Feel the wind blow, grasses stir, and the euphony – and at times cacophony – of the animals which inhabit the Pride Lands! With its multicultural approach honoring African traditions and rhythms, cast members sing and chant songs – some in Zulu – and the entertaining story of The Lion King, Jr. emerges at Mount Madonna School.
On December 9 and 10 at 2:00pm, middle school students will take the stage for matinee performances at the school’s Hawks’ Nest Theater. Tickets on sales now at http://mmslionking.bpt.me. Adults are $16; 18 and under are $11. All seats are reserved.
“For our production, students are taking on the challenge of personalizing their roles and investing deeply into the world of the characters,” commented director Sampad Kachuck. “Whether singing, dancing or simply ‘living’ on stage, they’re engaging passionately in developing a character’s perspective in interaction with others. It is by receiving that the characterization expands. At the same time, and of equal import, students are building community through the vehicle of theatre, and learning to trust themselves and each other. It’s a true win-win; by full participation, the individual grows and the production benefits.
“At some level, this is a story of redemption and discovery, a classic hero’s journey where young Simba the lion must learn what it means to be a true leader,” he continued. “Simba faces great challenges and overcomes personal tragedy in gaining the wisdom needed to lead his kingdom.
“While he is too young and naïve at the story’s outset to know what it means to be a king, his father Mufasa tries to demonstrate to his son what constitutes a true leader. He shows Simba that being a great king is far more than simply having the power to control others, that it is respecting and understanding the interconnectivity of all living being as essential to the circle of life.”
Sixth grader Richard Liddicoat, in his first middle school play, reflected on the idea of interconnectivity.
“We are all part of the circle of life,” observed Liddicoat. “When we die, our bodies become the grass and the antelope eat the grass. Where there is life there is death, and when something dies, something else is born.”
The Lion King, Jr., music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, and additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer. Book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. Based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor. The Lion King, Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) and all authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com.
“Even though we are all different, we are also the same,” said Liddicoat. “We have the same feelings and go through the same stages of life. We all learn different things about the same reality. Like a planet orbiting a star, we all are connected in the great circle of life.”
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Nestled among the redwoods on 355 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a community of learners dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.
