Disney's The Lion King JR

SANDIA PREP Theater presents
OCTOBER 25 & 26 - 7:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 27 - 2:00 p.m.
Sandia Prep McCall Family Theater
Music & lyrics by
Elton John & Tim Rice
additional music & lyrics by
Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer
book by
Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi
based on the broadway production directed by
Julie Taymor

Louis Giannini ............................................................................................ Director/Choreographer
Darby Fegan .......................................................................................................... Music Director
Erin Moots .......................................................................................................... Technical Director
Courtney Giannini .................................................................................... Tiny Tot Choreographer
Cast & Crew
To view cast bios, written our fabulous performers,
please visit sandiaprep.org/lionking
Rafiki ........................................................................................................................ Bella Sanchez
Mufasa ........................................................................................................................ Cyrus Walker
Sarabi ............................................................................................................... Ava Garcia Wesley
Zazu ........................................................................................................................ Olivia Hanosh
Scar ................................................................................................................................... Sage Bell
Young Simba ...................................................................................................... Jaiden Martinez
Simba ...................................................................................................................... Caleb Penrose
Young Nala ............................................................................................................... Nalla Nakigan
Nala .................................................................................................................. Consuelo Clemens
Sarafina ................................................................................................................... Alyssa Romero
Pumbaa ............................................................................................................... Isabel Fernandez
Timon .................................................................................................................. Lauren Wilkerson
Banzai ....................................................................................................................... Emma Jensen
Shenzi ........................................................................................................................ Frank Barela
Ed ........................................................................................................................... Maddy Weisler
Lionesses ........................................................Cedar McCall, Avery Kestner, Savannah Lawrence,
Vivian Thompson, Shannon Busse, Frankie Baca-Lucero, Mireya Torres Rael, Olivia Chavez,
Isabella Creca, Issabella Silva, Josephine Bemish, Juliet Parker Kargas
Grasslands ......................................................... Hailey Gunderson, Taylor Calkins, Kayla Calkins,
Eleanor Clark-Slakey, Le’elage Melis, Lilly Keenan, Remy Butcher, Camila Chavez, Maya Burgos
Gazelles ................................. Rhean Otero-Chaves, Addy Combs, Miri Kuenzler, Dahlia Walker,
Avery Moya, Victoria White , Sasha Hanson, Riley Epstein, Ethan Meade, Sophia Seidel, Ella Schaller,
Madelyn Taylor, Mila Stefanovic, Kindell Custer, Meredith Staples, John Wegrzynek, Jaymison
Torres, Augustine Miller, Seth Cordova, Elias Hanlon, Turner Liotta, Danny Archuleta, Tommy
Chalamidas, Emma Cordero Benjamin Hanson, Enzi Karuho , Lucca Giannini, Sukuma Nakigan
Cheetahs ................................................................... Penny Hashagen, Rosemary “Romey” Daily
Elephants ....................................................................................... Liam Andrews, Mateo Fleming
Zebras .................................................................................................................... Emma Cordero
Water Buffalos ............................................. Garrett Calkins, Donaven Gallegos, Matteo Herrera
Giraffe ........................................................................................... Everest Hanlon, Lincoln Sneed
Hyenas ................................ Bailey Mask, Rhean Otero-Chaves, Miri Kuenzler, Dahlia Walker,
Avery Moya, Victoria White, Ella Thompson, Remy Butcher, Sasha Hanson, Riley Epstein, Ethan
Meade, Sophia Seidel, Ella Schaller, Madelyn Taylor, Mila Stefanovic, Kindell Custer, Meredith
Staples, John Wegrzynek, Jaymison Torres, Augustine Miller, Seth Cordova, Elias Hanlon, Everest
Hanlon, Lincoln Sneed, Liam Andrews, Ethan Meade, Turner Liotta, Danny Archuleta, Tommy
