Whitehall, MI (March 23, 2017) – Disney’s The Lion King JR. will be on stage at Whitehall High School Auditorium startingThursday April 20th at 7pm for 4 days through April 23rd. The Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances are at 7pm, and theSunday show is at 3pm. The 60-minute musical, designed for middle-school aged performers, is based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor and the 1994 Disney film. A large creative team comprised of high school students and area theater veterans leads this middle school cast of 40 students. At the helm are Kim Harsch director and Jack Zwemer student director along with Samantha Farrar Choreographer, set designer Claire Beaman, builder Eric Harsch and Sky Harsch assistant director/stage manager.
“It is such a joy to watch this exceptional talent work both on and off stage,” Harsch said of the cast and crew. “On stage are very committed and talented students. We also have students in every aspect of this production directing, stage managing, lighting, marketing, makeup design, and technical direction. I am so fortunate to have experienced people working alongside our students. It takes a team this size to bring the show to life.” The show is exciting fun for the entire family! The vision for the Whitehall production is based on Broadway’s Lion King with costumes and large puppets coming from a professional company in Louisiana. “It is a beautiful spectacle,” Harsch said.
The Lion King JR. tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba (Avery Jura/Graycen Shepherd) as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. Along the way, the young lion encounters a colorful cast of characters including spunky lioness Nala (Chloe Christensen/Lelaina Greve), charismatic meerkat Timon (Kevin Wilson), and lovable warthog Pumbaa (Camden Rake). To claim his rightful place on the throne and save his beloved Pridelands, Simba must find his inner strength and confront his wicked Uncle Scar (Jacy Harsch). The Lion King JR. features classic songs from the 1994 film such as “Hakuna Matata” and the Academy Award®-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” as well as additional songs penned for the Broadway production.
A performance of Disney’s The Lion King JR. is open to the public at Whitehall High School on April 20, 21, 22 at 7pm andApril 23 at 3pm. The show is general admission. Tickets are available for purchase in the Whitehall Middle School Office or online at wmslionking.eventbrite.com
in advance for $6 adults and $4 students. Tickets at the door are $8 adults and $5 students.
