Friends of the St. Mark's Youth Theatre,
What a beast of a show! From the costuming to the iconic songs to the very heavy subject matter, this production has been a gratifying challenge that none of the Cast and Crew in the St. Mark's Youth Theatre will soon forget. And I'm so grateful that we will all have the memories of The Lion King to reflect back upon. This musical is so much more than just a show for kids; it holds important life truths that I pray these students (and we adults!) can carry far beyond this gym.
"And so we are all connected in the great Circle of Life." - Rafiki
Wise Rafiki wails her poignant message that we are all part of the circle of life. Every animal in the Savanna is of value and has a specific role to play, just like the students in the St. Mark's Youth Theatre. No production can happen with only the Cast members - the Technical Crew, Stage Crew, Costume Crew, and House Crew are so vital to the success of this theatre program. Each student's unique skills and talents are used in harmony to create something truly special.
"Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe with you." - Mufasa
Mufasa has to remind Simba, "Remember who you are." Isn't this a reminder that we all need from time to time? And no one needs to hear this more than our kids. In a world where they are being told how to look, what to like, and who to be, it is our most important job to give them the confidence to believe in themselves. We must build them up and remind them how important they are, which is what this youth theatre program strives to do. The amazing staff of caring and dedicated leaders spend countless hours working with the students to ensure that they will be prepared, proud, and therefore successful.
"It means no worries for the rest of your days. It's our problem free philosophy. Hakuna Matata." - Timon & Pumbaa
Although an unlikely friendship, Simba seeks solace in the jungle with a meerkat and a warthog, who essentially become his family. Timon and Pumbaa, while bringing a light-heartedness to the show, also are the bearers of some timely knowledge. It comes in the form of two simple words - Hakuna Matata. Their message reminds Simba that whatever has happened in the past is behind him, and there's no point in worrying about it. Good friends tell it like it is, and make life more fun along the way! The students on this Cast and Crew forged new friendships and developed deep bonds while working on this production. To ask them, they'll tell you that they aren't just friends, but that they are a family.
And speaking of family, I would be remiss to thank not only the Cast and Crew of our The Lion King family, but also the amazing staff that I spoke of earlier. Thank you for all the planning meetings, rehearsals, late night texts about random ideas, putting up with my multitude of schedules, and for loving this program as much as I do. The kids and I are all better for your involvement! Lastly, a very special thank you to a member of my literal family - my mom, Joyce Evangelista - who is the administrative assistant here at St. Mark's. She is deservedly retiring after this year, which means that this 16th production is the final one that we will work on together. Not only does she handle ALL of the finances, but helps me bag each of the t-shirt orders, sells tickets with me at 6:00 A.M. the morning they go on sale, is my point person at all of the performances, and never fails to be the first one in line (with my dad) at EVERY one of the shows! I am forever grateful for all that you have done for me and for the SMYT - I love you!
And we love all of YOU for coming out to support the arts and these kids. I hope that you will "feel the love tonight" as the St. Mark's Youth Theatre brings you their 2020 production of The Lion King!
Enjoy,
Julie Gil
Director
