PCT Presents ‘The Lion King Jr.’

Paris Community Theatre presents The Lion King Jr.

Paris Community Theatre (PCT) is proud to present the classic Disney film come to life on stage: “The Lion King Jr.” The musical has been a staple of Broadway since its premiere in 1999, featuring the music of Elton John and Tim Rice. The show also brings the talents of Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer, who supplied additional music for the production; Roger Allers and Irene Meechi, who wrote the book for the musical; and is based on the original production as envisioned by Julie Taymor. The show is under the direction of PCT Artistic Director Joshua Maxwell, with additional support by Sarah Stogner-Dickinson and Catherine Maxwell as Assistant Directors, and Sydney Young who serves as the production’s Music Director. The production is sponsored by The Paris Area Arts Alliance, Young Title Company, and special consideration by the Texas Commission on the Arts. Show times are Saturday (Mar 30) at 2:30 and 7:30 at Love Civic Center.

Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ is based largely on the classic Shakespearean drama: ‘Hamlet.’ Long considered one of the greatest works of the English language, it tells the story of a young crowned prince who flees his homeland after his father’s death at the hands of his evil uncle. After facing his father’s ghost, he returns to the kingdom, determined to remove his uncle from the throne and take his place in the Circle of Life. The story has set box office records in both films and live theatre and will be released as a live-action film remake in summer of this year. Julie Taymor’s production is a work of art, combining acting, puppetry, and beautiful music to bring the story to life. PCT’s production is faithful to her vision and design that has been wowing audiences for two decades.

“This production has been quite an undertaking for PCT,” says Joshua Maxwell, the production’s director. “We have assembled a cast of 50 area students, and we’re proud to say over 2000 area students will experience the production through their local school. However, we’ve had to turn many schools away because of limited seating so the public performances will be the only chance some have to experience The Lion King. We’re encouraging parents to make their reservations quickly for what promises to be an unforgettable event.”

For tickets or more information, please visit the PCT website at pctonstage.com.