The Hartland Players Encore Youth Theater is presenting “The Lion King Jr.” with performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25, as well as at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 26, at the Hartland Performing Arts Center, 9525 E. Highland Road.
The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable case of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again. This inspiring, coming-of-age tale features music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice.
Tickets are $15 and available by clicking here.
Each day from now until opening night, we’ll be featuring cast members.
Lionesses/ Ensemble
Heidi Boyce
Heidi Boyce is an 8th grader at Linden Middle School. She is excited to perform in her first show with Encore. She has previously performed with the Fenton Kidz Theater Kompany and Drama class with school. Her previous theatrical experience includes, Mary Poppins Jr (Mrs. Andrews), Annie Jr. (Annie) Beauty and the Beast Jr. (LeFou), Frozen Jr. (Butler/Oaken family), Mockingbird (Kaitlyn), Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). She enjoys sewing, crocheting, singing and playing with her pet rats, Happy and Count Olaf.
Lauren Hill
This is Lauren’s first production at Encore Youth Theater, and her second production ever. She’s super excited to be a part of the ‘The Lion King Jr.’ and hopes that she can participate in future Encore productions. When she isn’t acting, she enjoys drawing, writing stories, and reading.
Addison Kelte
Addison Kelty is very excited to be doing her first Encore Theatre production. She has loved singing, dancing, and making new friends! She would like to thank her friend Maggie for going on this adventure with her and for always being kind, funny, and a great influence throughout the school year. She would also like to thank her parents for being so supportive of her trying so many new things! This is Addison’s second production and she is hoping to do many more. Enjoy the show!
Ava Kemner
Eva is excited to appear in her second Encoreproduction! She has performed in Rudolph and Shrek and Seussical bootcamps with Encore. She started as Cat in the Hat in her school production od Seussical this year and also performed in Elf Jr with CTH last year. Eva also enjoys playing field hockey and spending time with her friends.
Ainsley See
Ainsley is a 5th grader at Farms Intermediate School and is very excited to be in her first performance with Encore this year. Although she is new to Encore, Ainsley is not new to theater! Ainsley has been part of Prelude Children’s Theater for the past 3 seasons. When she is not on stage, you can find Ainsley listening to music, reading and making art. “Thank you everyone who made it to see the show!” Ainsley would like to thank all the directors and volunteers who made this show possible. “Hakuna Matata!”
Tilly VanderMeulen
Tily is in 7th grade at Ore Creek. She is euphoric for her second performance with Encore. Tily is into the arts, and all her loving pets.
Ensemble
Ava Adams
Ava is 8 and in second grade at Village Elementary School. Ava was in Encore’s 2022 summer camp production of “Shrek Jr” and played the part of Young Fiona and in Encore’s 2022 production of “Rudolph Jr” as Cowboy and part of the Elf Ensemble. She absolutely loves being part of the Encore family! Ava also loves Girl Scouts, reading, singing and playing board games.
Ali Austin
Ali Austin is 10 years old and is excited to be in her first theater production. She is part of the hyena ensemble, a Antalope and also a wildebeest. Ali loves playing sports in her free time as well as hanging out with her friends. She attends St. Patrick School in Brighton. Ali would like to thank her dedicated parents for supporting her!
Clara Bernardi
After being a part of “Rudolph” in the winter, Clara couldn’t wait to get back on the stage for “The Lion King” this spring. Clara enjoys being under the lights and adding a special energy and pizazz to the cast.
Sam Bernardi
Over the past year, Sam has enjoyed watching his sisters perform in multiple Encore productions. He decided to join them on the stage for “The Lion King” and has been relishing his time building new friendships. Besides acting, Sam likes soccer, basketball, and playing piano and video games. Sam would like to thank the directors for giving him a shot and his friends and family who have come to cheer him on.
Marcie Campbell
Macie is a fourth grader at Village Elementary and is excited to be a part of Lion King Jr. This is Macie’s first time on stage but has been a performer her entire life. Macie recently Co-hosted her schools talent show with her principal. At the talent show, Macie showcased her witty sense of humor and passion for singing. When Macie is not singing she enjoys playing basketball, cheerleading, and serving her community through 4H. Macie would like to thank her family for their support. The best way to spread cheer is singing loud for all to hear!
