'The Lion King KIDS' Coming To Wolf Performing Arts Center

BRYN MAWR, PA – Bryn Mawr's Wolf Performing Arts Center is gearing up for its four-cast production of Disney’s "The Lion King KIDS" in early December.

Wolf Performing Arts Center, a non-profit located in Bryn Mawr, will present the show Dec. 5 through Dec. 9 at Rosemont College's Rotwitt Theater. The production features 131 third through fifth grade students from 32 unique schools in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

The story takes audiences on an adventure across the African savanna to the community of the Pridelands. Although the Pridelands seem to be a peaceful place, you’ll soon discover that Scar, Mufasa’s brother, feels scorned and will do anything to become king. It becomes Simba’s responsibility as he grows older to learn to defend his position as the rightful leader and bring honor to his community.

"The Lion King KIDs teaches [us] that everyone has a place in the world, each playing their own role in the circle of life," Director Will Connell said. "From the crawling ant to the leaping antelope, we respect and value each one’s place, a lesson we encourage onstage and off."

Working as a team with professional teaching artists Amy Brower, music director; David Snyder, music director; Laura Barron, choreographer; and Janine Merolla, choreographer, Connell has inspired the casts to relate to their characters on a deeper level.

"I am similar to Nala because she is brave and fierce," said Isabella Bucci, who portrays Nala in the B cast. "The directors are awesome and kind. Everyone has so many expressions in their own different way."

Sadie Kreindler, who is playing Pumbaa in the A cast, says her favorite part of The Lion King KIDS is "all the jokes and laughter during practice." She relates to her character, saying, “[like Pumbaa], I’m very silly and weird and quirky.”

"It’s like being in a family," said Avital Uram, the B cast Simba. "I'm similar to Simba because I am so empathetic and care about other people’s feelings."

Tickets cost $10 and are available online here.

Pictured above in back from left to right are Isabella Bucci (Nala, Cast B, 5th grade, Ithan Elementary); Avital Uram (Simba, Cast B, 4th grade, Perelman Jewish Day School); and William Savarese (Scar, Cast B, 5th grade, Penn Valley Elementary). In front, from left to right, are Flora Schlechter (Timon, Cast D, 4th grade, Cynwyd Elementary)Sadie Kreindler (Pumbaa, Cast A, Friends' Central School).

Image via Wolf Performing Arts Center