was his big break.

He tells students about that break, but he also normalizes his career path and success. He said his job does not make him any better than anyone else. He wants students to see themselves in him.

“I think teaching is just innate in me, and I think teachers and educators see the value in what I bring to the table,” Sanders said. “It started out with them asking me to come in to just share my story and share my journey. Now it's like, ‘Hey, can you come in and infuse some excitement and joy and radiate what you do and who you are into our programs?’”

Sanders performed two songs for the Lakewood Ranch High students — “The Wizard and I” from “Wicked” and "This Is Not Over Yet" from "Parade."

Ayleen Pineda, a senior in choir, said she cried when Sanders was speaking and performing. She said she gets extremely nervous when auditioning for anything, but was provided comfort when Sanders said he also gets nervous and has insecurities, as successful as he is.

“I was genuinely happy, and it inspired me so much,” Pineda said. “I want to do choir and to do theater, so it opened my eyes.”

Alexandra Mihaquez, a sophomore in the high school's theater program, said Sanders exudes confidence and experience that she wishes she had.

“I know everybody's journey is a little different, but it's an intimidating and unstable career to look at,” Mihaquez said of Sanders' journey. “As somebody with anxiety, it is nerve wracking to not have a set-in-stone path for me.”

Mihaquez said she always hears from parents and teachers that it would be difficult to succeed in chasing a theater career. They often question whether she has a backup plan.

She said it was refreshing to hear Sanders say effort is the key.

Photo by Madison Bierl

“Learn to be moldable,” Sanders told the students. “Learn to be adaptable, but also learn to be dependable. Have drive, have determination. Have it for yourself, not for anybody else.”

When Sanders was performing, freshman orchestra member Elizabeth Argo said she felt transported in another world. She said it gave her hope that she, too, could pursue a career in music, perhaps as a music teacher. Argo said the world of music is intricate and she suffers being a perfectionist.

“It gave me a sense of relief knowing that I can be myself, especially in the music world,” Argo said.

Desmond Cross, a senior in the school's drumline, said he feels Sanders brought a new wave of energy to him through his talk.

“There are a select few people in the band who are super passionate about the band, and we were at the point in the season where we were getting extinguished,” Cross said. “Our effort seemed pointless and he gave us advice on how to be infectious among the other people in the band. I very much appreciated that.”

“Be infectious,” Sanders said to the students. “Be so good at what you do that other people want to rise to your level.”

Tony Hall, an independent contractor who works as a show advisor and drill designer for marching bands, works with several schools across the country, including Lakewood Ranch. Hall has worked with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, a competitive junior drum and bugle corps, for 25 of the last 32 years. He currently serves as its program director.

Hall taught Sanders at Phantom Regiment (Rockford, Illinois) from 2005-2007 and said his command of the audience and leadership style was exceptional even back then. 

"After he aged out as a performer, we brought him on as an instructor where I’ve experienced first hand how he inspires our members," Hall said. "His personal message and his journey in the arts, made it a no brainer to work with the students at Lakewood Ranch." 

John Wilkerson, the director of bands at Lakewood Ranch High School, said he instantly saw a change in the band program when Sanders came to visit. He said Sanders provided a different perspective and validated what he has been teaching for three years. 

“It is amazing watching him come in and the light bulbs start coming on,” Wilkerson said.