‘Lion King’ musical opens at Madison High – Marshall Campus

Yes! Coming to outer East Portland, it’s a live on-stage version of the animated motion picture loved my millions! This play opens on November 14 …

In this scene, where Marshall High School Theater Department student actors prepare for their roles in the upcoming production of The Lion King Jr., lionesses on a ridge are preparing for the hunt, looking down at the animals of the African Prideland savanna.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

A theatrical musical version of Walt Disney Pictures’ 1994 hit The Lion King is coming to the stage of Madison High School – Marshall Campus, starting November 14.

The lengthy, elaborately-staged version of The Lion King debuted on July 8, 1997, and has become a long-running play on the Broadway stage.

Ms. Zena, the director of The Lion King Jr., gives actors notes at a rehearsal.

“The storyline in this show is one everyone knows from both of the movies, and the giant musical; but instead of being a very long show, The Lion King Jr. is about hour and a half, including intermission,” pointed out the show’s director, and Madison High’s Theater Instructor, Ms. Zena.

“It’s family-friendly, and super adorable,” Zena told East Portland News. “It’s the story of Simba (Swahili for “lion”), and his journey to understanding the importance of his role in this world.”

In this scene, the king’s son and heir-apparent, Simba (played by Levi Smith), tries to save his father, Mufasa (played by Tyler Horan), king of the savannah and Pridelands, from the plots of his evil Uncle Scar (played by student actor Maille Snook).

“Through his relationships with his father, his uncle, and his friends, he discovers and comes to an understanding of why and how to take on a role of leadership in his life, and complete ‘The Circle of Life’ – as told in one of the major songs in the show,” Zena explained.

Along the way, Simba confronts his nefarious uncle, Scar, with the help of his Prideland friends, Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog.

Friends Timon (played by Avery Potter), the king’s advisor, Rafiki the mandrill (played by Van Ho), and Pumbaa (played by Miles Anderson) do their best to give counsel and aid to Simba.

He falls in love with lioness Nala, but his adventures tear them apart, and Simba nearly dies on his heroic quest.

See the rivalry unfold between the reprehensible Uncle Scar and Simba, while King Mufasa tries to keep the peace in the Pridelands. Enjoy the Elton John score, including “Circle of Life”, “Grasslands Chant”, “Hakuna Matata” and “He Lives in You”.

Will Simba die, or become king? Find out by attending this delightful musical play!

Playfully scuffling with Simba is lioness Nala (played by Riziki Feston)

Disney’s ‘The Lion King Jr.’ opens November 14
The curtain goes up at 7:00 p.m. on November 14, as Madison High School Theater Department brings to life this musical play.

The show continues evenings at 7:00 p.m. on November 15, 21, and 22.

Plus, there are Saturday Afternoon Matinee shows at on November 16 and 23 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets available at the door: $10 adults | $8 HS students w/ ID | $6 children 13 and under.

It’s in the Madison High at Marshall Campus Theater, located at 3905 SE 91st Avenue, 97266. Enter off 92nd Avenue, a block south – up the hill – from SE Powell Boulevard.

© 2019 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™

 

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