‘Lion King’ is a Hit at Wantagh Elementary

Posted Date: 12/22/2023

More than 60 young thespians at Wantagh Elementary School took the stage for “The Lion King Kids,” an adapted version of the popular Disney animated movie turned Broadway show. Demand for roles was so popular that there were two full casts, with performances on Nov. 29 and 30.

Students performed in all four shows – one each morning for students followed by an afternoon show for parents. The Pride Rock cast and the Jungle Cast each had the lead roles for one set of shows, such as young and adult Simba, Mufasa, Scar, Timon and Pumba, with the other cast serving as the ensemble. 

Assistant Principal Rachel Iannuzzi, who directed the show, said she chose “The Lion King” because it is a familiar story among children, has a multicultural theme and has high-energy musical numbers. Ms. Iannuzzi added that while students had to memorize lots of lines, song lyrics and choreography, they also had creative input in deciding how they wanted to portray their characters.

“We’re so proud of them for all of the hard work they put in to put on four great performances,” she said. “They’re extremely talented.”

The fourth and fifth grade actors began rehearsals in September. They prepped afterschool twice a week, with additional rehearsals during lunch and recess in the week leading up to the show. Supporting Ms. Iannuzzi was music director Beth Marinis, choreographer Christina Mealey, stage managers Laura Espinosa and Kyle Sweezy. The sets were designed by students under the direction of teachers Traci Weiss and Taylor Potish.