Directors Note


Not much can be said about this iconic classic that hasn’t already been said. Its diverse representation of languages, character types, and classic storylines has inspired musicals, plays, movies, spin-off movies, prequels, and much more. This left us, as an artistic team, with a unique challenge: breathe new life into something already brimming with life.

Our use of fabrics, puppetry, and advanced acting theories bring you that unique take. We hope that you delight in the magic of traditional theatre and stagecraft as we pull from awe-inspiring elements.

May Simba's journey of remembering who he is as he walks through shame and mourning be an encouragement to us that the Lord sees us and calls us His regardless of our choices and shortfallings.

As I sit in rehearsal writing this director's note to you, your students sit to my left, harmonizing in the finale of Circe of Life and asking thoughtful questions. Without hyperbole, this is the exact energy that they have brought throughout the entire rehearsal process. These students have stepped up into leadership with grace and excellence. To say that they have grown would be an understatement. It is my prayer that they carry this heart into future projects and bless those artistic teams the way they have blessed us.

We hope that you enjoy this performance - sure, but ultimately that you walk away giving God the glory that He is due for the creative spirit He has instilled in us all. He lives in you!

Dramatic stage scene with performers in animal costumes under purple and red lighting in a theatrical production.
Two performers in vibrant tribal costumes and headdresses sit on stone steps during a theatrical production.
Performer in black patterned costume stands center stage before a glowing green circular backdrop with ensemble cast.

The Joys


It feels impossible not to fall in love with these timeless characters and colorful musical numbers. It was an honor to contribute to the legacy of renditions of this time-honored show.

It will always be a delight to dive deeper into the appreciation of cultures outside of my everyday sphere. My team was a dream to work with and their perspectives and experiences made this show the stand apart that it was.

These students rose to meet and super-exceed every expectation thrown at them. They were inspiring. Looking back - this show was a crown jewel.



The Challenges


Typically,this theatre company runs from ages 8-17, but at the same time our show was running, we were directly competing with another production within the company (this was not standard practice and has since been disolved). This whittled our casting options down to a minimum and created an odd and uncomfortable culture of comparison within the theatre family. From that minimum, we paved the way for incredible and, often overlooked new talent. From auditions, I found myself climbing uphill to maintain the morale of our cast and artistic team, constantly battling toxic comparison culture. Not impossible, but it required much patience and constant encouragement - especially since the other show was rehearsing in the next room over.

Costumed performers in colorful animal-themed theatrical costumes dance energetically on a bright stage.
Large ensemble cast in colorful costumes performs on stage before a pyramid-shaped orange neon light backdrop.
Theatrical performers in animal masks and costumes emerge beneath a red neon pyramid backdrop on stage.
Solo performer in plaid pants reaches dramatically skyward beside glowing green neon reeds on a dark stage.
Female performer in cat costume sings center stage with ensemble in matching costumes under purple lighting.
Masked performer in tribal costume with feathered headdress poses dramatically beside illuminated staircase on stage.

Growing


If I had to boil down this show to one thing that I learned, it would be to not hold back. My cast is far more resilient, hardworking, and dedicated than I may believe. Moving into future work I would rather be disappointed by my expectations being too high than never giving my cast the chance to rise and grow.

Woman with vibrant tribal face paint in red, blue, and yellow with beaded necklaces and headwrap.

Photos by Megs Levi

Male performer in Lion King stage makeup with animal skull headdress and warrior costume.
Theater performer with colorful bird-inspired face paint, feathered hat, and blue ruffled costume.