The African savannah comes alive on stage as Hillview Middle School presents Disney’s The Lion King Jr. The show dates are November 14-16 and November 20-21. Get tickets online.
This musical, tailored for middle-school performers, is based on the renowned Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor and the beloved 1994 Disney film. The production features a talented cast of 64 students from grades 6-8, supported by an enthusiastic crew of 48 members, all under the expert direction of District Drama Specialist Bill Hairston.
“What a privilege it is to lead this group of talented student actors and singers,” said Bill. “And, how gratifying to see the amazing technical feats our staff design year after year. Every show is more detailed and gorgeous than the one before. MPCSD drama rocks!”
This year’s production marks a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of staging The Lion King within the Menlo Park City School District. What began a decade ago at Oak Knoll Elementary as a simple show on choir risers has blossomed into a district-wide tradition that now includes Encinal Elementary, Laurel Elementary, and Hillview Middle School. Over the past 10 years, more than a thousand Oak Knoll students have performed in The Lion King KIDS.
In celebration, all four district schools are mounting a production this year — Lion King KIDS by the three elementary schools and Lion King Jr. by the middle schoolers at Hillview. Overall, in the 2024/25 school year MPCSD will have over 600 students, almost 25% of the district, involved in musicals.
“Ten years of Lion King has gone by in a blink,” said Bill. “What a treat it has been to enjoy this story and beautiful music for a decade. Here’s to many, many more!”