Fifth grade students and the Whittier Singers at Whittier Elementary School presented Disney’s The Lion King JR. on Wednesday, November 9 and Thursday, November 10. The 60-minute musical, designed for upper-elementary and middle-school aged performers, is based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor and the 1994 Disney film.
The Lion King JR. tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba 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, charismatic meerkat Timon, and loveable warthog Pumbaa. 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. 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. This production was licensed through Music Theatre International (MTI) in association with Disney Theatrical Group (DTG).
The fifth grade musical is a special project for Whittier students because they not only select the musical, but they collaborate with the directors and their peers throughout the entire process. In preparation for the show, the children helped choreograph musical numbers; contributed staging and acting ideas; designed tickets and posters to advertise the performance; created backdrops, props, and masks; and operated the sound, music, and lighting for the production.
The show was directed by music teacher Evan McIntyre. Creative design for the production was led by McIntyre and art teacher Elizabeth Kengeter-Bash, with the assistance of numerous parent volunteers.