Chalamidas, Emma Cordero, Penny Hashagen, Garrett Calkins, Mateo Fleming, Donaven
Gallegos, Lucca Giannini, Addy Combs, Rosemary “Romey” Daily, Sukuma Nakigan, Ben Hanson
Lion Cubs/Bugs .........................................................Lucca Giannini, Hudson Giannini, Kenley
Williams-Cooper, Callie Williams-Cooper, Ocean Touma, Torrin Rennie, Nolan Parker, Sukuma
Nakigan, DJ Dzogola
Madi Mott, Tenzin Malaika Huisman, Samia Dominguez, Katie Fellabaum .... Assistants to Director
Hiilani Alderette, Hunter Dulac ............................................................ Assistant Choreographers
Emily Carpio, Kylie Pizzonia .................................................................................. Stage Managers
Carrie Tafoya ............................................................................................................. Set Designer
LaRue Schultz ................................................................................................. Costumes Designer
Jaimeson Sutton .............................................................................................. Costume Assistant
Diego Garcia ..................................................................................................... Lighting Designer
Cristian Rojo, Madi Mott ....................................................................................................... Props
Tech Assistants:
Jack Brakenhoff, Caroline Babcock, Courtney Lilly, Bonnie Bell, Jack Bilan, Madeline Bilan, Hiilani
Alderette, Cora Montoya, Kiarra Rodriguez, Charlotte Clark-Slakey, Benna Rael, Avonlea Samora,
Anja Stefanovic, Mya Lathon, Hunter Dulac, Trina Nguyen, Ally Allpass, Ava Lensi, Sarah Maurice,
Charile Coyte, Io Kalapa, Luke Baca, Colin Byrd, Ellie Cook, Jaxon Feit, Peyton Henderson, Marz
Landon, Courtney Lilly, Jacob Nicholson, Avery Ross, Hannah Lilly, Jolie McGinnis, Madi Mott,
Cristian Rojo, Tenzin Malaika Huisman, Sebby Clemens
Scenes
Circle of Life ....................................................................................... Rafiki, Ensemble
Grasslands Chant ........................................................................................... Ensemble
The Lioness Hunt ........................................................................................... Lionesses
I Just Can’t Wait to Be King ............................................. Simba,Nala, Zazu, Ensemble
Be Prepared ................................................................ Scar, Shenzi, Banzai, Ed, Hyenas
They Live in You ................................................................................ Mufasa, Ensemble
The Stampede ............................................................................................... Ensemble
The Mourning ................................................... Sarabi, Nala, Rafiki, Lionesses, Hyenas
Hakuna Matata ....................................................... Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, Ensemble
Shadowland ............................................................................... Nala, Lionesses, Rafiki
Can You Feel the Love Tonight ...................... Timon,Pumbaa, Simba, Nala, Ensemble
He Lives in You ................................................................................... Rafiki, Ensemble
Luau Hawaiian Treat ........................................................... Timon, Pumbaa, Ensemble
Finale ............................................................................................................. Company

Savannah Lawrence
Savannah Lawrence is in eighth grade. She has participated
in many shows which include Lion King JR. and Peter Pan
JR. She is so excited to be able to participate in another
show with Mr. Giannini!
Cyrus Walker
Cyrus has been participating in musicals since fourth grade,
including last year’s middle school musical Aladdin. He has
been singing for four years. Cyrus wants to thank his family
for support and his friends for the memories.
Olivia Hanosh
Olivia has done theater for eight years. She has done 14
shows. This will be her second time doing Lion King JR.
She also has done dance for five and a half years and loves
being on stage. She would love to thank her family, especially
her mom, for supporting her.
Sofia Seidel
Sophia Seidel has been involved in theater for six years,
including circus, hip-hop, and drama. She would like to
thank no one because she is independent and asocial.
Emma Jensen
Emma has been involved in theater for a while and has been
in many shows at Prep, including Shrek the Musical, Alice in
Wonderland, Cinderella, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mary
Poppins, and Singin’ in the Rain. Along with theater, she also
plays tennis. She’d like to thank her dog for being supportive.
Frank Barela
Frank is super excited to be in Lion King JR. He was in
Aladdin last year. This year he is Shenzi in the Lion King
JR. He would like to thank everyone for supporting him
in his journey.
Mireya Torres Rael
Mireya is 13 years old. She has participated in the
show Shrek the Musical. Mireya thanks her family
for always supporting her.
