WILMINGTON — Clinton County Kids & Company will open its 26th season this summer by presenting “Disney’s The Lion King JR.” on Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 29 at 1 p.m. at the Wilmington High School Auditeria.
This show will feature over 48 local children and teens. Admission is free and donations will be accepted at the door.
“Disney’s The Lion King JR.”, “has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world and now, for the first time ever, you have the opportunity to produce this one-of-a-kind musical in your school. The African savannah comes to life on your stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle … and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.”
“Disney’s The Lion King JR.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (www.MTIShows.com).
The director for the musical is Ken Lydy, Director of Wilmington High School Theatre Department.
Tara Lydy is designing the costumes for the show and Rhonda Wheasler is the vocal coach.
Lois A. Hock, Professor of Theatre at Wilmington College and Managing Director of Kids & Company, is overseeing the production and supervising the sets and lighting.
Director Ken Lydy said “The challenge this year is working with actors of various ages; from elementary school up to high school students. We are very excited to present ‘Lion King JR.’ this year.
“This is the second musical production in the 26-year history of Kids & Company. The kids are excited about it and are really working hard in rehearsals. The music is more difficult than they expected as many of the lyrics are written in African language.”
The cast features Ella Neuenschwander as Rafiki, Kenton Adkins as Mufasa, Marissa Merriman as Sarabi, Autumn Housh as Zazu, Micah Davis as Scar, Andrew Jones as Young Simba, Charlotte Housh as Young Nala, Sydney McCord as Sarafina, Josie Heys, as Shenzi, Katie Murphy as Banzai, Dalan Toups as Ed, Lindsay Lydy as Timon, Sam Schmidt as Pumbaa, Bo Frye as Simba, and Julia Tolliver as Nala.
The Lionesses are played by Emma Trimble, Paige Maples, Veronica Calderone, Kelsey Spradlin, Vanessa Calderone and Emily Yeung.
The Hyenas are played by Ben Eltman, Griffin Snarr, Violet Alexander, Audrey McKay and Kallaje Carter.
The Animal Ensemble includes Stella Short, Jillian Snarr, Elizabeth Sanders, Jocelyn Engel, Emily Harrington, Haley Harrington, Brady Gaddis, Seth Rowley, Cary Holliday, Morgan Kinder, Afton Pickle, Aubrey Cox, Mikayla Akers, Kayleigh Cox, Ivey Engle, Lily Meeker, Taylor Killen, Carrie Johnson, Natalie Johnson and Finn Denehy.
About Kids & Co.
Clinton County Kids & Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality arts experiences for the area children and youth. Clinton County Kids and Company is a non-profit arts organization for children and youth.
It is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors: The Galvin Family Foundation, Charles Fischer Trust Fund, Peoples Bank, Wilmington College, Mrs. Barbara Bayless, Wilmington News Journal, LCNB Bank, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Matthews, Phil and Vicki Snow, Chuck Watts with Edward Jones Investments, Mary Kathryn Hilberg, Ruth Stuckey, Waring Office Supplies, ACT, The Crave Candy & Nuts, Becky & Steven Haines, Wilmington AM Rotary, Wilmington Kiwanis Club, Wilmington Eagles Auxiliary, Bill Marine Ford, Ms. Judy Gano, Bennett Realty, Elizabeth Haskins, Dick & Karen Williams, Shari Murphy, Jan Hiatt, Carolyn Williams, D & E Equipment, Terry Miller, Neil & Ruth Snarr, Kevin & Tonya Snarr, David & Mary Ann Raizk, Teresa & Ron Rembert, Lenna Mae & Larry Gara, Keith & Jeanette Gerritz, Carole Erdman, Marta Wilkinson, Shoppes at the Mill, Laura Struve, Charlotte & Clifford Fahrer, Beta Master Chap., Neuenschwander family, Sabin’s Wholesale, Papsy’s Place and Jim & Sue Reynolds.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/KidsandCompany or call Lois Hock at 937-481-2293. Be sure to like them on Facebook for all recent information and announcements.
