'Disney's The Lion King, Jr.' by NewArts Newtown Musicals - My Review

Photos of the cast by Dana Raymond Roth

The young members of the Swahili cast took to the stage at Newtown High School on Friday for their opening night of ‘Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.’ These 65 performers from the Newtown area were clearly enjoying themselves as much as the audience adored this high quality production. The opening number, the magnificent “Circle of Life,” once again brought a tear to many an adult eye, including mine, and the finale brought the audience to its feet.

All the classic ‘Lion King’ numbers are here and the kids enthusiastically sang the authentic lyrics. I loved watching music director Brett Boles work his magic with this large cast of singers. It takes a special conductor to make sure every part and every young singer is exactly where they need to be in the music at what time and Mr. Boles takes this role to heart.

Michael Unger beautifully directed this huge group of dedicated young actors with the help of assistant director Sarah Jane Schostack. Dr. Michael Baroody used his curtain speech to admirably explain how the story of young Simba relates to the children involved with the 1214 Foundation. The young cub’s childhood is interrupted by tragedy and he begins to lose who he is. Then Nala sees the greatness inside of him and encourages him to be the leader that he always was. As Rafiki tells Simba, “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it.”

Catarina Da Rocha was the mystical Rafiki in that fabulous costume and makeup. Temidayo Garritano played the evil Scar with both casts and he does it very well. Nicole Kolitsas was the recognizable bird Zazu that attempts to keep watch over the young Simba played by Jay Maroney with a very endearing speaking voice. Ava Baroody did a great job as Simba’s friend, the young lioness Nala.

Payge Shaw played the regal Sarabi and Cailee Harvey played the mother of Nala, Sarafina. The three lead hyenas were played by Tain Gregory (Banzai,) Lexi Bisset (Shenzi) and Hannah Marcum (as the hysterical Ed.) Katie Bisset had some of the funniest lines as Timon and Michael Spanedda took on the role of the loveable Pumbaa with his arm in a very nicely camouflaged cast.

James Hunter was greeted with screams when he entered as the adult Simba and Kirtana Kunzweiler showed off her lovely voice as the grown up Nala. The lioness and hyena choruses performed well together, as did all the members of the large ensemble.

The ‘Liberty Smith’ set from last weekend was transformed into a colorful beauty by Lindsay Fuori. The hanging panels featured a cheerful tribal design, while the revolving section and the raised platform remain and were once again used well. Mitchell Girgasky designed the lighting (with his mentor G. Benjamin Swope) that enhanced the set, including the helpful assistance that allowed the large animal puppets to get back up the side aisles without incident.

These puppets were even more impressive on a second viewing and this time I knew when to look back in order to see their entire entrances. The largest of these charming puppets are carried upon the bodies of ensemble members, while birds are attached to long sticks and gazelles are held by the actors. One little elephant was just adorable. The puppets were designed by Eric Greto, who is a 19 year old student from Sandy Hook.

A second viewing of the costumes designed by Caity Mulkearns made me appreciate them even more. They feature African dresses and shorts and top outfits enhanced with some small headpieces for the animal parts. They allowed the actors to move but were still effective. The hyenas look perfect in gray hoodies with black accents. The impressive make up was designed by Joseph Dulude II. The young dancers mastered the authentic choreography by Shannon Lewis and they sounded their best thanks to sound designed by Sean Sonntag with the help of his mentor David Bullard.

There are a few remaining opportunities to see this inspiring production. Zulu cast is on stage Sat 7PM and Sun 12PM, Swahili cast is on stage Friday 7PM, Sat 2PM and Sun 5PM. There is assigned seating and tickets are available online at https://newarts.booktix.com All proceeds go to NewArts Newtown Musicals to be able to continue this important work for the Newtown community.