Show dates and times for “Lion King Jr.” are 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p..m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets for all the shows are available online at wbmusic.org or will be available at the high school during the school day or by calling the box office at 330-938-4442. Leave a message and one of the parents in charge of box office sales will return all calls. The online option is the best because patrons never have to pick up the tickets and can pick their own seats. All seats for the four performances are reserved and priced at $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Patrons are encouraged to get tickets online as soon as possible.

A special “Lunch with Simba and Friends” will be held at noon Saturday in the school cafeteria followed by the Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. This lunch and performance is organized for children who will be able to eat lunch, get photos with cast members, have their faces painted and join Simba’s dance party. Tickets are $15 which includes lunch and the show. They can be purchased one line at wbmusic.org.

Disney’s “The Lion King” has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world and now the African savannah comes to life at West Branch with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle … and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.

West Branch Schools will be holding a special lunch for children and their parents Saturday in the high school cafeteria. “Lunch with Simba & Friends begins at noon, preceding the matinee performance of Disney’s “Lion King Jr.” that begins at 2 p.m. A $15 ticket includes a child-friendly jungle lunch featuring exotic birds and others animals; face painting; a meet the cast characters and a dance party with Simba. Tickets can be purchased at wbmusic.org. Shown here are some of the jungle animals in production. From left, Ashton Clay (Blue Macaw), Klayten Courtney (Hippo), Mario Chick (Scar), Abigail Janosik (Pink Flamingo), and Avah Stull (Giraffe). (Submitted photo)

Disney’s “The Lion King,” the show from which “The Lion King Jr.” evolved from, debuted July 8, 1997, in Minneapolis, Minn., at the Orpheum Theatre, and was an instant success before premiering on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theater on Oct. 15, 1997, in previews with the official opening on Nov. 13, 1997.

On June 13, 2006, the Broadway production moved to the Minskoff Theatre to make way for the musical version of “Mary Poppins,” which later was replaced by “Aladdin.” It is now Broadway’s third longest-running show in history. The show uses a range of theatrical techniques, and is not a conventional musical, yet is probably the most popular production Disney Theatrical has ever conceived and one of the most loved productions in the world. It has consistently been one of the highest grossing musicals on Broadway every week, always performing to nearly sold-out audiences. It has won numerous awards including Tony Awards.

The synopsis of the show begins when Rafiki gathers the animals of the Pridelands to welcome the newborn cub of King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi (“Circle of Life with Nants’ Ingonyama”). The king’s jealous brother, Scar, no longer heir to the throne, skips the ceremony, upsetting Mufasa. Time passes (“Grasslands Chant”) and Young Simba grows into a curious young lion. Mufasa explains the circle of life and that Young Simba will one day be king of the Pridelands. Young Simba shares this news with Scar, who encourages his nephew to visit the forbidden Elephant Graveyard. Young Simba finds his best friend, Young Nala, hunting with Sarafina and the Lionesses (“The Lioness Hunt”) and invites her on his adventure. Once they ditch their overbearing babysitter, Zazu (“I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”), the cubs encounter the ravenous Shenzi, Banzai and Ed in the graveyard. Mufasa arrives and pummels the hyenas then takes the cubs home.

Scar emerges from the darkness to recruit the hyenas in his murderous plan to become king (“Be Prepared”). Back in the Pridelands, Mufasa reprimands Young Simba then shares the guidance of their ancestors, up among the stars (“They Live in You”).

Enacting his plan, Scar leaves Young Simba alone in the gorge and signals the hyenas to scare a herd of wildebeest (“The Stampede”). Scar alerts Mufasa, who leaps into the stampede to save his son. Mufasa rescues Young Simba, but Scar pushes his brother back into the gorge, where he is trampled. Scar blames Young Simba for the king’s death and tells him to run away and never return. As Sarabi, Young Nala, Rafiki and the lionesses mourn the loss of Mufasa and Young Simba (“The Mourning”), Scar assumes the throne, uniting lions and hyenas under his dark reign.

Lost in the desert, Young Simba meets Timon and Pumbaa, who take him to their “worry-free” jungle home (“Hakuna Matata”). Under Scar’s reign, the Pridelands are nearly destroyed. Now grown, Nala decides to leave and seek help (“Shadowland”).

