It is exciting to think that in September we will see the first MAC production in 3 years. This year we have secured the rights for Disney’s The Lion King Junior. This production includes the same story and music as the original production but is reduced in length and complexity.

If you are not familiar with the story, it follows the adventures of the young lion Simba (Thien Doan), the heir of his father, Mufasa (Paul Fatai). Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar (Eric Luu), plots to usurp Mufasa’s throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests. However, Simba escapes, and only Mufasa is killed. Simba returns as an adult (Kevin Pinto) to take back his homeland from Scar with the help of his friends Timon (Api Nicol) and Pumbaa (DT Cairns). Along the way we meet some other interesting characters such as Rafiki, a wise mandrill played by Tina Nguyen of Year 10 and Simba’s playmate young Nala (Emma Nguyen) who grows to be a confident lioness willing to confront Scar (Tiana Stepanoviski)

The MAC team is very excited with the talent of this year’s cast and over 45 students auditioned for the ensemble. The full cast list was published on COMPASS, google classroom and can be seen posted around the school.

Over 30 students have registered for backstage. They will have a challenging job of creating life-size animal puppets and will find themselves on stage operating them in this production. Rehearsals will begin early to mid -term 2, with a fair bit of work to be done conceptually before rehearsals begin. All rehearsal information will be posted on google classroom and cast, band and crew need to check google classroom regularly for updates.

If you are able to help in anyway, please contact one of the MAC team. We may make the costumes rather than hire them this year so if you have any skills in this area, please let us know.

Performance Dates: The performances are scheduled for Monday 12th, Tuesday September 13th & Thursday 15th of September, the last week of Term 3. There will be a matinee and evening performance on each day.

 

Janet McKenzie (Director), Nick D’Aglas (Artistic Director), James Orchard (Musical Director), Melrose Tran (Assistant Musical Director)