Jaiden Martinez
Jaiden Martinez has been in three other productions: Lion King
JR., Frozen, and Princess Who. He enjoys playing basketball and
running. He is looking forward to this show, as he thinks it will be
a lot of fun. He thanks his mom, Mr. G, and all the cast and crew.
Caleb Penrose
Caleb Penrose has been in theater for eight years. His
favorite shows have included Aladdin, Pinocchio, and
Lion King JR. He would like to thank his music and
drama teachers.
Tommy Chalamidas
I've been at prep for 2 years. I love playing golf and I
love prep. I would like to thank my family, Mr.G, and
the tech and crew for all they’re help.
Maddy Weisler
Maddy Weisler is very excited to be a part of Lion King
JR. Her hobbies include dance, sports, and reading. She
wants to thank Mr. G for all the support.
Avery Kestner
Avery has participated in choir for five years and has
danced for three. This is her first musical at Sandia Prep
and she is very excited to participate in The Lion King JR.
She thanks the cast and crew for all the great support.
Issabella Silva
Issabella Silva has been in theater since first grade.
She has done seven shows. Some of her favorites are:
The Music Man and Mary Poppins. She would like
to thank her friends and family for all their support.
Nalla Nakigan
Nalla has been doing performances with Sandia Prep for six years.
The shows she has done are: Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, The
Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Lion King JR. She would like to
thank the cast, crew, and her family for all the support and years
of wonderful shows.
Consuelo Clemens
Consuelo has been involved in theater for three years. This
will be her third show. She has been in The Lion King JR.
twice and Aladdin once. She would like to thank Mr. G and
her parents.
Maya Burgos
Maya is 12 years and she has been in two shows, including
Lion King JR. She would like to thank Taylor, Kayla,
and Camilla for helping her learn the dances.
Vivian Thompson
Vivian has been in theater for two years, and this is her
fourth show at Sandia Prep. She is very excited to be a lioness
in Lion King JR., and would like to thank the crew and
cast for all the hard work, memories, laughs, and support.
Mateo Herrera
Matteo has been in three Sandia Prep productions. He
plays basketball and enjoys riding his bike and playing
with his dogs. He enjoys all theater, and thanks Mr. G.
Eleanor Clark-Slakey
Nova loves to do theater and has done every show since
she got to Prep. She has done eight shows in her life, and
this will be her ninth. Her hobbies include violin, soccer,
and drawing. She would be lion if she said she didn’t
like theater!
Alyssa Romero
This will be Alyssa’s second show. Her favorite musical
is Dear Evan Hansen. She wants to say thank you to her
friends and family for supporting her!
Isabel Fernandez
Izzy Fernandez has been in two shows. This will be her
third show. The shows she has acted in have been Madagascar,
Charlotte’s Web, and the Lion King JR. She has
been in Allstate Chorus for three years. She would like
to thank her family for all the support.
Danny Archuleta
Danny Archuleta has been acting with New Mexico
Young Actors for four years. This will be his fifth show.
He would like to thank his mom and dad for having
him do his best.
Shannon Busse
Shannon Busse has done theater for five years and has
been dancing since she was 3. Some shows she has been
in are Wicked, Singing in the Rain, A Midsummer Night’s
Dream, Aladdin, and The Lion King JR. She would like to
thank the cast and crew for all the amazing support.
Romey Daily
Remedios (Remy) is in sixth grade and has participated
in two shows at Sandia Prep: Midsummer Night’s
Dream, and Frozen. She would like to thank Louis
Giannini for her opportunities.

Addy Combs
Addy has never been in a musical before. For SummerPrep,
she participated in Tech Theater for Frozen JR. Addy also did
Allstar Cheerleading for two year years.She would like to thank
Mr. G and everyone who has helped with the show for making
it awesome. She hopes you all enjoy the show!
Haily Gunderson
Hailey Gunderson has been in theater for seven years. This will
be her ninth show. Some of her favorite shows include Aladdin,
The Lion King JR., Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid. Her
hobbies include gymnastics and reading. She would like to
thank Mr. G, Mr. Fegan, her friends, and her family.
Josephine Bemish
Josephine Bemish has been involved in Prep’s musicals
for five years. This will be her sixth show. She thanks the
cast and crew for all the support and laughs.
