Preparations for this year’s musical are in full swing at Gowanda Middle School. Disney’s “The Lion King” has captured the attention of audiences around the world for decades. Through the animated box office hit and one of the longest-running shows on Broadway, millions of people have enjoyed this classic story. Now, this one-of-a-kind musical will be coming to the Gowanda High School auditorium’s stage as GMS performs Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.”
More than 100 middle school students will bring the African savanna on stage with Simba, Rafiki and a memorable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this moving story of personal growth. Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.” features classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated feature film, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Hakuna Matata.”
Volunteers and students are busy making costumes and props while the music room, classrooms, auditorium and hallways are buzzing with lines, lyrics and choreography over the past few weeks in preparation for the upcoming show. The middle school performers are excited to share the happiness and joy that will come with this musical to families and community members.
“When selecting a musical each year, I strive to choose one that not only highlights the incredible talent of our students but also provides them with a rich and diverse theater education. After the success of ‘Guys and Dolls Jr.’ last year, I wanted to bring a production to the stage that blends classic storytelling with meaningful lessons. ‘The Lion King Jr.’ is the perfect choice — it combines powerful music, breathtaking visuals, and a story that resonates across generations,” says teacher and musical director Mr. Adam Bett.
“At its heart, ‘The Lion King Jr.’ is a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of community. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and courage within ourselves. As audiences leave the theater, I hope they carry with them the message that embracing who we are and supporting those around us can lead to something truly extraordinary.”
According to Todd Miklas, principal of Gowanda Middle School, says “The Lion King Jr.” is going to be record-breaking on many levels.
“The excitement I am seeing in students as they head to rehearsals or get ready for their parts is nothing but smiles and excited happy faces,” says Principal Miklas. “Ticket sales are already verging on selling out and many people attending both nights, if not from out of our community — pretty cool! And, with some insider privileges here, I have had some glimpses into the costumes and I am simply blown away by the level of elite artistry we have going on! I am so proud of our school and district for continuing this theater tradition and we all owe huge gratitude to one person, Mr. Adam Bett! Huge love and respect Mr. Bett, rock on!!”
CAST INFO
Taking on the roles as the “Grasslands” include Serenity Davis, Beau Emery, Elvira Faraci, Michael Freeman, Kierra Gier, Bailey Glass, JoRiah John, Savannah Maloney, Audrey Mullins, Seriyah Reese, Zachary Salzman, Jace Sanchez, Loki Satterfield, Anna Schindler, Avvery Schmitz, Sofia Taber, Trevor Tripi, Oliver Twoguns and Lillianna Wampler.
The “Hyenas” will be played by Clarae Beaver, James Griffo, Noah Mullen, Bert Negron-Ortiz, Zayley Nephew, Sophie Seneca, Skylar Toczek, Shaaylyn Williams, Lola Cook, Ariah Isaac, Christopher Jones, Luke Jones, Ryland Lempke, Piper Murdoch, Amelia Ovitt, Brianna Pope, Colt Scanlan, Logan Smith, Michaela Sprague and Madelyn Wurst.
Singing and dancing the roles of the “Jungle” will be Tessa Bylbie, Kalie Bellinger, Lila Pfaffenbach, Delanie Wright, Avery Birtchnall, Kiley Denea, Addison Gleason, Aubrey Hedges, Eleanor John, Elena Marvin, Anamaii Miller and Kendall Morrison, Alyna Neamon, Ashlyn Ortel, Lilah Reid, Emma Schuster, Avery Thompson and Kendra Tomczak while the “Lionesses” will be played by Grace Carson, Delilah Goodemote, Evelyn John, MacKenzie York, Daphne Twoguns, and Luna Zubler.
The “Pride Lands” include Arian Rice and Ross Hilder as “Giraffes” and Tristian Batcho, Isaiah Weber and Sophia Blazak as “Zebras”. The “Gazelles” will be played by Jaelyn Mason, Liv Richter, Bailey Shields and Esme Willover. “Rhinoceros” will be performed by Rowan Liskow and Liam Boyd, “Mother Elephant” by Alayna Fish and Madden Wallschlaeger, “Baby Elephant” by Charlotte Cook and “Birds” by Maddy Bortel, Autumn Goode, Lily Penvose, Lyla Plandowski, Rinoa Bolen and Lyla Stevens.
Performing the roles of the the “Savannah” are Madison Booth, Izabella Dubiel, Tessa Gagliardo, Onnah Galati, Chase Gallivan, Nathaniel Grekulak, Rori Hales, Tenley Howard, Kambria Kennedy, Myree Lay, Kiera LeBeau, Remy LeBeau, Layla Pingitore, LilliAunna Reiller, Sophia Reska, Payton Rindfleisch, Addison Schwerk, Alayna Tussing, Jeremiah Weber and Xander Zybert.
“Wildebeests” will be played by Avi Braley, Nova Braley, Hunter Burdic, Alessandra Castellano, Ava Daniels,Kira Haight, Raelynn Harvey, Simon Huff, Lillian Kehr, Riley Kysor, Emma Mohawk, Kloe Morrison, Carter Nobles, Bryson Olszewski, Adam Ruzycki, Kevin West, Andrew Wheat and Matthew Wheat.
Feature roles include Sophia DeGolier as “Banzai” and Kaitlyn Kelly as “Ed”. “Mufasa” will be played by Colton Gernatt, while “Nala”will be performed by Noella Reska. Taking on the role of “Young Nala” is Alexis Hojnacki. Lewi Mohawk will be performing the role of “Pumba” and “Rafiki” will be played by Raelynn Taber.
Rounding out the feature roles include Anna Loving as “Sarabi”, Raelyn Diebel as “Sarafina”, Memphis Clark as “Scar”, Kat Teachman as “Shenzi”,Dom Griffo as “Timon”, Casen Lempke as “Zazu”, Odin McMahon as “Young Simba” and Tyler Betker as “Simba.”
SHOWTIMES & TICKETS
The Gowanda Middle School will perform Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.” on the district auditorium stage Wednesday and Thursday, March 19-20, 2025, at 7 p.m. A special free preview performance will be offered to senior citizens on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 12 p.m. free of cost.
Pre-sale tickets with reserved seating can be purchased with a small convenience fee online through CUR8. Links to this site can be found on the Gowanda Central School District website and Facebook page. Tickets will also be available at the door one hour before the performance for $7.00.
Submitted by: Erin Browning: GMS sixth-grade teacher & musical producer