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Final rehearsals for The Lion King, Jr.
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Actors take center stage during rehearsals.
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The cast gets togethers for a group picture.
The GCT will run the show on consecutive weekends with show times on Friday, Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2 p.m.
"It started with auditions back in November," said Greer Cultural Arts Director Robin Byouk. "There were approximately 18 lessons that Disney dictated that we had to do to teach the kids about scenic design, production manager, lighting, and music direction. We started rehearsals at the end of January and it was fantastic. All of these lessons made them become a team."
The hard work of the cast is paying off. All of the young actors and actresses are eagerly waiting their turn to bring a character from the timeless Disney classic to life.
Jackson Burgio, who is playing Simba, said he relates to his character due to a pending real-life experience.
"(Simba) leaves his family and he has to go to a different part of life," said Burgio. "He has to adapt and I feel like the character can relate to me because he moves a lot and I'm moving to another country."
Keddy Mendoza, who plays Nala, is anxious to bring her headstrong character to life.
"She's really brave and really fierce," Mendoza said of Nala. "I really like that about her."
Disney's The Lion King Jr. is a difficult and intricate production that hasn't come without challenges.
"All of these masks and puppets and costumes, they aren't just regular costumes," said Byouk. "You don't just have one lion, you have 11 lionesses. It's been a lot of work but it's going to be great."
"I'm looking forward to singing," said Mendoza. "'Shadow Land' is my favorite song."
Burgio said he feels great going into opening night. "I feel confident because it's a great show," said Burgio.
Want to go?
What: GCT Presents Disney's The Lion King Jr.
Where: J. Harley Bonds Career Center, 505 N. Main St. Greer
When: April 15-17 & 22-24 at 7 p.m. Sunday shows at 2 p.m.
Cost: $15 adults, $12 students/seniors/military, $7 children under 5
Tickets: Purchase online.