Kenley Williams Cooper
Kenley is a first grader and this is her first show. She
likes to play softball, volleyball, basketball, track, and
she’s a ninja warrior. You can always find her playing
outside with her little sister, Callie.
Sage Bell
Sage has been performing with Prep since she was five years old.
The roles she has had include Young Elsa in Frozen JR., Young
Fiona in Shrek JR., and many more. She has also performed for
community theater roles such as Little Girl in Ragtime, and Grace
Simythe in A Christmas Carol. She wishes to continue her career.
Rhean Otero-Chaves
Rhean has been involved in two shows. This is her third show,
her first shows being Charlotte’s Web and Madagascar. She
would like to thank her family for all the support, and Mr. G,
Hiilani for helping her learn the dances and songs, and the cast
for all the fun times they’ve had during rehearsals and shows.
Lucca Giannini
Lucca is thrilled to be preforming again in The Lion King Jr.
This will be his 4th time performing on the Sandia Prep Stage.
Lucca is a 1st grader at St. Mary’s Catholic School. In his spare
time, he enjoys playing with his pets, toys, and most of all his
little brother Hudson.
Taylor Calkins
Taylor plays club soccer and plays basketball, soccer, volleyball,
and track here at Prep. She was in Aladdin last year.
She is really excited to be in Lion King JR. She would like to
thank the cast and crew for making this possible.
Kayla Calkins
Kayla plays soccer and volleyball. She was involved
in Aladdin JR., and is currently involved in chorus.
She plays basketball and runs track at Prep.
Hudson Giannini
This is Hudson’s second time performing in The Lion King
jr. In his spare time, Hudson enjoys coloring, building,
and playing outside with his big brother Lucca. He would
like to thank his parents for their love and support.
Dahlia Walker
Dahlia has been in one other production, The Kind and
I, at the Little Theatre. She sings in Prep’s mid-school
chorus. She would like to thank her friends and family
who helped her to be here.
Avery Moya
Avery has been involved in two shows. This will be her
third. She has participated in Aladdin and one that she
wrote and directed. She would like to thank her parents
for letting her be involved in so many things.
Ocean Touma
Ocean loves performing for his family with his big sister.
He enjoys Spiderman, reading, PJ Mask, hanging out with
his family, Explora, the zoo, his sandbox, jumping on the
trampoline, and Chipotle.
Juliet Parker Kargas
Juliet Parker Kargas has been doing Summer Prep shows since
fifth grade. Her shows have included The Little Mermaid JR.,
Singing in the Rain JR., The Lion King JR., Frozen JR., and
Twelfth Night. She would like to thank her parents and G for
making this possible.
Camila Chavez
Camila has been involved in theater for two years. This
will be her third year. The shows she has done are Madagascar
JR. and Aladdin JR.
Torrin Rennie
Torrin Rennie is five years old, and he is making his acting debut
with the Lion King JR. Torrin is so excited to be a part of the
production and has loved working with the cast. He would like
to thank Ms. Courtney for making acting so fun and his parents
for making the opportunity available to him.
Victoria White
Victoria has been in theater since first grade. Her favorite
show was Mary Poppins during SummerPrep. She
would like to thank the cast and crew for their help.
Remy Butcher
Remedios (Remy) Butcher is in sixth grade and has
participated in two shows at Sandia Prep: Midsummer
Night’s Dream, and Frozen. She would like to thank
Louis Giannini for her opportunities.
Noland Parker
Nolan Parker is thrilled to be a part of Sandia Prep’s performance
of The Lion King JR. He is currently in Kindergarten
and loves riding his bike, playing with Legos and hanging out
with his friends and his little brother. He would like to thank
his Nana for always dropping him off at practice and Ms.
Courtney for teaching him all the moves.
Bailey Mask
Bailey Mask has been in theater for seven years. The Lion
King JR. is her 12th show, two operas included. She doesn’t
like to dance, but she has been singing for five years, and
was in the Allstate Chorus twice. She would like to thank the
crew and cast for all the memories, laughs, and support. She
would also like to thank Mr.Giannini for all his work.
Olivia Chavez
Olivia Chavez has been involved in theater for about
three years. In school, she plays a different sport every
quarter, and has participated in Allstate Chorus two years
in a row. Olivia also plays on a competitive softball team.
