Audience members of Castleview Elementary School’s “Lion King Jr.” said hakuna matata and left all their worries at the door to enjoy an energetic performance Friday, March 6.<\/p>\n
More than 70 students performed in the musical.<\/p>\n
“Watching them step into these roles \u2014 some of them for their first time, some of them for their final elementary school year \u2014 they support one another, they grow in confidence, and they bring this story to life, and it’s been nothing short of magical,” said Director Nicole Freeman.<\/p>\n
Chase Jordan, who played a snake and Simba, said he\u2019s seen the theater program at the school only become \u201cbigger and better.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just been so amazing to see the cast grow each year and to see all the teamwork that goes into it,\u201d Jordan said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chandler Jordan, who played young Simba, said it was incredible to see everyone\u2019s hard work paid off.<\/p>\n
The cafeteria was packed for the performance that included vibrant costumes, stage lights fitting every mood of each scene, beautifully painted sets and more.<\/p>\n
Freeman said everything on stage from pride rock to the king\u2019s throne to the backdrops was \u201cbuilt, handmade, created from scratch, designed here in this cafeteria.\u201d<\/p>\n
All the students gave their all for every song and dance, leaving family and community members beaming with pride and applauding after every scene.<\/p>\n
Whether it was on stage or behind the scenes, each student worked hard to make the performance one that resulted in an uproar of thunderous applause at the end.<\/p>\n
“This production is so much bigger than what has happened under these lights,” said Bryan Burckle, the co-director and choreographer. “It is parents painting sets late into the night. It’s families rearranging schedules, driving to rehearsals, running lines at the dinner table. It’s volunteers who said yes before they even knew how much would be asked of them. It’s emails and texts answered, costumes sewn, props built, pizza delivered and hands always raised when needed. This show is a reflection of something very rare. In a world that can sometimes feel heavy, we have a supportive community here. Thank you.”<\/p>\n
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