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player ready...Thirteen-year-old Annie Ascher of Clarendon Hills appeared representative of the cast of about 100 kids, ages 5-17, as she beamed with excitement during a rehearsal for the BAMtheatre production of “The Lion King.”
“This is just such a great environment with everyone here,” Annie said. “Everyone here makes everyone else feel so comfortable, and I’ve made a lot friends here.”
Along with her top-notch review of being involved in BAMtheatre, Annie also had high praise for “The Lion King” as a choice for a show.
“I love it. It’s different,” she said. “It’s a challenge, but a really fun one.”
Tatum Barbier, 13, of Oak Brook, said she also found the “different” aspect to be a major reason she enjoys being part of the cast.
“It’s very different because it’s not a people play, but instead about animals,” she said. “We get to go outside being a person.”
Tatum also is excited about being part of a play she has seen presented elsewhere and enjoyed.
“I love it and think it’s great that we’re doing it here,” she said.
Based on the classic Disney film, “The Lion King” is a musical adventure that follows a young lion cub, Simba, as he grows into a leader of the animal kingdom. The show is filled with well-known songs, as well as some made written for the stage production.
Director Caleb Faille said the musical was chosen partly because it was right for some of the children coming up in the theater.
“It’s a great play because it exposes kids to different cultures,” Faille said. “They get to go over the top with costumes and sing in different languages.”
More than anything else, Faille said he wants participants to have a positive experience.
“Theater is a fun thing,” he said. “This is an experience to help them grow to prepare for future experiences in theater, or public speaking.”
For Jack Jarosz, 13, of Hinsdale, being on stage isn’t new, but this is his first play with BAMtheatre.
“This was something for me to do over the summer, occupy my time and be with friends, he said. “I like the show, too.”
Rio Lewis, 6, of Hinsdale, says this is her first big production.
“I like to do the acting, and I like being part of a big production,” she said.
The show is produced by Melanie Lamoureux, with music direction by Peter Bromann and choreography by T. Ayo Alston and Maria Fasano.
BAMtheatre was established in 2001 to create opportunities for youth to receive professional musical theater training and education.
Catching the show
What: BAMtheatre production of “The Lion King”
When: 7 p.m. Aug. 3; 2 and 7 p.m. Aug. 4; and 2 p.m. Aug. 5.
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Where: Nazareth Academy, 1209 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park.
Tickets: $18 to $25 and are available at bamtheatre.com.