Oakbrook goes Broadway with production of Lion King

It might about 600 miles off Broadway, but a recent production of The Lion King at Oakbrook Elementary had all of the pageantry, costume and talent of a big time musical.

The Lion King marks the 9th musical performed by the Oakbrook Elementary 5th and 6th graders.

"This was truly a team effort and I am so proud and grateful for this experience," said music teacher Christopher Smith.

Smith said the cast spent more than 100 hours in rehearsal during lunch and lunch recess for their two recent performances.

The cast had to go through a series of auditions and callbacks, which took place in October.

Rehearsals began at the beginning of November and continued until the performance in March.

The musical is based off the 1994 Disney movie with music by Elton John and Tim Rice. Additional music was taken directly from the Broadway musical and was written by Lebo M., Mark Macina, Jay Rikin and Hans Zimmer.

"Much of this added music was not written in English but in Swahili, Zulu and many other African languages. The cast had to master not only the English music, but had to learn how to sing in these African languages, as well," Smith said.

In addition to the Oakbrook students involved in the production, we also had art students from Stevenson, led by art teacher Patti Fields, who painted all of the beautiful backdrops.

Stevenson theatre teacher Mark Johnson sent drama students from Stevenson to help with sound equipment, microphones, make-up and hair. Even some former Oakbrook students, who are now at Heritage, came to help out during the after school rehearsals and performances.

Oakbrook parents helped with sewing and mending costumes and providing props for the show, as well.

Smith said his own mother spent more than 300 hours of her own time sewing 500 plus separate costume pieces that were featured on the stage.