Music and Lyrics by Elton John & Tim Rice Additional Music and Lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer Book by Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi Based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor Music Adapted & Arranged and Additonal Music & Lyrics and “Luau Hawaiian Treat” written by Will Van Dyke “It’s a Small World” written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman Director
Asst. Director
Anthony McClure
Cassie Weaver
Musical Director
Choreographer
Jen Logan
Elise Dolan
Stage Manager
Asst. Choreographer
Pam Sanza
Haley Lent
Set Designer
Lighting Designer
Ben Jordan
Kamron Binion
Production Assistant
Production Assistant
Hailey Bunch
Megan Bunch
The video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever are strictly prohibited. This production contains strobe effects.
Note from the Director From the bottom of my heart, thank you for attending our show. It is a dream come true to make my director debut with such a powerful and well-known story. It highlights the battle between good and evil and how to never give up when you are pushed down. Thank you to all of the parents, volunteers and donors for your love, time and support throughout the show. I am absolutely obsessed with our community of families that have banded together to create a safe, rewarding space for these young actors. We are more than just a regular theater company, we truly are family. In just six weeks we were able to produce a product that I can say is one of the best shows I’ve seen. I would like to personally recognize my artistic team. Thank you for allowing my visions to become realities in just a short amount of time. Thank you again for being here. It is because of your attendance that we are able to continue to teach character development through singing, dancing and having fun on stage. Thank you to my beautiful wife for sacrificing and loving me so deeply. Love you too the moon and back.
Anthony Adam McClure .
Lion King Production Volunteers Laura Alexander *Christina Alft *Nathan Armstrong Tasha Betts Vanessa Blasingame Jim Buchanan Kim Buchanan Kelly Carpenter Candice Carroll Ty Carroll Britney Cox *Nancy Crouch Morlini Stacey Evenson Ramnath Ganesan *Kristen Gaske Kate Gesch *Amy Glover *Tim Glover Liz Goodwin Kiley Hora *Ben Jordan Leah Jordan Teri Keck
Jennifer Logan Shannon Mahoney Valerie Parsons Amy Owen Valerie Parsons *Carolyn Rachaner Viji Rajagopal Shreya Ramnath Jill Reisinger Mike Reisinger Jennifer Rogers Paul Rogers Laura Schadle Lynn Sciandra Paul Sciandra Ben Smith *Jamie Smith *Rachelle Smouse Shannon Stakes Jessican Trudeau Christine Williams
* = Production Team Members Show Coordinator
Cassie Weaver
SPECIAL THANKS Lamb of God Lutheran Church Victory Life Church Coppell Middle School West CYT San Diego FUMC Coppell
Run Crew
Sound Operator Nate Armstrong Playback Operator Hailey Bunch Light Board Operator Ashley Tone Microphone Swaps Faith Rachaner Zhae Stoller Deck Managers Megan Bunch Tim Dolan Spot Light Operators Sara Miller Lauren Rodriguez Deck Crew Jaeden Alft Graham Buchanan Jackson Macdonald Avery Harrington Rolen Glover Ethan Riquinha Joshua Mahoney
Scenes and Musical Numbers ACT 1 Scene 1: Pride Rock Circle of Life with Nants’ Ingonyama..................................................Rafiki, Ensemble Scene 2: Scar’s Cave Scene 3: The Pridelands ‘Grasslands Chant’..................................Lionesses, Mufasa, Young Simba, Ensemble Scene 4: Scar’s Cave Scene 5: The Pridelands ‘The Lioness Hunt’.............................................................................Lionesses, Gazelle ‘I Just Can’t Wait to be King”...................... Young Simba, Young Nala, Zazu, Ensemble Scene 6: The Elephant Graveyard ‘Be Prepared’...............................................Scar, Ed, Shenzi, Banzai, Frenzai, Ensemble Scene 7: The Pridelands ‘They Live In You’...................................................................Mufasa, Sarabi, Ensemble Scene 8: The Gorge ‘The Stampede’................................................................................................Ensemble ‘The Mourning’........................................................................................Scar, Ensemble Scene 9: The Desert & The Jungle ‘Hakuna Matata’..........................Timon, Pumbaa, Young Simba, Simba, Ensemble
INTERMISSION 15 Minutes with refreshments and souvenirs available in the lobby.
