Students Ages 10-17 Bring Lion King Jr to UW-Marshfield/Wood County Stage
Hakuna Matata! The Lion King Jr roars onto the UW – Marshfield/Wood County Campus as youngsters in the community take over the roles of much loved characters in this classic play. Attendees can sing along and enjoy the theatrics of the Disney created production that is being brought to life in Marshfield.
In the play, young cub and heir to the kingdom, Simba, fights to gain control of the land from his evil uncle. Leaving the area after the death of his father, he returns once grown, and with the help of his friends, challenges his uncle to claim his true role as King.
Director Donna Thompson picked this play because of the popularity and enthusiasm that revolves around it.
“I tend to choose productions that will hit a variety of aspects – laughter, heartwarming, good conquering evil to name a few. This show definitely checks all of those boxes. I also have always felt a connection to the tribal feel of the music score. It moves me and will hopefully connect with the audience as well,” she said.
Continuing education students, aged 10 -17, are the stars of the Marshfield version. Not only do they perform, but they learn all about the behind the scenes details such as costumes, makeup and stage settings. These students will portray everyone’s favorite characters, Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa, to name a few.
Thompson said the students benefit in many ways while working on the play.
“Different people receive different things from a theatre program. For some, it is a way to escape issues they may be dealing with. Gives them an opportunity to be someone other than themselves for a while,” she said. “Other people just have very creative, innovative minds and theatre is a safe place to explore. In some respects it is similar to playing a team sport.
One person can not carry the whole weight of the team. They learn to work together to build something positive and can then share in the results of all their labors. They become a family. That can include the adults who work with them on costumes, sets, music, directing, choreography, etc. I have three biological children of my own but the CE theatre program has expanded my “children” many times over.”
Thompson added that while the performers knew what to expect, seeing what each student brings to their role is exciting.
“Certainly the fact that Lion King is so well known has had an impact on their connection to the show. They know what to expect, have an idea of how a particular character might be played. Yet they are willing to use that information as a starting point and develop our own unique production of the play,” she said.
Performances will be held in the Helen Connor Laird Theatre on the UW – Wood County Campus. Showtimes are 7:30 pm on August 18th and 19th and 2:00 pm on August 20th. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at marshfield.uwc.edu/ce or by calling the box office at 715-389-6534.
