The show, which opens Friday night, was chosen by Performing Arts Chair Jordan Yonce because of the performance and production potential it offers students.

 

“It's a wonderful musical with delightful characters and with fun and powerful musical numbers to match,” he said. “I was also excited by the set-design, lighting, and choreography potential it had to offer for a Middle School production.”

 

In Middle School, students have the option of enrolling in a trimester course that focuses on producing a musical, culminating in a spring performance in MacDonald Hall. This year, a group of Upper School students joined the faculty team to mentor Middle School students through the production.

 

Sasha James ’22 and Lacey Somwaru ’22 were among the students who worked with Eve Fredman ’19 on building the set, which depicts the African savannah and Pride Rock. They said they enjoyed hearing about Fredman’s experience working on Upper School shows.

 

“It shows (me) that once you get to high school, there are opportunities to do what you like while doing it in a leadership (position),” Somwaru said.

 

Fredman, who had not previously worked with Middle School students, said assisting with this show has inspired her to work with pre-teens at a theater program this summer.

 

“It’s the highlight of my day,” she said. “I think it’s very refreshing to work with people who are so excited about something and are new to something. I’m able to enjoy their enjoyment of things I’ve done before.”

 

Lucia Weiner ’23 and Lauryn Fowler ’23 worked on the costume crew and created headwear for the animal kingdom cast. They also shared ideas for costumes with assistant Avery Johnston ’19.

 

“I’ve gotten to know a little bit more about how sewing works, and while designing the clothing, about different designs in African culture,” Fowler said.

 

Johnston said she has enjoyed working with the girls on the costume crew and her experience has motivated her toward her goal of studying costuming in college.

 

Weiner said she appreciated Johnston’s mentorship, including hearing about the shows she has worked on as a prop maker and her experience as an Upper School student.

During the show, Middle School tech crew members will be supported by fall play and winter musical veterans, including Case van Stolk ’18, Maggie Atwood ’18 and Ashley Cheung ’19.

Performances are in MacDonald Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 11 and at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 12. Tickets, available at the door, are $3 for students and seniors and $5 for adults (with free admission for children 5 and under).

Click here to learn more about St. Andrew's Episcopal School arts.