Bozeman Magazine

Disney’s The Lion King JR. is playing at The Emerson Cultural Center Friday, April 21, at 7:00 and Saturday April 22, at 12 noon and 7:00. The slightly abbreviated musical, designed for younger performers, is based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor and the 1994 Disney film. The Anderson School cast contains approximately 80 students led by directors Laurie Kinna and Stephani Lourie. In its 23rd year of producing full-length musicals, Anderson School has been filling up the Emerson with crowds that have grown to expect outstanding production qualities for shows including “Mary Poppins,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The Lion King Jr. will not disappoint, as rehearsals and construction have already been under way for this exceptional project for months. “Students of Bozeman, Mt are chanting and singing in Swahili in three part harmony. It is chilling,” says director Stephani Lourie. “The sophistication of artistry regarding the set, light and costume design is unmatched by any of our previous productions, even “Mary Poppins!’ ” The Lion King JR. tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. Along the way, the young lion encounters a colorful cast of characters including spunky lioness Nala, charismatic meerkat Timon, and loveable warthog Pumbaa . The Lion King JR. features classic songs from the 1994 film such as “Hakuna Matata” and the Academy Award®-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” as well as additional songs penned for the Broadway production. Tickets are available on line at ShowTix4U, or at the door. They are $10.00 for the main floor and $7.00 for the balcony. For additional information, call Anderson School: 406-587-1305 Disney’s The Lion King Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)