To her delight, she finds Simba alive in the jungle (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight”). Nala urges him to take his rightful place as king but, still ashamed, Simba refuses. Rafiki appears and helps Simba remember his father (“He Lives in You”).

With newfound courage, Simba agrees to return to the Pridelands. Timon and Pumbaa distract the hyenas (“Luau Hawaiian Treat”) while Nala rallies the lionesses. Simba confronts his uncle, the truth of Mufasa’s murder is revealed and Scar runs away, pursued by angry hyenas. With peace restored in the Pridelands, Simba takes his place as king and the circle of life continues (“Finale”).

Many people have commented that last spring’s sold out production of “Les Miserables” at West Branch could never be surpassed, but Director John Zamarelli and the talented theater students have produced “South Pacific,” “Into the Woods” and “Nunsense” this year already and they all had magnificent reviews.

The musical “Evita” will be staged by the high school students Memorial Day weekend. “I feel Lion King Jr. will be one of the biggest productions we have ever staged at West Branch,” said Zamarelli.

Doing a junior show allows all the students in the district to be able to participate. “The Lion King Jr.” involves students in second grade to ninth grade.

Seventh grader, Julia Zamarelli who plays Rafiki opens the show by singing the ever popular song “Circle of Light.” Julia is the daughter of John and Jennifer Zamarelli. She has been in many musicals but is most remembered as playing Annie at West Branch when she was in the second grade. Freshman, Dylan Daley, plays the role of Mufasa the lion king of the African savannah. Dylan is the son of Scott and Stephanie Daley. Although he is new to the stage Dylan plays the role of Mufasa with ease and brings this character to life on stage. Simba’s mother Sarabi or the queen of the savannah, is played by freshman Macie Minich. Macie is no stranger to the stage and was last seen as Cinderella’s stepmother in “Into the Woods.” Macie is the daughter of Steve and Julie Minich. The part of Zazu, the crazy but funny bird that reports to Mufasa the king, is played by freshman Carleigh Loudon. She is the daughter of Scott and Melissa Loudon and was last seen on stage as one of Cinderella’s stepsisters in “Into the Woods.”

Freshman Mario Chick, son of Carmen Chick, plays Scar, the evil brother to Mufasa. Although Mario is only a freshman, he is a very seasoned actor and singer. He was last seen as Jack in “Into the Woods.” Young Simba is played by veteran actress and singer Alli Kanagy. Alli is the daughter of David and Mikki Kanagy. Alli is in the third grade and is a very talented actress and singer. She was last seen in “South Pacific,” but is most remembered for her perfect portrayal of little Cosette in last year’s production of “Les Miserables.” Simba’s best friend Young Nala is played by Samantha Koneval. Samantha is the daughter of Christine Koneval. Sam’s in the fifth grade and her stage credits include the part of Michael in “Peter Pan,” Michael in “Mary Poppins” and Gavroche in “Les Miserables.” Sarafina, Nala’s mother is played by freshman Makenzie May. She is the daughter of Cynthia Pitner.

The three crazy but hilarious hyenas are played by Olivia Mossow, daughter of Lori Dearth; Joe Baxter, son of Kim and Joe Baxter; and Macie Stancato, granddaughter of Victoria Best. This trio of characters will leave the audience laughing in the aisles. Grown up Simba is played by Kyle Hoopes. Kyle is a seventh grader and is the son of Michele and Kevin Hoopes. He does a superb job portraying grown up Simba especially when he sings “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

Grown-up Nala is played by freshman Morgan Lucas. Morgan is the daughter of Tina and Larry Lucas. Morgan is no stranger to the stage and has been is many musicals at West Branch. Seventh grader Alaya Kiser plays Timon, the hilarious meerkat that meets up with Young Simba in the jungle. Alaya is the granddaughter of Nancy Hughes. She has great stage chemistry with Jillian Zamarelli who plays Pumbaa, the kind hearted but funny warthog. Although they are only in seventh grade, this stage duo performs the song “Hakuna Matata” without flaw.

