Welcome to Disney’s The Lion King JR., presented by Momentum Collective Inc.
It is with tremendous pride and gratitude that we bring you our seventh youth musical production. Each year, our young performers challenge themselves to grow as artists, and this production represents another exciting step forward in our mission to provide transformative performing arts experiences for youth.
This year’s cast of 48 young performers has spent the past three months immersed in rigorous training, rehearsals, and artistic development. Together, they have embraced the challenge of bringing one of the most beloved stories ever told to life. What you will see on stage tonight is the result of countless hours of dedication, discipline, and teamwork.
In creating this production, we placed a special emphasis on movement and choreography as a storytelling tool. Every gesture, formation, transition, and dance sequence helps tell the story of Simba’s journey and the interconnectedness of the Circle of Life. Our talented cast has worked tirelessly to communicate emotion and character not only through words and song, but through physical expression and ensemble movement.
You will also experience powerful vocal performances and remarkably mature acting choices from these young artists. Their commitment to their craft continues to remind us that youth theater can be both entertaining and artistically powerful. With each production, our goal is to raise expectations and demonstrate what is possible when young people are challenged, supported, and inspired. We believe this cast has helped us continue to raise the bar for youth theater.
A production such as The Lion King JR. offers an opportunity to celebrate and pay homage to the richness of African culture, which inspired much of the show’s visual and musical language. From the vibrant costume design to the artistic expressions woven throughout the production, we have sought to honor the beauty, color, rhythm, and spirit that make this story so extraordinary.
Audiences around the world have fallen in love with iconic musical numbers such as “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and we are excited for you to experience our young performers’ interpretations of these beloved favorites. Personally, two numbers that continue to move me deeply are “He Lives in You” and “Shadowland.” Both songs beautifully capture themes of identity, legacy, courage, and hope, and they represent some of the most powerful moments in this production.
No youth production succeeds through the efforts of performers alone. We extend our deepest appreciation to the incredible parents and families who support every rehearsal; navigating scheduling conflicts and late evening commutes. A special thank you goes to the many parents who dedicated countless hours to helping create the stunning headdresses you will see on stage tonight. Their craftsmanship, creativity, and commitment have added immeasurably to the visual storytelling of this production.
To our cast: thank you for your courage, perseverance, and willingness to trust the process. You have challenged yourselves, supported one another, and grown not only as performers but as young leaders and teammates. Your dedication over these past three months has been inspiring.
And finally, to our audience: thank you for supporting youth arts and celebrating the achievements of these extraordinary young performers. We invite you to sit back, enjoy the journey, and experience the magic, heart, and wonder of The Lion King JR.
Welcome to the Pride Lands. Enjoy the show!
With gratitude,
Jason A. Ellis, MPA, Ed.S
Director, The Lion King JR.
Momentum Collective Inc.
@ellisja876