A REVIEW
The Lion King Jr. opened at Cumberland County Playhouse on Friday, Feb. 13, and to say they have outdone themselves is a complete and total understatement.
It’s phenomenal.
The production is double cast, with 33 extremely talented children in each. Many of the cast members are veterans of the Playhouse stage and Triple Threat theater education program, but there are several for whom this is their first production.
And, so, the theater’s circle of life continues.
The Lion King Jr. tells a story about Mufasa, the honorable and respectable Lion King of Pride Rock and the Pride Lands, who presents his new son and successor, Simba, to all the creatures of the land. Mufasa’a brother, Scar, who is not a lion to follow, is jealous and plots to take the kingship by getting rid of his competition- his brother and nephew.
After setting tragic events in motion to kill Mufasa, Scar blames and manipulates Simba into running away from the Pride Lands. Simba is adopted by Timon, a meerkat, and Pumbaa, a warthog, and is raised in the jungle until his long-lost childhood friend, Nala, finds him and tells him that the Pride Lands are in peril under Scar’s rule.
I grew up with Disney’s animated Lion King, and this production turns animated into live action right before your eyes. Ultimately, what these kids have achieved is to bring the height of Broadway to our very own back door.
The creativity and the organization of Director DeAnna Helgeson is evident as she and the production team guided the 66 children to tell the story of The Lion King Jr. well and perform the musical with justice. That is a feat in and of itself, especially considering the hardship of inclement weather, illness and scheduling conflicts impeding rehearsals. But, to then go above and beyond, as Costume Designer Kim Stark and the costume shop team set to dress all the children in these elaborate and complex, but absolutely impeccable African Savanna-inspired animal and flora and fauna costumes (complete with immaculate and ornate headpieces and props), Music Director Peri Watson taught all their sweet voices how to effectively sing the beautiful African lyrics, and Shane Langford creating emotion-evoking choreography that the children emulate with conviction, it’s a stunning sight to behold.
There is so much action on stage besides the main story, from the incredible costumery to the parading and the choreography
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n the background, that my recommendation is to see the production multiple times and watch both casts to get the full effect of immersion.
A few scenes still capture my heart, and this production, after watching both casts, is no less effective in its delivery and ability to move me.
I still get cold chills when Simba is running down the gorge, which was perfectly executed in action on stage.
I still tear up when Mufasa is felled, and this production makes that tender grief palpable.
I am still so happy when Simba finds himself and returns to Pride Rock, which is a glorious scene to watch.
And I still have such an explosion of joy when the wrongs are righted, and the production comes full circle with all the children in their savanna best on stage.
It is such a fun and entertaining watch and, because it is a junior show, the run time is easy and manageable for all ages.
I wish I had the space to give each and every cast member a special shout out because they all deserve one.
But instead, I will just say, now I truly know why they call it Pride Rock.
There is so much in this production of which to be extremely proud.
The Lion King Jr. runs through March 22. Call the box office at 931-484-5000 or visit ccplayhouse.com for showtimes and ticket information.