Kokomo Curtain Call Presents Disney’s ‘The Lion King Jr.’ this Weekend
TKP Photo | Alli Lee
TKP Photo | Alli Lee
Kokomo Curtain Call Theatre for Children is hosting its spring musical, Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.” this weekend.
You can support Kokomo Curtain Call by purchasing a ticket to attend a performance and encouraging these aspiring local performers in their work.
Kokomo Curtain Call’s Production of Disney’s The Lion King Jr. is based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor. Join Simba and his friends in this coming-of-age story in our own Havens Auditorium. The performance will feature the animals of the Pride Lands and the music you know and love including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” "Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and more.
Organizers say local youth, adults and volunteers have been working hard to make audience members feel the spirit of the savannah in their performance. The musical’s director, Jeremy Leazenby-Bruce, said more than 80 youths ranging from ages 6 to 18 years old are involved onstage for this weekend’s performance.
“It’s a goal of Kokomo Curtain Call to create a family atmosphere, not only can children or families participate in our shows, but also families can experience live theatre in our community,” he said.
Photo Provided | Kokomo Curtain Call
This production features many young performers excited to try new things and make new friends. Lucy Featherston, who portrays the character Rafiki in the play, looked to Broadway for inspiration and preparing to play the part of a mandrill, a large baboon from Western Africa.
“I’m used to playing humans, or when I have played animals in the past they were still very human-like. This is the first role where I have to act like an actual animal,” Featherston said.
Many parents are active volunteers working with props, costumes, or makeup backstage during dress rehearsal. Melissa Weicht, the parent of two performers, enjoys helping backstage and supporting the program she credits, helping her children grow more confident and develop a sense of self among like-minded peers.
“[Kokomo Curtain Call] has been a place for our oldest daughter to find peers with similar interests and personalities. Our youngest daughter has grown more confident. I believe her stage experience has allowed her to build more confidence to communicate better with people her age and adults,” Weicht said.
Leazenby-Bruce is looking forward to seeing the performance come together. “The audience drives the energy of a show and I think the audience is going to be wowed when they see the set and our hard work.”
Tickets can be purchased online for the 7 p.m. performance on Friday, March 21 or the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, March 22. Tickets will be available for sale at the door as well.
As a local non-profit, KCC provides the opportunity for youth to learn about and implement all areas within the theatre and performing arts. Youth of all ages are welcome to participate in upcoming events and workshops. The staff and mentors of Kokomo Curtain Call hope to provide education and active experiences for their participants all while youth grow and learn many other life skills along the way. To continue their mission they are seeking volunteers, and patron or business sponsors for the upcoming season. You can learn more about KCC by visiting their website.
