With two sold-out shows, a passionate cast and crew of 83 students brought the magic of the savanna to life in a spectacular musical performance this March.
“The Lion King has such recognizable and exciting music that it was a really fun one to bring to the stage,” said Kyla Hamm, teacher at Adam Robertson Elementary School (ARES) and director of the production.
She noted the opening and closing numbers, in which over 80 voices came together on stage to fill the theatre, were especially phenomenal.
"Something I discovered is that when you sing from your heart, you sing stronger," Avri Merril-Brown, Grade 6, grassland spirit.
This marks the fourth major production for ARES, following hits like Shrek, Willy Wonka, and Mary Poppins.
“We just keep getting more and more traction every year, from the kids, parent volunteers, and teachers,” said Hamm, who has been involved in the performing arts for nearly 20 years. “And as long as there's excitement around it, then we'll keep doing it.”
The students now in lead roles have been part of every production over the years, and it's been fulfilling to watch them grow and take centre stage as they get older, added Hamm.
"I never thought I could perform, but here I am, surrounded by constant, almost annoyingly constant, praises,” said Anden Webb, Grade 7, Mufasa.
Students from Grades 3 to 7 started rehearsals for The Lion King in October to bring their refined talents to the stage.
Annika McIntyre, a Grade 6 student who played Zazu, said her favourite thing about performing was getting to be something different than her usual self. While Lachlan Hamm, a Grade 7 student who played the lead of Simba, said he enjoyed the novelty of wearing a microphone and “being told I can be loud.”
Being involved in drama helps to build other skills beyond singing and dancing, such as confidence, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration with other students.
“I always tell the students that when they try things that are hard or out of their comfort zone, they build capacities within themselves they wouldn't otherwise even know existed,” she said. “They don't even realize they're learning and growing in those areas because they're having so much fun.”
McKenzie Dodge, a Grade 3 student who played a flamingo, said she felt like she learned "how to face a crowd with millions of people." And Ellen MacIntosh-Remple, a Grade 4 student who played a zebra said she learned a new language through performing.
This was all made possible with the help of dedicated school staff and parent volunteers working behind the scenes to fund raise, build sets, design costumes, and more. Thanks were given to Blakeny Delcaro, Danielle Sonntag, and Lorraine Doelman for their support this year.