There are several large chorus groups in the show which include the lioness chorus, the hyena chorus and an animal chorus of 75 students that represent all species from the African savannah. These ensembles, mostly the animal chorus, in this musical deliver fantastic and professional performances as the in habitants of the jungle. In the large ensemble numbers, they deliver pitch-perfect harmonies and crystal-clear lyrics especially in the numbers “I Can’t Wait to be King” and “The Circle of Life.”

The rest of the cast includes:

Lioness Chorus: Rylee Milat, Kamryn Briceland, Macey Stancato, Elizabeth Robinson, Emily Schmitt, Shiann Schaefer, Gabby Harrison, Danny Harrison, Lexey Townsend, Makenzie Walsh, Jillian Zamarelli, Hannah Townsend, Grace Slimon, Claire Brunner, Elyse Schmitt, Cami Campbell, Haley Hazelbaker, Kingsley Briceland, Ruby Love, Jocelynn Woods, Aubrey Dredge Cami Grindley, Marina Egli.

Hyena Chorus: Olivia Mossow, Macey Stancato, Joe Baxter, Macie Minnich, Cami Grindley, Grace Slimon, Ruby Love, Hannah Townsend, Lexi Townsend, Makenzie Walsh, Shiann Schaefer, Claire Brunner, Rianna Gillingham, Gabby Harrison, Danny Harrison, Emily Schmitt, Jocelyn Woods, Elizabeth Robinson, Jillian Zamarelli.

Animal Chorus (grades two to eight): Abigail Janosik, Jacklyn McKinley, Tessa Nezbeth, Domenic Slimon, Isabella Threet, Isabel Martig, Abbie Mellott, Ariana Aldridge, Lydia Bates, Hannah Costa, Kyla Clapper, Camdyn Schatz, Hallie Vie Burton, Eva Carter, Keira Berger, Alaina Schluneker, Gavin Clay, Owen Hoopes, Kyle Ormiston, Emma Klingensmith, Reagan Buchs, Kylie Grindley, Dexter Backus, Grace Bates, Ellie Hazelbaker, Remington Jones, Audrey Ring, Autumn Johnston, Kate Slutz, Sophie Wire, Charity Glista, Avah Stull, Anessa Woods, Madison Olenik, Emma Kosenski, Katie Kent, Landon Reichenbach, Taylor Johnson, Wyatt Courtwright, Abby Schmid, Emre Gott, Danielle Barker, Klayten Courtney, Avery Steiner, Carrie Payton, Joshua Simmons, Sophia Ayers, Chloe Dennison, Mady Klingensmith, Cameron Reichenbach, Mary Buehler, Nicole Stoffer, Kingsley Briceland, Jocelynn Woods, Ashley James, Halle Cutchall, Kaylyn Hicks and Andrea Janosik.

“This has been a special experience,” added Zamarelli, “It has become a district-wide music experience and I have been able to interact and make music with students from the other buildings.”

The cast and crew of “The Lion King Jr.” includes over 100 students and 50 volunteers. Characters that perform solos in the musical have been coached by local voice teacher Bill Ambert. Music director Zamarelli and Krista Clay have worked hard on the musical numbers and dance coaches, Annette Postiy, Brooke Taylor and Jake McIlvain have transformed the stage into a whirlwind of stage movements, gymnastic feats and all styles of Broadway dance steps. This is most notable in the chorus number “Circle of Life” the show’s biggest production number which includes the entire children’s cast on the stage at the same time.

The costumes, designed by the parents Christine Koneval and Jennifer Zamarelli, are lavish and colorful and crews of volunteers have been working to complete them for the past two months. The set, also designed and built by local parents, is exquisite and fits the needs of the production’s scenes and musical numbers. The audience is taken to the The Prideland, Scar’s Cave, and an elephant graveyard. Painting crews have been working on the set for several weeks while many fathers and community members are working late into the evenings to finish what might be called a theatrical “work of art.”

The technical directors for the show are Eric Waggoner, Trevor Mathey and Victor Trimmer, who will be assisted by Mike Jones as student director. The tech crew will be running 40 wireless microphones and making sure all the special effects are executed as planned. Over 50 hours were spent setting over 250 light cues that are required by the production.