NASHUA – Peacock Players, New Hampshire’s premiere award-winning youth theatre, will proudly present the new Broadway musical adaptation of “Disney’s The Lion King Jr.” for two weekends in November at the Janice B. Streeter Theater, 14 Court Street in Nashua. “Disney’s The Lion King” has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world and now the African savannah comes to life onstage with Simba the young lion as he journeys from Pride Rock to the jungle, and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.

“Disney’s The Lion King Jr.” tells the story of a curious lion cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his future destiny as king. Along the way, the young lion encounters a colorful cast of characters including the mysterious mandrill Rafiki, his spunky lioness pal Nala, the charismatic meerkat Timon, and the loveably flatulent warthog Pumbaa. To claim his rightful place on the throne and save his beloved Pride lands, Simba must find his inner strength and confront his wicked Uncle Scar.

“Disney’s The Lion King Jr.” features the classic Elton John and Tim Rice songs from the 1994 Disney film such as “Hakuna Matata”, “Circle of Life”, “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and the Academy Award-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”, as well as several of the additional songs penned for the Broadway musical production. The production will feature direction by Peacock Players Resident Artist (and Alumna) Andrea Underhill, musical direction by Sarah Evans, and choreography by Cristina White.

“It is a tremendous honor to re-invent Disney’s and Julie Taymor’s groundbreaking creative vision,” says Underhill. “The Lion King is more than a Broadway musical-it has become a global phenomenon, and we are proud to be one of the first theatres in our area to present this new musical adaptation, and introduce this thrilling adventure to a whole new generation of young adventurers.”

Peacock Players is proud to be recognized and celebrated as New Hampshire’s premiere award-winning youth theatre. Peacock Players was the recent recipient of 10 New Hampshire Theatre Awards and 12 Top Three Finalist honors at the 2017 NH Theatre Award ceremony held at the Capital Center for the Arts in Concord, earlier this year. Peacock Players is proud to carry the distinction of having received more industry awards and honors than any other professional, community, or youth theatre in the state.

The cast of Disney’s The Lion King Jr. will be led by Lakeland Galinson, of Amehrst, as Timon and Grace Giannetti, of Amherst, as Rafiki. The rest of the large ensemble is rounded out with New Hampshire’s most recognized and awarded young theatre performers. This Peacock Players Mainstage production will be sponsored in part by Mint Printworks Screen Print and Design, Creative Costuming, and the Telegraph.

“Disney’s The Lion King Jr.” is rated G for all audiences.

“Disney’s The Lion King Jr.”will mark the second production in Peacock Players’ much-anticipated 42nd Annual Mainstage season. The premiere award-winning youth theatre will next present the classic Broadway musical “Annie” (just in time for Christmas) in December of 2017. For more information regarding Peacock Players upcoming Mainstage productions, auditions, educational workshops, summer theatre camp, and events – please visit www.peacockplayers.org.

“Disney’s The Lion King Jr.” performances are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 11, at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 17, at 7p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale. To purchase tickets, or for more information, please call the Box Office at 886-7000 or visit www.peacockplayers.org