East Moriches Middle School presents ‘The Lion King Junior’

East Moriches Middle School students presented Disney’s “The Lion King Junior” on March 20 and 21.

“This student production brought the beloved story of Simba to life through acting, singing, and dancing,” said art teacher Candice Licalzi, who organized the play. “The students and staff have put in an amazing amount of work and effort to make the performance as similar to the Broadway play as possible.”

The production was done by sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade student performers and stage crew that worked together to recreate the adventures of Simba as he learns about friendship, responsibility, and finding his place in the Circle of Life.

Licalzi noted the colorful costumes and energetic choreography inspired by the beloved Broadway adaptation, highlighting the creativity and dedication of the East Moriches Middle School performers, stage crew, and staff. “

A Q&A with the stars of the show:

Natalee Gettling, eighth grader, played Old Simba

“The plays we have put on have really made me want to be in more plays,” she said, noting how fun it has been to be in a musical. “I am most excited for the music. We have been really working hard to try to get down the harmonies and choreography. The music is a really big part of ‘The Lion King.’”

Ayla Papile, eighth grader, who played Mufasa

“I really like the costumes, the headpieces in particular,” she said, noting the art teacher did a great job of creating them and the stage crew painted them.

Madison Campbell, eighth grader in stage crew

“I am too scared to go onstage, but most excited because we have never done a musical before,” she said, proud to be in stage crew. “We still get to be a part of it and get ready for it by practicing the curtains and lighting.”

Samantha Morrison, eighth grader, who played Adult Nala

“I’m [was] excited to see all the parts come together. We’ve all been working hard for the last two months.”

Julie Glick, eighth grader, who played Young Nala

“We’re doing a musical this year. I am a dancer and got to help choreograph a lot of it, which is something I haven’t gotten to do yet!”

Salvatore Santoro, sixth grader, who played Young Simba

“I [was] excited to hear the songs and how they came out. I was also excited to be Simba; I think our personalities are pretty similar.”

Sophia Schnauder, eighth grader in stage crew

“We put so much work into painting the costumes and Pride Rock. It was so fun to do that. I love seeing it onstage, all of our hard work.”