WEST ORANGE, NJ — Five months of hard work paid off as the Roosevelt Middle School production of “The Lion King Jr.” brought audiences to its feet at its May 12 debut.
With lush sets, costumes and lighting, the production was visually stunning. Complex harmonies on iconic songs like “Circle of Life” impressed, and a solid sound system enhanced both the script and the music, written by Elton John and Tim Rice.
Director Sandra Van Dyke had received a grant from Music Theater International to do the show and, thanks to a personal and professional friendship, had Jelani Remy, currently playing “Simba” in “The Lion King” on Broadway, work twice with students. In addition to a grueling rehearsal schedule, the cast and crew were required to attend 14 two-hour training sessions.
Staff included Musical Director Deb Rees; parent Terri Purcell, a Broadway costume designer; Larry Pelham as set designer; Jordan Bialik in charge of lighting; and Alex Scarpa and Joseph Fil-Ames handling sound. Chante Seide, a graduate of the West Orange High School Class of 2015, served as assistant choreographer.
The cast included: Geraldine Louis, Joseph Nalieth, Somalia Bryant, Alex Perez, Aidan Tarantino, Justin Peters, Gabrielle Lacour, Chrismalie Anselme, Ruth Donagher, Bianca Pierre, Herva Kana, Evelyn Pereira, Rachel Favetta, Melanie Maciejak, Nyobie Boddie, Shanelle Chambliss, Hanna Tamirat, Ikenna Udechukwu, Ava Donaghy, Safiya Graham, Jamari Servance, Kristin Scott and Israel Soto.
The crew, comprising both students and adults, included: James Steinik, Mrs. Salkin, Jhunie Clerveus, Nicholas Charles, Nadia LaMar, Ellycia Kimble, Ms. Velasquez, Kimberly Hercules, Layla Smith, Stacy Paul, Mya Coleman, Brianna Ventura, Courtney Opoku, Julieta Villacan, Elizabeth Mayo, Nick Velazquez, Larry Alpert, Elizabeth Duarte, Eileen Maciejak, Miguel Urbino, Ruth Donagher, Lindsey Allen, Alyssa Stone and Nyakerario Ogora.
Photos Courtesy of Cynthia Cumming
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