ELY – Temperatures in Ely Sunday afternoon hovered around zero, but the heat of the African savannah warmed up the Washington Memorial auditorium during the production of the “The Lion King Jr.”

Ely Middle School students in the Music Theater class studied the adaptation of the popular Broadway show during the first semester of this school year, and students presented the Disney production last weekend.

Cast members included: Rafiki-Brooke Pasmick, Mufasa-Raif Olson, Sarabi-McCartney Kaercher, Zazu-Tesla Humphreys, Scar-Haley Heiner, Young Simba- Hanna Littler, Sarafina-Binaca Urman, Shenzi-Caitlin Priebe, Banzai-Connor Hanson, Ed-Drew Rouse, Timon-Andrew Walker, Pumbaa-Matthew Janeksela, Simba-Judah Wallace, Nala-Grace Erickson, Laduma-Mason Davis, Tsotsi-Brandon Kertz, Sangoma-Winter Sainio, Umfundisi-Lauren Olson, Ubuntu-Gabbrielle Motes, and Tokolos-Jenna Merhar.

Prior to the show on Sunday, Ely teacher and director Michael Rouse talked about the class. “I would like to thank the dedicated cast that worked extremely hard to master not only the script, music, choreography and technical skills required to put on a show like this, but also to learn to sing in four authentic African languages, Xhosa, Zulu, Swahili and Setswana. They were supported by a very gifted team of volunteers making this a memorable production.”