Act 2 Scene 1: Scar’s Cave Scene 2: The Pridelands ‘Shadowland’...........................................................................................Nala, Ensemble Scene 3: The Jungle ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’................Timon, Pumbaa, Nala, Simba, Ensemble ‘He Lives In You’...........................................................................Rafiki, Nala, Ensemble Scene 4 ‘Luau Hawaiian Treat’................................................................................Timon, Pumba ‘Finale’.......................................................................................Ensemble
Cast Biographies Rebekah Alexander, 13 Ensemble Rebekah has found her passion in theater, and is so excited to be doing her 7th show with CYT. She is 13, and going into the 8th grade. She is now home schooled, and is very comfortable with how things are going. She would like to thank all of her CYT friends, for supporting her through the 3 years she’s been with them. To God be the glory!
Caleb Armstrong, 8 Ensemble Caleb is 8 years old and is going into the second grade. This is Caleb’s first performance and he is so excited to use God’s gifts this year in the Lion King!
Ethan Armstrong, 10 Ensemble Ethan is 10 years old and this is his second performance with CYT. He was a pirate in Peter Pan. Ethan loves to perform and sing and is excited to be in the Lion King.
Faith Betts, 13 Timon Faith has previously performed as Wendy in Dr. Newheart’s Christmas Cure, Savannah in Isaiah Jones and Michael darling in Peter Pan Jr. Faith enjoys acting/singing on the worship team at Harvest Christian Academy. Love and gratitude to all involved in this beautiful production. Thank you to all who have shared in her journey, and most importantly God. Eph 2:8
Alexa Blasingame, 10 Young Nala Alexa is a joyful, spirited 10-year-old who loves the stage. CYT Dallas is Alexa’s “Happy Place.” She is so excited to be in Lion King Jr. and this is her 4th show with CYT. She wants to thank God for blessing her with this wonderful community. She also wants to thank her parents and her twin brother, Sean for all of their support and love.
Cast Biographies Andrew Buchanan, 15 Ensemble Andrew will be entering 9th Grade at Flower Mound High this fall. He has grown to love theater and performing with his CYT “framily.” Lion King will be Andrew’s fourth show. When he’s not acting, Andrew enjoys video games, drums, anime, sleeping, and eating burgers. He wishes to thank all of his friends and family for their support.
Gabe Carpenter, 9 Ensemble Gabriel Carpenter has been featured in Willy Wonka Jr. in 2019 Broadview Heights Summer Theater Camp along with a Space Montage in 2018 Broadview Heights Junior Summer Theater Camp. Gabriel loves theater. His favorite musical he has seen is Aladdin and his favorite musical score is Hamilton.
Foster Carroll, 12 Ensemble This is Foster’s 4th show with CYT. When not hanging with his CYT peeps Foster loves to travel, spend time with family, and learn cool new dance moves. He would like to thank everyone that puts their heart & soul into making CYT a place that is truly life changing...….Hope you enjoy the show!
Kennedy Cox, 9 Ensemble Kennedy is 9 years old and so excited to be a part of the Lion King Production, this is her second time to be in this show, as she was Pumba in her school production. She has been acting, dancing and singing since age 4. This is her eleventh production and her 4th show with CYT. Her most favorite role was playing Duffy in Annie.
Emily Crouch, 9 Ensemble Emily enters 5th grade at Vickery Elementary in the Fall. This is her third CYT Show. She loved being a part of Annie and Alice earlier this year. In addition to musical theater, Emily recently joined our local swim team! She has always been fearless and fierce - both with her activities as well as her love of others.
Cast Biographies Kahlie Gaske-Dominguez, 11 Ensemble Kahlie is 11 years old and going into the 6th grade at Bethany Elementary in Plano. When not on stage, Kahlie plays competitive soccer and enjoys reading and playing video games. She is extremely excited to be a part of this wonderful show!
Aidan Gesch, 14 Mufasa Aidan is a rising sophomore at Flower Mound High School. This is his fifth show with CYT Dallas. Previous roles include the Wolf in Into the Woods, Jr., Drake in Annie, Jr. and most recently, Piz in Alice, A Wonder-full New Musical. He enjoys Jr ROTC at school and operating lights, sound, and slides at church.
Lydia Gesch, 12 Shenzi Lydia is excited to be performing in her eighth CYT Dallas show. Previous roles include Jojo in Seussical, Granny in Into the Woods, Jr., Curly in Peter Pan and Kate in Annie, Jr. Outside of CYT, Lydia enjoys... actually, CYT is everything Lydia enjoys: friendships and fun, singing, acting, dancing, serving, and glorifying God.
