Students tackle favorite Disney tale for their fall musical

By Rachel Shuster | Arts, Co-Curriculars, Middle School, Performing Arts

“Hakuna Matata” is the name of the game.

Prairie’s Performing Arts Department continues its tradition of excellence and fun with a Middle School performance of the classic Disney tale “The Lion King Jr.”

Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother — and former heir to the throne — has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is soon ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. Now, with help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba must figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

Audiences have four chances to catch this fun-for-the-whole-family musical at the John Mitchell Theatre: the show goes on at 6:30PM on Thursday, November 21st through Saturday, November 23rd, with a matinee performance at 2:00PM on Sunday, November 24th.

Student performers (Grades 7/8) who just can’t wait to be king include:

Shritha Reddy (Rafiki)
Jackson Smith (Mufasa)
Reese Jaramillo (Sarabi)
Emmett Santalucia (Zazu)
Annaliese Nguyen (Scar)
Nick Anderson (Young Simba)
Alex Solodio (Simba)
Lauren White (Young Nala)
Kadyn Peery (Nala)
Saniah Pugh (Sarafina)
Addie Turek (Banzai)
Winter Schienke (Shenzi)
Davi Muller (Ed)
Caroline Berkey (Timon)
Cece Berkey (Pumbaa)

Nick Anderson, Zac Carpenter, Sydney Dues, James Fellner, Domi Ginestel, Anna Johnson, Chloe Kennedy, Abby Lopez, Jerome Mattick, Anna Shaw, Nathan Strmsek, Tevene Vartanian, Emma Weaver, Lily Westerfield (Prideland Animals/Jungle Creatures)

Bella Alexander, Laini Alexander, Libby Batten, Sophia Burch, Ava Collier-White, Meg Decker, Reese Jaramillo, Addy Lalonde, Saniah Pugh, Violet Ward, Lauren White (Lioness/Star Ensemble)

Mike Andreev, Sophia Baptista, Michael Cartwright, David Clark, Carson Emery, Evie Kane, Kevin Mueller, Nick Peterson, Will Schaefer, Lily Selky, Salisia Servantez, Georgia Swedberg (Hyenas/Wildebeests/Grasslands)