Hickory – The Disney musical The Lion King, Jr. begins its 10 performance run at the Hickory Community Theatre this Friday, October 5 on the Mainstage in the Jeffers Theatre. Performances continue through Sunday, October 28.

Based on the 1994 Disney film, The Lion King, which has captivated audiences worldwide for over 20 years, this stage version is adapted from the original Broadway musical specifically for youth actors.

The Lion King Jr. is a coming of age tale that begins with the birth of Simba, a lion cub and heir to the throne of his father Mufasa, the king of the jungle. The king’s brother, Scar, laments losing his own chance to be king and skulks away to plot his revenge. After a disastrous stampede, Simba is tricked by his treacherous uncle into thinking he caused his father’s death and flees into exile in despair, only to learn in adulthood his identity and his responsibilities. Along with the best-loved songs from the original film, like “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” there are five new songs, including an original number written just for The Lion King Jr., the hilarious song Luau Hawaiian Treat, performed by Timon and Pumbaa.

Performances of Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. are October 5 through 28 with evening performances on Thursdays (Oct 18 & 25), Fridays (Oct 5, 19 & 26) and Saturdays (Oct 6, 20 & 27) at 7:30pm and matinee performances on Sundays (Oct 21 & 28) at 2:30pm. There are no performances on the weekend of October 11 due to the Downtown Hickory Oktoberfest.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and youth 18 & under. To purchase tickets call the box office at 828-328-2283 or visit www.hickorytheatre.org.

Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. at the Hickory Community Theatre. The family musical is on stage October 5th through 28th at the Hickory Community Theatre. Call 828-328-2283 or visit www.hickorytheatre.org for tickets and other information.

PHOTO: Angelina Prendergast is Scar and Jordan Erby is Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. at the Hickory Community Theatre. Photo by Allison Andrews.