Isaac Egenolf
Isaac is very excited to be joining the Encore Youth Theater’s production of Lion King Jr. as a hyena. Isaac previously was in Newsies Jr. with Prelude Theater Company as a Newsie Ensemble. Outside of theater, Isaac likes to watch anime and read manga. Isaac would like to thank Lucy (his sister) and the rest of the cast for an amazing show experience.
Evelyn Host
This is Evelyn’s first performance in a theater production. She has really enjoyed meeting and getting to know the other cast members and is very excited to perform for an audience. Evelyn has always enjoyed singing, dancing, and acting. Aside from acting, Evelyn enjoys playing soccer, writing stories, and creating art projects.
Analise Johnston
Annalise is in fourth grade at Hilton Elementary School. She has participated in three summers of Encore Youth Drama Boot Camp at the Music Hall. Lion King Jr. is her second production at the PAC. In December, Annalise was Young Rudolph in Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. She is very grateful for this opportunity, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Morgan Kotrba
While it is her first year in Encore, it’s not her first experience in theater. She has also starred as Romeo in Newsies, Young Anna in Frozen, a pirate in Peter Pan, and a lemur in Madagascar. She wants to thank her sister, Baylee, for being encouraging and teaching her how to properly sass people!
Avery McDonald
Avery McDonald is 11 years and attends Voyager Elementaty. Lion King is his third show with Encore. During his acting career some of Avery’s favorite roles were Horton in Susical Jr. and Santa in Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Jr. Avery is excited to perform for you and looks to more shows with Encore.
Maddie Passage
Maddie Passage continues to light up the stage in Lion King Jr. Her theater background includes roles in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Shrek, Snow White, Mini Broadway and other local productions. Maddie is a fourth grader at Hawkins Elementary. Be sure to catch her energy in today’s show!
Keira Phillips
Keira is nine-years-old and is a home schooled fourth grader. Last year Keira appeared in productions of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Musicville. She loves to do tumbling and gymnastics. Her favorite thing in the world is spending time with her cousins. Keira would like to thank her little sister and her four big brothers for putting up with her singing all day long.
Quinn Stachowski
Quinn Stachowski is 10 years old and a 4th grader at Hutchings Elementary School. While she has participated in theater camp this is her first time on stage. Quinn is part of her school choir and enjoys gymnastics. She is also a member of Girls on the Run. She is extremely grateful to be a part of The Lion King production and looks forward to being a part of many shows to come.
Rennie Stickel
Rennie Stickel is a 6th grader at AGS Middle School in Fenton. This is Rennie’s 4th major production, but first season with Encore. Her favorite roles have been Jane Banks in Mary Poppins Jr., Tessie in Annie Jr., and Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast Jr.. When Rennie isn’t singing and acting, she loves hanging out with her Leopard Gecko, Leo, and playing video games. Rennie wants to work with animals and the environment when she grows up and hopes to own her own nature preserve.
Lily Thomas
Lilly is thrilled to be participating in the ensemble for Lion King Jr. and her first show with Encore Youth Theater. Michigan welcomed her with the role of “Solo of Soul” in Community Theatre of Howell production of Musicville this past summer. In 2023 she just wrapped her ensemble performance in Newsie’s Jr with Prelude Children’s Theater. Lilly’s love for musical theatre has grown so much over the past year. Lilly would like to thank her twin brother for coming to all her shows and listening to her sing and dance around the house.
Penny Usborn
Penny is excited to a part of the production of Lion King! This is her fourth musical theater production and has had a ton of fun growing her performing skills with this beautiful and talented cast! When she’s not performing Penny spends her time with her cheer team, playing electric guitar, practicing gymnastics and playing with toddlers at her church. She loves new adventures and finding new reasons to laugh. She hopes you really enjoy the show!
Lucas Woods
Hi! My name is Lucas Woods, I am 10 years old and this is my first time in Encore. I have little experience, but I was in a play called Moana when I was in kindergarten. I would like to thank my parents for supporting me, my friends, for cheering me on, my fellow cast mates for supporting me when I’m on stage, and my grandparents for also supporting me. Thanks for reading and see ya there!
