‘Lion King Jr.’ roars into Theatre Albany

ALBANY — No matter the audience’s reaction to Theatre Albany’s “Lion King Jr.” over the next two weekends, when the show wraps on Jan. 26, it will be a bittersweet ending for director Shelley Keeley.

Keeley, who is directing her third performance for Theatre Albany, and her husband Mike are leaving Albany shortly after the close of the production to be closer to their daughter, who is expecting triplets.

“We were here seven years before, left, and came back for seven years,” Keeley, a retired teacher, said of the family’s stay in Albany. “So we’ll be leaving some close friends. And one of the great things about our time here has been getting to know and working with these great kids. They’re really fabulous, and the neat thing about them is that they want to be here.”

Thirty-nine of those great kids, all ages 10-18, have parts in “Lion King Jr.,” which is based on the massive hit animated Disney movie and subsequent Broadway production. Bringing the starring roles to the stage are Khalilah Collier as Rafiki, Iva Evans (Zazu), Dean Morrow (Mufasa), Sarah Mason Spangenberg (Sarabi), Jordan Cleare (Little Simba), David Albano (Big Simba), Emily Bradford (Little Nala), Natalie Morgan (Big Nala), Katherine Collins (Serafina), Jackson Morrow (Scar), Kyler Weekley (Ed), Madelyn Owens (Shenzie), Lleyton Mills (Bonzia), Sebastian Escovar (Fugatzi), Luke Twiggs (Timone), and Ryan Washington (Pumba).

“We have a great mix of kids from around the area,” Keeley said. “We have some theater veterans and some kids who are involved for the first time. The great thing about this group is that the kids who’ve been through this — who know the process — tend to take the newcomers under their wings and help them.”

The director, who also helmed Theatre Albany’s productions of “Annie Jr.” and “Aladdin,” said students from Dougherty, Lee and Terrell county public schools, local private schools Deerfield-Windsor School, Sherwood Christian Academy and Byne Christian School, homeschooled students and “one girl who comes all the way from Colquitt” are part of the cast.

“These kids are truly amazing,” Keeley said. “Of course, even the ones who have never been a part of a production like this think they should get the lead roles, even the 10-year-olds. But we’re getting great performances. I’m a little stressed right now, but I always get that way the week of the show. I’ve been working on this since July, and I believe we’re ready to go.”

Mike Keeley has worked with the cast on the show’s music; Cres Burnette has worked on choreography, and Kat Blaise, who serves as stage manager, has worked with the actors on the play’s dramatic elements.

Other actors in “Lion King Jr.” are Wallace Ann Clark, Baylor Coronati, Isabella Escovar, Ayla Estill, Evans Fuller, June Matson, Cory Smith and August Turner, who play lionesses. Ensemble members include Ashleigh Abercrombie, Hallie Kate Berry, Harley Clack, Christal Cleare, Natricia Covin, Ella Eddins, Amaya Faulk, Collins Gashwiler, Cortlyn Gilbert, Cassy Hansen, Emma Harrell, Madison Henry, Ava Kosar, Frankie Matson and Chloe Sanders.

“I’ve been pleased with all of the actors,” Keeley said. “Jordan (Cleare) as Young Simba has really stood out. He is just so good. And Khalilah Collier has done a fabulous job as Rafiki. They’re all just doing so well.”

Showtime for the two Friday-night (Jan. 17 and 24) and Saturday-night (Jan. 18 and 25) productions is 7:30 p.m. Showtime for the Sunday (Jan. 19 and 26) matinees is 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the Theatre Albany box office during regular business hours or online at theatrealbany.com. Tickets also will be available the day of each show.