The African Savanna is heading your way at the Virginia Theatre, and you won’t want to miss this walk on the wild side! The Youth Theatre Program has worked hard to bring you the magic in their production of Lion King, Jr. Read on for the behind-the-scenes info.
1. Over 100 masks and animals have been hand-made: rhino, elephant, hyenas, lions, zebras, doves, giraffes, and gazelles. There are 140 costumes made by parent volunteers.
2. 60 students arein the show representing 24 different schools in Champaign, Mahomet, St. Joe, Savoy, Tolono, Monticello, Urbana, Sadoris, Fisher, and Mansfield. 
3. Close to 1000 hours have been put into getting the show ready by parent volunteers, staff, and volunteers from the community. Centennial High school has gotten involved as well.
4. The set will represent the African Savanna with warm earth tones to fill up the Virginia Theatre stage. Special lighting has been planned for beautiful moments within the songs and story. The story is one of love, sacrificing one’s life, conquering over evil, and the power of working together in faith. 
5. Preshow will feature a professional percussion performer David Garcia, playing the Djembe. He taught 5 students to play African rhythms who will perform alongside him in the preshow. 
6. The music is the familiar Disney music written by Tim Rice and Elton John, and people will infectiously sing along. Much of the music is sung in African languages: Xhosa, Zulu, Swahili, and Setswana.
Get tickets to see this performance!
February 23, 24, & 25 at 7pm & February 25 at 2pm
at Virginia Theatre