Emily Glover, 15 Sarafina Emily is excited to be part of her 8th production with CYT Dallas. She is grateful for the growth and the opportunity to be part of a theater group that relies on the true Creator. She would like to thank the leaders at CYT Dallas, the creative team, Mr. Larry, Michele, cast, crew, family, and above all Jesus. Enjoy the show! -2 Corinthians 12:9
John Glover, 11 Pumba This will be John’s 7th production with CYT Dallas. He loves the CYT program, where he has made new friends & gained great life skills. He enjoys solving rubicks cubes, dancing, singing, & drawing. He would like to thank all the leaders at CYT, the creative team, cast, crew, family, the audience, and Jesus. Hakuna Matata! -John 3:16-17
Cast Biographies Avery Goodwin, 9 Ensemble Avery is thrilled to be making her musical theater debut with CYT. She has grown up attending the theater and has always dreamt of being in a play. She enjoys creating, reading and dancing, and has performed with her dance studio for the past three years. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she enjoys performing in it! 2 Corinthians 5:7
Casen Jordan, 11 Simba This is Casen’s 5th show with CYT! Past roles include Luke Williams in Camp Rock, a Pirate in Peter Pan, Bert Healy and Louis Howe in Annie Jr., and Mr. Pillar in Alice. Casen is involved in theater at school (he recently played Dickon in The Secret Garden), he enjoys solving Rubik’s Cubes and epic water balloon fights. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Sydney Keck, 13 Sarabi This is Sydney’s first CYT production and she is so excited to have this opportunity. She will be in 8th grade at Linda Jobe Middle School in Mansfield. Sydney loves playing percussion in the school band. She is also extremely active in her church. Sydney enjoys playing volleyball, going outside, and eating ice cream!
Jace Kruse, 14 Scar Jace has been in theater and choir classes for 4 years. In addition to Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan and Alice with CYT, Jace was seen in Beauty and the Beast at his school. He really enjoys theater and singing!
Karissa Logan, 14 Rafiki Karissa is so blessed to be a part of this amazing production. She will be a freshman at Keller Central High School this coming school year. This is her fourth show with CYT Dallas. She would like to thank her family, the Moto Moto Gals, the directing team and Jesus. To God be the glory!
Cast Biographies Keira Logan, 10 Ed Keira will be a 5th grader at PHIS this coming school year. This is her fourth CYT Dallas show. She would like to thank her friends, family, directors and God for giving her this opportunity! Enjoy the show!
Riley Owen, 10 Ensemble Riley Owen is 10 years old, and this is her 2nd show with CYT. She was an orphan in Annie and is excited to be a part of the cast of The Lion King. She loves spending time with her CYT family in classes and rehearsals as well as serving at her church.
Tommy Parson, 15 Ensemble Tommy will be in the 9th grade at Flower Mound High School next year and will be in the Gentleman’s Choir. This is his first CYT show! He enjoys video games, choir, and playing electric guitar. He is thankful for his family and his friends at CYT and they are so proud of him!!
Sahana Ramnath, 11 Ensemble Sahana is going to 6th grade. Sahana loves theater and she is currently learning Indian Classical Dance, She was selected in Honor Show Choir to represent her 5th grade (Bluebonnet Elementary) school. She was the President of the Student Council at Bluebonnet Elementary school (5th grade)
Rylee Risinger, 12 Banzai This is Rylee’s fifth show with CYT and loves her CYT family! Rylee attends Tidwell Middle in Roanoke and actively serves at Gateway Church. Rylee is so blessed with the opportunities God has given her to sing, act and have fun. She gives all the Glory to Him! Baby Kangaroo says.....Humph!
Cast Biographies Emma Rodgers, 13 Nala Emma Rogers, age 13, is going into 8th grade at Coram Deo Academy in Flower Mound. Previous credits include Into the Woods (Lucinda), Peter Pan (Wendy), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie), and Mary Poppins (Jane Banks).
Lauren Sciandra, 13 Zazu This is Lauren’s first show with Christian Youth Theater. Recently she played the part of step-sister, Joy, in Downing Middle School’s production of “Cinderella”. She has been in several shows with Little Bit of Broadway and is excited to be a part of the Christian Youth Theater family.
Claudia Smith, 11 Ensemble Claudia absolutely LOVES The Lion King, and couldn’t wait to be a part of the show. This is her third show with CYT and is having a blast! When she’s not practicing her lines and dances, she enjoys rocking out to Queen (she even saw them in concert in July!), drawing, painting, and hanging out with her friends.
Logan Smith, 9 Enemble Logan has always shown a love for musical theater and is so thankful for the home and community she has found here at CYT. When not on stage, you can find her on the soccer field, doing flips at the gym, riding her bike, or with her art pad in tow. She will be entering the 4th grade this fall and hopes you enjoy the show!
