Entertainment

Classic tale roars back to life

FEATURING 17 cast members from Canterbury Bankstown, The Regals Musical Society’s production of Disney’s The Lion King Jr will be on offer these school holidays, opening on Friday, September 27, through to Sunday, October 6.

Since its Broadway premiere in 1997, The Lion King musical has been seen by more than 100 million people worldwide and it is Broadway’s third longest-running show in history.
The Lion King tells the story of a cub named Simba as he struggles with his past and overcomes his fear to fulfil his destiny as king. Along the way we see the young lion rekindle his relationship with a courageous lioness Nala and form friendships with Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog. To save his home, the Pridelands, Simba must learn to believe in himself and confront his wicked uncle Scar.


Popular hit songs from the original Lion King movie such as ‘Hakuna Matata’ and ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ (written by Sir Elton John and Tim Rice), will guarantee plenty of sing-a-longs during the performance.
Among the cast members, is Liliana Franco, 7, of Roselands who plays Ed, one of the trio of hyenas working for Scar.
“What I enjoy most about being in Lion King Jr musical is that I get to go out at night time,” she giggled.
“And my favourite scene is when I get to say ‘yum yum yum’ because I get to try to eat my sister Sabrina who plays Zazu. Also I get to act crazy and I can mess up because I’m Ed.”
Jensen Mazza of Picnic Point is cast as Young Simba, the adventurous and endearing cub who can’t wait to be king of the Pridelands.


“My favourite Disney movie is the new Lion King that was released this year, because it’s so life-like and the singing is amazing,” he said.
“What I enjoyed most about being in this production is the singing and the friends I’m making.”
Liam Carr, of Picnic Point, plays the outcast meerkat Timon.
“I love the Lion King movie and I thought it would be fun doing the musical and it is.”
Tickets to the show at Rockdale Town Hall: Adult, $35; Concession (children, students Year 12 and under, pensioner and senior card holders), $25, from theregals.com.au.