TOP STORY OF THE DAY — ‘Lion King, Jr.’ assumes throne at Northview over weekend: Spring musical production paws at viewers’ hearts in near-record-setting performance

The cast and crew of The Lion King, Jr. pose for photos following Friday night’s performance at Northview High School in front of a packed house of spectators; celebrating the spring musical with these fine young artists, in addition to the sizeable crowd, was a host of leaders, including a first-time director who went yard in his directorial debut.

Courtesy Photo

A full-scale production of a beloved tale performed at Northview is making waves in the theater community.

The Lion King, Jr., directed by Northview’s Luke Carr, is a retelling of the Disney classic “The Lion King,” specially designed for younger audiences.

The performance featured a host of familiar characters, including Rafiki, Timon and Pumba, and, of course, Simba, whose story closely follows that of Hamlet in the literary Shakespeare classic.

Beloved Lion King, Jr. characters Timon and Pumba, portrayed by student-actors Marah Loughmiller and Avrie Emmert, respectively, perform a classic musical number.

With performances held Wednesday, March 8, and Friday, March 10, Brazil residents were able to witness the larger-than-life story multiple times. And, surely, some did just that.

Carr, who found his voice as a director in his debut, said cast and crew members “absolutely knocked it out of the park.”

“As a first-time director, the kids really made me feel welcome. I’m so proud of the work they put in and the performance they put on for our community,” he said.

Aidrik Loughmiller, a.k.a. Rafiki, raises his staff to symbolize the circle of life.

Portaying the role of Sarafina, a lion cub in the production, was student Joslyn Slesinski.

“The musical was a great experience, and a lot of fun,” Slesinski said. “Thank you to all of the community members who came to see the show, and supported us. It made all of our hard work worth it.”

As with the Broadway production of The Lion King, costumes and set pieces were of paramount importance.

But they can only go so far, costume designer Amanda Loughmiller explained.

“The students really worked hard to bring the characters to life. You can have the best constumes and set design, but, ultimately, the success of the show depends on the students that are on and off the stage,” she said. “I am thankful that I had the opportunity to work with them.”

Of course, costumes and set design pair nicely with the musical and physical performances of the actors.

Brooklyn Shepherd, who oversaw the performance’s choreography, said she has been working with Northview directors and talented young actors for about four years.

“I enjoy every minute of it,” Shepherd said. “The stage is my happy place, so being able to do what I love, while sharing that with young actors in the making, is such an honor.”

From Simba and Nala to Timon and Pumba, and from Scar to Mufasa, every character counts in a production of this scale.

“Everyone is vital in this show — from backstage, to the directors board, to ensemble, to the leads — and this school shows it,” Shepherd said. “The support I’ve had from Northview has truly made my heart full, and I’m thankful for being given the opportunity to work with such a great group of kids and leaders each year.

“My best advice: Go for it, even if you’re nervous,” she added. “And, of course, point your toes.”

The Lion King, Jr. follows another popular event in the program’s annual Christmas Spectacular, which also saw shows sell out nearly all four nights.

For more information, and for tips on upcoming shows at Northview and in the theater community, visit www.northviewchoirs.com, www.northviewband.org, or check out the CTCC Young Actors Theatre on Facebook.