Callie Williams Cooper
Callie is in preschool, and she loves to be on the stage.
She is a dancer and wants to be a Disney princess when
she grows up. She can’t wait to be a Sundevil one day!
Sasha Hanson
Sasha Hanson is in sixth grade and has participated in
one musical at Manzano Day School called Dr. Dolittle.
Sasha does competitive jump rope outside of school in a
team called Albuquerque Air Jump Rope (AAJR).
Ethan Meade
Ethan Meade has been in two plays with minor roles.
He has participated in fencing and wants to do more.

Frankie Baca-Lucero
Frankie has done three shows: James and the Giant
Peach, Alice in Wonderland, and A Midsummer Night’s
Dream. Frankie did chorus in the sixth grade. She plays
two sports, volleyball and tennis. She used to play guitar,
and used to play soccer as well.
Cedar McCall
Cedar McCall is in eighth grade. She is experienced at performing
in the musicals at Sandia Prep and she knows that the
show will be extraordinary. She is very passionate about these
wonderful musicals and is very grateful for this opportunity.
She hopes that everyone gets to enjoy our performance! Thank
you G and thank you actors!
Madelyn Taylor
Madelyn Taylor has been in theater for two years. She
played piano for two years and did tap dance for one
year. She loves to sing and dance a lot.
Abby Kronberg
Abby has been involved in theater for eight years. This
will be her 15th show. Her favorite shows are Beautiful,
Hamilton, and Mama Mia. She would like to thank her
friends for making this experience so much fun.
Enzi Karuno
Enzi has been in three plays, but this is the first he is
doing at Sandia Prep. Enzi is 11 years old and enjoys
watching TV and playing games. He would like to thank
the cast and crew for their hard work.
Turner Liotta
This show is Turner’s second show ever. His first show
was Twelfth Night, playing Captain. He really enjoys
acting and hopes he can work his way up to larger roles.
Ella Schaller
Ella Schaller has been in performing arts for seven
years, including The Nutcracker and other musicals
Emma Cordero
Emma has participated in Madagascar JR. This is her third
play. Lion King JR. is her favorite musical. She would like to
thank her family and friends for supporting her.
Mila Stefanovic
Mila has played ukulele, piano, recorder, and is learning
the drums. She also plays soccer. She likes listening
to music with earbuds. Soft rock and pop are among
her favorites
Meredith Staples
Meredith Staples has been in six shows at Sandia Prep
so far, and this will be her seventh show and third time
doing Lion King JR. She wants to thank the cast, crew,
and Mr. G for making this the most fun show ever!
Penny Hashagen
Penny was in the musical Aladdin. She plays soccer,
volleyball, and runs track. She would like to thank her
parents for driving her to school activities.
Lily Keenan
Lily Keenan is in sixth grade. She has participated in
five different musicals at Escuela del Sol Montessori. She
is currently on a soccer team and on dance team.
Liam Andrews
Liam Andrews has been in two other shows, Aladdin
and Twelfth Night. Liam would like to thank his brother
Owen, cast, and crew.
Kindell Custer
Kindell Custer has been involved in musical programs
for one year. She did NDI for three years when she
was younger. She would like to thank Mr. G for this
great program.
John Wegrzynek
John is an opportunistic child who has been in every
play he could be in, including Hamlet, Dig It, and more.
He would like to thank his family for being supportive
in all his theater experiences.
Lauren Wilkerson
Lauren has been in The Lion King twice, the Little
Mermaid, Shrek, Singing in the Rain, Dr.Dolittle, and
the Nutcracker twice. She would like to thank Mr.G, the
techies, her friends, and her dance teachers.
Isabella Crecca
Isabella was in the production of Aladdin last year,
and she really enjoyed it. She would like to thank her
parents for driving her to practice.
Donaven Gallegos
Donaven Gallegos has done theater for two years. This is
his second year. For his first year he performed in Aladdin
and was Lead Guard. In his free time, he likes to play basketball
and hangout with his friends.
Riley Epstien
This is Riley’s third year of theater and her third production.
Her favorite production was Aladdin JR. She
thanks the cast and crew for putting a lot of hard work
and effort into this show.