Hunter Smouse, 11 Young Simba Hunter is almost 12 years old. Lion King, Jr will be his fourth show with CYT. Hunter is beginning middle school and will be playing percussion. He loves to read, sing, dance, and play video games. Hunter has enjoyed all the friends he has made through CYT. He wants to live in Australia in a tiny house, with his Labrador Retriever.
Cast Biographies Atlee Stakes, 9 Ensemble Atlee loves the CYT family and thinks kids should consider doing a CYT class if they enjoy the show! She has performed in three CYT shows including “Disney’s Camp Rock” (Camp Rocker), “Peter Pan” (Lost Boy) and “Annie Jr.” (Tessie). Atlee would like to THANK ALL OF THE GREAT CYT STAFF, as she has seen how much hard work it takes to put on a show!
Jolie Trudeau, 12 Ensemble Jolie Trudeau attends Forestwood Middle School in Flower Mound, TX. She has been honored to participate in five previous shows and loves CYT Dallas!
Payton WIlliams, 10 Ensemble Payton will start the 5th grade at The STEM Academy at Donald in the fall. This is Payton’s third CYT production. You may have seen her as a Lost kid in Peter Pan or as Orphan Vivian in Annie, Jr. Payton can often be found reading a book, playing the piano, wearing cat ears, or crafting. Payton would like to thank the directors at CYT for guiding her so well!
ARTISTIC TEAM
ARTISTIC TEAM BIOS Anthony McClure, Director Anthony McClure is a Dallas,Texas singer/songwriter. His love for music sprouted when he started playing the cello at the age of ten. He has pushed himself to always advance the gifts that God has given him by teaching himself how to play the piano, guitar and vocals. He has been called to help other artists, musicians and anyone who wants to advance their own career in the entertainment industry. Anthony enjoys traveling, hanging out with family and friends and graphic design. Anthony also works at C3 Trinity Dallas as the Media Director and a Manager for local musicians. He has completed his Masters degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University.
Cassie Weaver, Assistant Director Cassie Weaver is CYT Dallas’ summer intern. She will be a sophomore at Harding University this Fall, and she is studying Theatre and Communications. She has loved working on Lion King Jr. with the amazing CYT community and feels so blessed to have spent this summer learning from the best. Big thanks to Tyler and Kate for investing in her, and to Father God for lovingly providing this opportunity! Soli Deo Gloria!
ARTISTIC TEAM BIOS Elise Dolan, Choreographer Elise Dolan is originally from Rockford, Illinois. She has trained in various types of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Modern. Prior to moving to Dallas, she danced at Steps to Grace Dance Academy and performed with their ensemble team for 7 years. Elise was involved with CYT Rockford and performed in musicals at her high school and a community theater. She trained and toured the country with Ingredients Dance Company from 20102012. She has also taught dance for 6 years at A Time to Dance Studio in Hickory Creek, TX. Elise has been with CYT Dallas for the past 2 years and has loved every minute of it! This is the sixth show she has had the honor of choreographing for them! She is always thrilled to get the chance to instruct others on how to grow in their movement and stage presence and to help them learn what God has called them to do with their gifts and talents. And most importantly how to worship God in everything they do! She loves being a part of the CYT family and is excited to continue to watch it grow!
Jennifer Logan, Musical Director Jen has been involved with the fine arts since 1986. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Taylor University and has been teaching private voice lessons for over 17 years. She has performed, directed and vocal directed for various theaters including CYT Chicago, DuPage Opera Theatre and Spotlight Youth Theater. Currently, Jen is a voice teacher at three Keller ISD Schools. She is passionate about helping children find freedom through the fine arts, as she did. Playing Susanna in ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’ was one of her favorite roles. Jen is a member of TMEA, TCDA and is a Lifetime PTA Member. Most importantly, she is a Christ-Follower and strives to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with her God.
Haley Lent, Assistant Choreographer Haley grew up in Denton, TX. She has danced for 16 years and is on her 2 year of teaching. She teaches a variety of classes such as ballet, acro, jazz, and modern at A Time to Dance located in Corinth, TX. Teaching has given her the opportunity to help dancers grow in their movement but also in their walk with the lord. This is her first show with CYT and it has been an exciting adventure!
Pam Sanza, Stage Manager This is Pam’s third awesome show with CYT! Pam is from the Sherman area and has stage managed over 15 shows including LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, A FEW GOOD MEN, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, SCROOGE THE MUSICAL & A CHRISTMAS STORY to name a few. Pam also enjoys acting and singing when not behind the stage. Pam wishes to thank CYT for this incredible opportunity and her family for their love and support doing theater!
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