The ARTx3 Campus will present a Disney musical, “The Lion King Jr.” in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. March 12-13; 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. March 14; and 3 p.m. March 15. The production is sponsored by Relyance Bank, according to a news release.
“‘The Lion King Jr.’ tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba (Joven Hamlet, with Addie Ashcraft as Young Simba) as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king,” according to a synopsis. “Along the way, the young lion encounters a colorful cast of characters, including spunky lioness Nala (Lily Jennings, with Hazel Thompson as Young Nala), charismatic meerkat Timon (Olivia Thompson), and lovable warthog Pumbaa (Violet Jennings). 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 (Brandt Lunsford).”
Featuring classic songs from the 1994 Disney film such as “Hakuna Matata” and the Academy Award-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” along with additional music written for the Broadway production, the hourlong show blends humor, heart and high-energy choreography, according to the release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Director Emily Burris describes the production as “the classic Disney ‘Lion King’ tale but condensed down to an hour.”
“It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will definitely make you feel nostalgic,” she said.
Burris praised the young cast’s dedication and creativity.
“The cast has been AMAZING! They have been picking up on the music and dances so quickly. The choices they have been making for their characters are so thoughtful and, many times, hilarious. They have been a blast to work with — really could not have asked for a better group.”
She hopes audiences leave with more than just a sense of nostalgia.
“I hope they take away that those you love will always be with you and friends will always stand beside you,” Burris said.
Among her favorite musical moments are “They Live in You,” which she calls “a powerful reminder that those who have gone before us are always with us,” and the joyful, crowd-pleasing “Hakuna Matata.”
Musical direction is by Melody Gere, choreography is by Grace McKissic, and stage management is by Jeran Collie.
Additional cast members include Peyton Bifford, Dakota Brooks, Allison Carraway, Paisley Jai Criner, Noelle DePriest, Rory Earnest-Lake, Morgan K. Farris, Trenton Frieri, Noah Hare, Shelby Huber, Olivia Huitt, Avery M. Martin, Vivian Milligan, Ally Moore, Ah’Rianna Neal, Rylie Rice, Braylon West, Jayvion Williams and Ja’Maya White.
Tickets are $18 and may be purchased online, by calling (870) 536-3375, or in person at ASC. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
