Middle-schoolers entertain in "The Lion King Jr.'

Front, from left, Zazu (Makayla Schanzmeyer), King Mufasa (Dawson Gump) and Queen Sarabi (Hailey Schepers) show the newborn cub to Pridelands with the animals in attendance.
Front, from left, Zazu (Makayla Schanzmeyer), King Mufasa (Dawson Gump) and Queen Sarabi (Hailey Schepers) show the newborn cub to Pridelands with the animals in attendance.

Saturday evening, March 18, and Sunday afternoon, March, 19, were the times family and friends were able to enjoy the California Middle School Vocal Music Department's performance Disney's "The Lion King Jr."

At the beginning of the production, Rafiki (a mandrill shaman for the lions), portrayed by Anizza Avilez, gathers the animals of the Pridelands to welcome the newborn cub of King Mufasa (Dawson Gump) and Queen Sarabi (Hailey Schepers). The king's brother, Scar (Emanuel Isidro), is jealous and upset that he is no longer heir, so he is not at the ceremony.

Years later, Mufasa explains to the young lion, Simba (Hunter Oliver) about the circle of life and that he, Simba, will at some time be king. He shares this with his uncle, Scar, who gets him to visit a forbidden area. He and his best friend, young Nala (Jenna Berendzen) escape their babysitter, red-billed hornbill Zazu (Makayla Schanzmeyer) and go on the adventure.

The adventure is not what they were looking for, as once there they are attacked by hyenas, mainly Shenzi (Lucia Embry), Banzai (Kyle Kirksey) and Ed (Nolan Sturm). King Mufasa comes on the scene and rescues the young lions, beating up the hyenas. Scar then recruits the hyenas to help him take over as king.

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Arkansas catcher James McCann (27) is congratulated by teammates after he hit a two-run home run in the second inning against Kentucky on Sunday at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.

Scar leaves Simba in a gorge, gets the hyenas to stampede some wildebeests, and warns his brother Mufasa about it. The king rescues young Simba, then is pushed back into the stampede by Scar and killed.

Scar blames Simba him for Mufasa's death and tells him to go away and not come back. He is lost in the desert when he is found by meerkat Timon (Lauren Hill) and warthog Pumbaa (Kendra Dunham). They take him to their "worry-free" jungle home.

Scar's rule nearly destroy the Pridelands, and the now grown Nala (Alyssa Sabartinelli) leaves to find help. She finds the now grown Simba (Bryant Davis) alive in the jungle and urges him to go back and be king. He is ashamed, but after Rafiki comes and reminds him about his father, he decides to go back.

In a combined effort, the meerkat and warthog distract the hyenas while Nala gets the lionesses together. The truth of his father's murder is revealed, the usurper Scar runs away, and Simba takes his rightful place as king.

The musical numbers begin with "Circle of Life with Nants' Ingonyama" by Rafiki and Ensemble; "Grasslands Chant" by the Ensemble; and "The Lionesses Hunt" by the lionesses. The later numbers are "Shadowland" by Nala, Lionesses and Rafiki; "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" by Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, Nala and Ensemble; "He Lives in You" by Rafiki and Ensemble; "Luau Hawaiian Treat" by Timon, Pumbaa and Ensemble; and the finale by the entire company. Music and lyrics are by Elton John and Tim Rice, with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M., Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin and Hans Zimmer. The script is by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. It is based on a Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor.

This production crew included Erika DeMoss, director; Jennifer Porter, stage manager; Brad Friedrich, set designer and lighting designer; Bonnie Way Rentals, costume designer; Maggie Long, mask designer; Hannah Banderman, choreographer; and Julie Berendzen, rehearsal accompanist.