Rockton

CYT's Lion King Jr. at Hononegah Performing Arts Centre

The African-themed musical runs Nov 16-19, 2023.

Michael McGinnis

Nov 10, 2023 — 2 min read

The Lion King Jr. at Hononegah Performing Arts Centre

CYT Rockford is bringing a live theatrical production of The Lion King Jr. to Hononegah Performing Arts Centre Nov 16-19. Previous CYT shows, performed in Rockton's biggest theater, have included The Wizard of Oz, Annie Jr., Madagascar Jr., The Spongebob Musical, Willy Wonka Jr., and A Christmas Carol.

The musical tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba (Noah Ceniseros) as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. Along the way, the young lion encounters a colorful cast of characters including spunky lioness Nala (Gabriella Negrete), charismatic meerkat Timon (Isaiah Stauffer), and loveable warthog Pumbaa (Lauren Tibbetts). To claim his rightful place on the throne and save his beloved Pridelands, Simba must find his inner strength and confront his wicked Uncle Scar ( Solomon Rossman).

The Lion King Jr. features classic songs from the 1994 film such as “Hakuna Matata” and the Academy Award-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” as well as additional songs penned for the Broadway production.

Most of the actors are veterans of multiple shows, many with years of training at CYT. For example, several previously appeared in Willy Wonka Jr.: Solomon Rossman as Charlie's Grandpa Joe, Noah Ceniseros as Charlie's father Mr. Bucket, Isaiah Stauffer as Augustus Gloop, Lauren Tibbetts as Grandma Georgina, and Lydia Derry as Violet Beauregard. Mufasa is played by Auburn multi-sport athlete Caleb Rundblade.

Over the years, these young actors have certainly learned versatility. Solomon Rossman, who plays the malevolent Scar here, had portrayed Charlie's friendly Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka Jr. when Gabriella Negrete had played Mrs. Bucket. Earlier, Negrete, who plays Simba's lively best friend here, had played the decidedly-not-lively Ghost of Bob Marley in A Christmas Carol.