'Lion King' on stage for two weekend shows

The Surry Arts Players are performing Disney’s “The Lion King JR.” directed by Amanda Barnard this weekend. There are 3 p.m. performances on both Saturday and Sunday.

“Celebrate the circle of life in this timeless story of courage, friendship, and destiny,” promotional material for the production states. “Disney’s ‘The Lion King JR.’ brings the African savanna to life with Simba, Rafiki, and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.”

“Disney’s The Lion King JR.” features classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated feature film, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “He Lives in You,” and “Hakuna Matata.”

The production stars Anna Hall as Rafiki; Max Barnard as Mufasa; Chloe Jones as Sarabi; Lee Bodenhamer as Zazu; Kori Hawks as Serafina; Morgan Cooke, Reese Cox, Julia Friel, Francesca Heid, Abbie Schuyler, and Maggie Wallace as Lionesses; Matthew Chelgren as Scar; Noah Cockerham as Young Simba; Chloe Vinson as Young Nala; Thomas Holladay as Banzai; Zinnia Burgess as Shenzi; Gwendolyn Rae Aguiar as Ed; Brooks Harold as Timon; Noah Wilkes as Pumba; Walker Work as Simba; Ava Smith as Nala; Brody Barker as Male Swing; and Hannah Hiatt as Female Swing.

Additional cast includes; Ellie Baker, Maggie Baker, Brody Barker, Everly Beamer, Kaebry Blair, Alyson Bowers, Annabelle Carter, Paisley Chilton, Darcy Church, Catherine Douglas, Landen Dove, Chloe Driggers, Jack Freitag, Atticus Hawks, Jenna Hawks, Prim Hawks, Hannah Hiatt, Anderson Holladay, Kaitlyn Holladay, Makenna Holladay, Samuel Holladay, Talea Holladay, Claire Holleman, Charlie Johnson, Brayden Kammerer, Hudson Miller, Darcy Patterson, Scarlet Patterson, Jaylin Slate, Elsa Smith, Noelle Snow, Emery Addison Swiger, Bella Wagoner, Kenzie White, Tate White, Illa Kay Wilmoth, Charlotte Wright, and Claire Youell as Ensemble.

Serving on the production crew is Director Amanda Barnard; Music Director Juliana Cooke; Choreographer Mackenzie Boyles; Assistant Choreographer Estella Heid; Set Design Amanda Barnard and Tyler Matanick; Scenic Painting Madeline Matanick and Star Eldridge; Set Construction Rob Chelgren, Erik Chelgren, Madeline Matanick, Tyler Matanick, and Walker York; Costume Design Rebekah Taylor; Dressers Cassidy Mills and Ashton Freeman; Lighting Design Tyler Matanick; Mask Design Peyton Chelgren; Jungle Curtain Emily Burgess; Elephant & Rhino The Burgess Family; Props Amanda Barnard; Photography Ashton Young and Salem Poindexter; Technical Director Tyler Matanick; Assistant Director Michael Senter; Stage Managers Peyton Chelgren and Erik Chelgren; Lights & Sound Star Eldridge, Patrick McDaniel, and Rob Swiger; Stage Crew Jasmyn Billings, Kathryn Caudle, Citlaly Chaire, Emma Chelgren, Callie Grant, Estella Heid, Alek Riggs, and Coby Yarboro.

“Disney’s The Lion King JR.” performances are in the Andy Griffith Playhouse. Tickets are $20. Limited tickets are available online at www.surryarts.org or at the door if available.