Theatre director Christoph Ibrahim hopes audiences will embrace a little “hakuna matata” when his cast of young performers takes the stage in “The Lion King” later this month.
Presented by Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Yellow Door Theatre Project, the musical will be performed for one night only on July 19 at Partridge Hall in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
This adaptation of the Broadway show — originally based on the 1994 Disney film — will feature a performing cast of 50 children aged eight to 17.
First staged in 1997, the musical is known for its elaborate sets, colourful costumes and choreography. But Ibrahim said this scaled-down version will focus more on storytelling and the emotional journey of finding one’s place in the circle of life.
“I’m excited to dive into (the show) and be able to storytell,” he said. “What better and more interesting people to tell that story than kids who are in the process of finding their own place in the world?”
Ibrahim has worked in theatre for more than a decade in various roles, including stage and musical direction.
He became involved in this production through his connection with Yellow Door Theatre Project, founded by Andorlie Hillstrom, who previously directed “The Lion King” for the company. When Hillstrom stepped down, Ibrahim was invited to take over.
“I was very excited to say yes,” he said.
He noted the enduring appeal of “The Lion King.” Despite the original film’s 1994 release, more than a decade before any of the cast members were born, the story remains familiar, in part due to Disney’s 2019 photorealistically animated remake of the same name.
“Most of these kids have heard a version of ‘The Lion King,'” said Ibrahim.
He added that the production will be a unique moment for the cast. With such a large group of children involved, they’re unlikely to work together again, making the performance all the more special.
“The Niagara region is so rich in arts,” he said, reflecting on the significance of staging the show locally.
The performance begins at 7 p.m. on July 19. Tickets are $15 and available at firstontariopac.ca.
