The Lion King Jr

By Elton John, Tim Rice, Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. Kalamunda Senior High School. Directed by Anna Head. Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre, WA. Aug 30-31, 2024

Kalamunda Senior High School’s production of Disney The Lion King Jr, was a huge production that featured a cast of 92, hundreds of costumes, contribution from multiple departments within the school and parent involvement. Playing for a very short season, the final day included three public performances to capacity audiences.

The leading roles in The Lion King Jr are shared between two performers. Young Simba was played by Sienna Stidwell (possibly familiar to Community Theatre audiences) who played the young cub with youthful gusto and sincerity. The older Simba was played by Jonathan Cole, who transitioned from uncertain teenager to brave young king. Leading lady Nala is also shared with sweet but confident little Nala nicely played by Ruby Dunne and her self-assured older incarnation well inhabited by Alice Clark. Companion Zazu is given great bustle by Zoe Green,

Georgia Valentine seemingly channels Jeremy Irons to play villainous Scar (a little unnerving when played by a 15-year-old girl) and has obviously worked very hard at maintaining character. She stands up well against Christopher Taylor’s regal Mustafa. His wife was nicely played by Hayley Thomas.

Sofia Morrison brings power, presence, and a great voice to the role of Rafiki, in this version well supported by a quartet of elements played by Lily Oorschot, Abbi Brown, Calais Wilson and Rani Taylor. High Priestess of the Pride was portrayed with power by Asha Hodgson, while Sarafina was well played by Lily Newell.

The trio of leading hyenas were well portrayed, with great teamwork, Leah Kostas (Banzai) and Hayley Kuppens-Beeson (Shenzi) revel in playing the bad guys, with Shyla Vivian getting laughs as the less-than-bright Ed.

A great partnership was seen in Timon and Pumbaa, played with comic chops by Layla Ward and Laysie Grossman.

A huge ensemble worked hard throughout, with some great stage techniques - especially in the staging of the stampede. 

Director Anna Head has worked hard to design hundreds of costumes, although I found quite a few difficult to understand. The set, especially the false proscenium, was impressive and original projections, by former student Evelyn Grummett, served the show well.

A show that clearly united its school community, it was great to see such a huge involvement and the fabulous teamwork in action.

Kimberley Shaw