The Lion King Jr

Albany Children’s Theatre’s production of The Lion King Jr was an extravaganza of a production, with a cast of 82 children aged from just 5 to 18. Warm, well performed and fun, the capacity audience was delighted during their short, one day, two performance season.

A unique rehearsal and casting process casts all performers who are able to complete the audition process. Each performer can then choose how much of the production they would like to be a part of, with some youngsters choosing to rehearse an hour a week in a small ensemble role, while others nominate for larger ensemble tracks or ask to be considered for leading roles, allowing everyone to participate at their own capacity. There was a wide range of experience and talent, with some 35 performers making impressive stage debuts.

The show is launched beautifully in the capable hands of Leilani Chapman as mandrill Rafiki who sings beautifully through some of the show’s key moments, belying the fact that this is her first show.

Willian Schupp is a very mature and capable Mufasa, who comes to grief care of Alistair Lanyon-Cook’s wonderfully villainous Scar (another fabulous debut). Lovely work also from lionesses Sarabi and Serafina – Jemma Hickman and Iyla Warr in their first lead roles.

Every show needs a hero, and we have them in duplicate. Lilith Davis is a delight in her first major role as Young Simba, lighting up the stage with her energy, until she is replaced by Thomas West-Cook, promising, in his first stage appearance. Both young and mature Nala are beautiful and performed with similar grace by Harper Matson and Miriam Keyser.

We are given a great comic duo in the form of Addison Theyer and Gabriella Schupp as Pumbaa and Timon, while Amity Wegner flies around the stage with flair as cheeky parrot Zazu. Excellent teamwork from Hyenas Emily Little (Shenzi) and Ada Sheppard (Banzai) with Leroy Hankinson-Rainbow stealing moments as the less-than -bright Ed.

The cast are obviously well drilled in stage craft, which didn’t stop the odd sneaky wave at the audience (very forgivable) and Musical Directors Emma Davis and Jen Crousten have shaped developing voices very well. 

Performed with professional projections and a great Pride Rock, the costumes, and animal puppets courtesy of Jenny Attrill, Delma Attrill, Richard Attril, Tania Briggs, and Alison Summer look great, with striking masks (Natalie Cooper and Carmen Proudlove) and professional level hair and wig design from Amanda Hickman.

Great to see dozens of young performers having a ball, while providing quality entertainment, and a pleasure to see an audience having a great time while uniting as a community.

Kimberley Shaw