Jaymison Torres
Jaymison is very excited to be in a musical again. He
is also excited to be in Lion King JR. and to see people
come together.
Elias Hanlon
Elias Hanlon has been in three TV show that were all
speaking roles: Preacher, Graves, and Better Call Saul.
Elias loves being involved in acting and meeting people
that also love acting.
Lincoln Sneed
This is Lincoln’s first year doing theater. He loves playing
basketball and running cross country and track. He also loves
to play guitar. He is really looking forward to participating in
Lion King JR., and all the ongoing shows. He thanks his parents,
family and Mr. G.
Le’elage Melis
Le’elage is in sixth grade at Sandia Prep. She participates
in sixth grade volleyball. She looks forward to
participating in more shows.
Everest Hanlon
Everest has been in three plays. His most recent
production was Twelfth Night at Sandia Prep. He has
been in two commercials and one movie. He was a
SAG actor in a movie titled Cowboy Critter, which is
an independent film.

Director’s note
Based on the Disney 1994 animated film, The Lion King JR.,
Benjamin Hanson
Benjamin has participated in one musical. He
loves acting out scenes. Benjamin plays soccer
and basketball.
Camila Chavez
Camila has been involved in theater for two years.
This will be her third year. The shows she has done
are Madagascar JR. and Aladdin JR.
Emma Cordova
Emma has participated in Madagascar JR. This is
her third play. Lion King JR. is her favorite musical.
She would like to thank her family and friends for
supporting her.
is a fun-filled show full of life and entertainment. A young
lion prince is cast out of his pride by his cruel uncle, who
claims he killed his father. While the uncle rules with an iron
fist, the prince grows up beyond the Savannah, living by a
philosophy: No worries for the rest of your days. But when
his past comes to haunt him, the young prince must decide his fate: will he
remain an outcast, or face his demons and become what he needs to be?
This production of The Lion King JR. has taken a great deal of effort from
both the cast and the crew. I would like to give them a special thanks for
working so diligently, this show would not have been achievable without
their hard work and talent. I would also like to thank the performers and the
DJ Chavez
This is DJ’s 4th production and he is so excited to be
in Lion King Jr. In his spare time DJ likes playing at
the park and chasing his dog, Whiskey. He would like
to thank his mom and dad for their support.
Maddy Weisler
Maddy Weisler is very excited to be a part of Lion King
JR. Her hobbies include dance, sports, and reading. She
wants to thank Mr. G for all the support.
Augustine Miller
Auggie has been in one musical before: Dr.
Dolittle JR.
parents who make all of this possible. Thank you to Courtney, Lucca, and
Hudson Giannini. Enjoy the show!
Sincerely,
Louis Giannini
Soukuma Nakigan
This is Soukuma’s third Prep production. In addition to singing
and dancing, he loves soccer, baseball, and tether ball; and
his favorite super hero is Spiderman. Soukuma would like to
thank the cast and crew for all their hard work!
Seth Cordova
Seth has been in one musical, plays the piano, and
plays guitar. He thinks it’s all very fun.
Mateo Fleming
Mateo has always wanted to be in a play. He was on
spotlight last year. He plays the saxophone for Intermittent
Jazz Band. He would like to thank everyone
who made this possible.
all cast biographies were written by
our fabulous performers
and pages designed by
sandia prep students.
Ava Garcia Wes;ey
Ava has been performing in musicals at Sandia Prep for
three years. She has done eight shows including Frozen,
Aladdin, and Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. She would
like to thank her family and Mr. Giannini. Ava really
enjoys theater and is very excited to dance and sing in
the amazing performance of The Lion King JR.
Bella Sanchez
Bella Sanchez has been involved in theater for two years.
This will be her fifth show. Some of her favorites were:
Singin’ in the Rain JR., A Midsummer Night’s Dream,
Aladdin JR., Twelfth Night, and The Nutcracker. She would
like to thank the cast and crew for all the memories, laughs,
and support.
Garrett Calkins
Garrett has been in Aladdin JR. This will be his second
production. Garrett has been playing soccer since he
was four years old. Garrett plays on the JV soccer team
and hopes to get on Varsity soccer soon. He would
like to thank his parents and his sisters for all the
support and love.

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