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Wauzeka-Steuben brings back musical with ‘The Lion King Jr.’

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By Correne Martin

It’s been three years since the last play at Wauzeka-Steuben High School, and it’s unknown when one last happened prior to that. 

This year, students and staff are bringing back a theatrical production with a story that’s sure to be a crowd favorite. 

“The Lion King Jr.” is the Broadway musical selected for a collaborative show featuring about 40 Hornet students in grades K-12. 

“It’s exciting to bring this back in Wauzeka-Steuben,” said Director Shawn Zeeh, a fifth grade teacher in the district who has starred in area community productions himself. 

Zeeh said “The Lion King Jr.” is very similar to the original Disney cartoon movie version people are familiar with. It’s a Broadway production that’s been shortened for young performers. 

This production follows the adventures of the young lion Simba (played by Theodore Millin), the heir of his father and king, Mufasa (portrayed by Carter Lomas). Simba’s villainous uncle, Scar (who is Jake Reichmann), plots to take over the throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests. He did not completely succeed, and Simba returns as an adult (played by Caydon Lomas) to take back his homeland and rightful place as king from Scar, with the help of his friends Timon (Carson Redman) and Pumbaa (Paul Krachey). 

Two local shows will be on stage at the Doll Gym on Nov. 7 and 8. The Thursday option starts at 7 p.m. and the Friday performance will be at 8 p.m. Offered only in advance of Thursday’s show is a ham and potatoes dinner with side dishes, drinks and dessert in the Hornet Café. Doors open at 5 p.m. and serving will begin at 5:15 p.m. 

“The staff wanted to make it more of a night out this way,” Zeeh said. 

There will also be a dress rehearsal performed for the whole school. 

“So far, there’s a lot of chemistry between the cast members. They’re doing an excellent job learning their parts and, overall, really seem to be holding their own,” Zeeh complimented. 

Songs in the musical will feature many from the original and a few additional ones from the Broadway show, he said. 

Rehearsals have been happening four to five days a week for two hours a time since the read-through on Sept. 29. “Everything seems to be going smoothly,” Zeeh shared. 

Brooke Mitchell, who plays Nala in the show, shared her thoughts about being involved in the musical, “I am so glad to get this experience. I have had so much fun with it, to practice and do what I love. I think everyone should try something new. You might find talents you didn’t know you had.”

While the musical has been a challenging yet enjoyable addition to programs offered at Wauzeka-Steuben this fall, along with it came a special curriculum about African culture for the district’s after-school Community Learning Center. 

In addition to Zeeh’s commitment as director, band and choir teacher Joseph Barnett has coordinated and taught the music and choreography. Also, Interim Administrator Gary Albrecht’s wife, Tammy, has worked on costume designing with assistance from Debbie McCarthy and Shelly Mainwaring on creating, designing and renting pieces to be worn. Anna Seamans and her art students have been diligent alongside Brad Gillitzer and his tech ed students on building and detailing set pieces. 

The Doll Gym has a capacity for 200 guests who may take in the show either night. The public is invited to come out and support this theater program and the students and staff involved. Tickets are currently on sale in the district office and will be available at the door.

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