Stories of MECS

The 2019 Primary School production of Disney’s ‘The Lion King Jr’ went off with a ‘bang’ over two show-stopping performances. Both performances were filled with fantastic audiences who clapped, cheered, laughed and cried from beginning to end. Audiences were immediately transported to the Savanna as they entered the gym through the wonderful themed foyer displays. The cast then sang, danced and acted their way through the timeless story of Simba the lion and his ‘prodigal son’ journey to becoming the rightful king of the Pride Lands. Foundation Bilbies, Geckos and Froggies kicked off the show in style, performing The Tokens’ classic ‘The Lion sleeps Tonight’. Such a performance could have easily been the climax of the evening, but audiences were captivated as the Senior Primaries and Middle Primary choir belted out the Elton John masterpiece and show’s opening number, ‘The Circle of Life’. 

Junior Primary, Middle Primary and Senior Primary classes then joyously sang and danced their way through songs such as ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’, ‘Hakuna Matata’, ‘Be Prepared’, and ‘I Just Can’t Wait to Be King’, with each unfolding a new aspect of the story. The Senior Primary lioness dance/vocal group, MP band and SP band were at the top of their game adding sparkle and groove to songs such as ‘Lioness Hunt’, ‘He Lives in You’, the show-stopping ‘Shadowlands’ and the ‘Finale’.

The Senior Primary main cast skillfully portrayed their characters with confidence and flare and took the audience on the journey as Simba returns to save his beloved pride lands from the grips of his wicked Uncle Scar. The story of ‘The Lion King’ encourages us to stay true to our identity and to continually pursue our rightful calling even in the midst of opposition. 

At the Friday evening performance, the audience were treated to the surprise staff item ‘The Greatest Show’, starring none other than The Greatest Show(wo)man herself, Principal Narelle. What a highlight this proved to be! 

Production preparation began in Term 1 with many, MANY hours of auditions, meetings, rehearsals, prop-making, costume making, scheduling, and did I mention even more REHEARSALS? ‘The Lion King Jr’ has been one great big adventure on a grand scale, the likes of which neither of us had completely expected. It was a mammoth task, yet an immensely rewarding and inspiring experience. The students continually surprised us with their gifts and talents, hard work and dedication to produce an incredible production. The experience of production has provided rich learnings and many memories for all the students and staff to cherish for years to come.

Scott Mealy & Ali Coffey

Directors