For two magical nights, the Independence Middle School theater was transformed into the African savanna as students in grades 5 through 8 brought The Lion King Jr. to life. Held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, and Friday, February 21, 2025, this production was nothing short of spectacular.

Under the guidance of the dedicated play organizers, Mrs. DiGeronimo and Ms. Lasecki, the young performers began rehearsing back in October of 2024. Their hard work and commitment truly paid off, as audiences were treated to a performance that rivaled even high school-level productions. From breathtaking choreography to powerful vocal performances, every scene transported viewers straight into the heart of the beloved Disney classic.

One of the standout features of the show was Pride Rock—it was absolutely amazing and quite possibly the best Pride Rock ever created for a Lion King performance. The set design was truly breathtaking, complementing the dazzling costumes that added another layer of magic to the production. Dozens of hours were spent meticulously crafting each of the headmasks, and the result was nothing short of Broadway-worthy.

The stage was alive with energetic dance numbers and the unmistakable beats of The Lion King Jr.’s unforgettable soundtrack. Whether it was the majestic opening of “Circle of Life,” the mischievous antics of young Simba and Nala, or the thrilling battle for Pride Rock, each moment was delivered with passion and precision. The dedication of the students, both on stage and behind the scenes, was evident in every detail.

Parents, teachers, and everyone in attendance were so moved by the performance that they gave the kids a well-deserved standing ovation. It was one of the best performances ever put on by the St. Michael School Drama Club. Tickets were priced at just $8, but the experience was worth so much more.

For those who wish to relive the magic, a professionally recorded video of the performance is available for purchase. Secure your copy by visiting the following link: Purchase Lion King Jr. Video.

BlazeBite was also used for ticketing to the show. Customers were able to pre-order their tickets through BlazeBite, which streamlined the ticketing process and got people into the theater faster. To facilitate this, we introduced a new feature allowing “Additional Information Required” for specific items. Typically, BlazeBite orders only include a “Nickname” field, but since we expected over 600 tickets sold, we knew there would be duplicate names. That’s why we required additional details such as First Name, Last Name, and Email Address. This enhancement opens the door to many more possibilities for future events.

Congratulations to the cast, crew, and directors for an unforgettable production! The Lion King Jr. at Independence Middle School was a roaring success that will be remembered for years to come.