ANDERSON SCHOOL
Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.,” performed by a cast of students from Anderson School, is playing at Bozeman’s Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22. 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 been underway for months in order to prepare for this exceptional project.
“Students of Bozeman are chanting and singing in Swahili in three part harmony. It is chilling,” Lourie said. “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.
“The Lion King Jr.” will be performed at the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture on Friday, April 21, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 22, at 12 and 7 p.m. Tickets are available at ShowTix4U.com, or at the door. For additional information, call Anderson School at (406) 587-1305.
