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Opening Night Presents "The Lion King, JR."
On Friday and Saturday, April 27th and 28th our Middle School "Opening Night" Class presented Disney's The Lion King, JR. during a daytime showing for local preschools and our school community as well as two nighttime showings for HCES families and friends.
Foremost among those to thank for this performance is our incredibly talented Director Christina Wiggins. Without her enormous creativity and talent, we would not have a show at all. In addition, a special thank you to Jessica Applegate (Musical Director), and Hannah Bergstrom (Choreographer) who assisted greatly in creating this production.
The middle school Opening Night class is a year-long elective open to 6th - 8th grade students. This class introduces students to major components of theatre production from script to stage including casting, lighting, theatre technology, directing, marketing, set design, and a wide range of acting techniques. Not only did the students enjoy the art of acting, but they experienced a hands-on class that exposed them to many aspects of theatre.
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Thirty-two middle school students worked tirelessly to create this production as part of the Opening Night class. As the tale goes... Rafiki gathers the animals of the Pridelands to welcome the newborn cub of King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi. The king’s jealous brother, Scar, no longer heir to the throne, skips the ceremony, upsetting Mufasa. Time passes and young Simba grows into a curious young lion. Mufasa explains the circle of life and that young Simba will one day be king of the Pridelands. As part of his plan to gain power, Scar blames young Simba for the king’s death and tells him to run away and never return. Scar assumes the throne, uniting lions and hyenas under his dark reign. Young Simba meets Timon and Pumbaa who take him to their “worry-free” jungle home and teach him “Hakuna Matata”. Under Scar’s reign, the Pridelands are nearly destroyed when Rafiki appears and helps Simba remember his father. With newfound courage, Simba agrees to return and confront his uncle. The truth of Mufasa’s murder is revealed and Scar runs away, pursued by angry hyenas. With peace restored in the Pridelands, Simba takes his place as king and the circle of life continues.
Since August, the Opening Night students have worked tirelessly on this beloved tale. Every part of this performance was touched by the student’s creativity and passion, from the sets to the props to the costume design to the choreography and even the playbill. They have had a hand in every aspect of this performance. Focusing on communication, collaboration and problem-solving, students were able to take 21st Century Skills and use them creatively in the performing arts to bring to life the final production.
Foremost among those to thank for this performance is our incredibly talented Director Christina Wiggins. Without her enormous creativity and talent, we would not have a show at all. In addition, a special thank you to Jessica Applegate (Musical Director), and Hannah Bergstrom (Choreographer) who assisted greatly in creating this production.
The middle school Opening Night class is a year-long elective open to 6th - 8th grade students. This class introduces students to major components of theatre production from script to stage including casting, lighting, theatre technology, directing, marketing, set design, and a wide range of acting techniques. Not only did the students enjoy the art of acting, but they experienced a hands-on class that exposed them to many aspects of theatre.
Extracurricular
2001 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, Florida
(850) 383-1007
(850) 383-1007
