Special to the Enquirer

Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.” will be presented at Hartselle High School, opening March 8 at 7 p.m. There will also be shows March 9 at 7 p.m. and March 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The 60-minute musical, designed for middle-school performers, is based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor and the 1994 Disney film. The College Street Players cast includes 57 students from kindergarten through ninth grade.

The show is directed by Dena Nagel.

“The Lion King Jr.” tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. Along the way, the young lion encounters a colorful cast of characters including spunky lioness Nala (played by Emma Jo Blaxton and later, older Nala, Elizabeth Weeks), charismatic meerkat Timon (Emma Harmon) and loveable warthog Pumbaa (Willa Smith).

To claim his rightful place on the throne after death of his father Mufasa (Ty Kerby) and save his beloved Pridelands, Simba (Griff Knox and Anna Patterson) must find his inner strength and confront his wicked Uncle Scar (Ella Speegle.)

“The Lion King Jr.” features classic songs from the 1994 film such as “Hakuna Matata” and the Academy Award-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” as well as additional songs penned for the Broadway production.

A 10-piece ensemble will bring the difficult music that is so well known and loved to life.

The Prideland animals are portrayed by the younger cast members, who serve as zebras, giraffes, monkeys, rhinos and a field mouse, while the hyenas and lions are varied ages.

Nagel said she is excited to bring this show to Hartselle.

“I am super excited to bring the story of The Lion King to the community theater stage in Hartselle. The kids have been coming to rehearsal since the first week of January to learn songs, choreography and dialogue,” Nagel said. “Many people don’t realize how much it takes to put on a stage production, but it helps build self-discipline, character and confidence. I love to see the kids evolve during a production. Many times we come together as acquaintances or strangers, and when the show is over, we part as a giant theater family.”

College Street Players is a local volunteer-run organization with the goal is to provide quality live theatre productions that serve the cultural, educational and entertainment needs of Hartselle and the surrounding community.