Disney’s popular musical “The Lion King” will be presented at North Habersham Middle School on April 8th and 9th. General admission seating (first come, first served) is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for students, children under school age are free. The doors open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.
“The Lion King” is a well-loved traditional story which has been part of many children’s lives. The heart-warming “coming of age” story of Simba, the lion cub becoming King of the jungle is one that is sure to engage the audience and delight the listener. As the students dance, sing, and act to well-known numbers such as Hakuna Matata, I Just Can’t Wait to Be King, and Circle of Life, audiences will be amazed at the talent of our young performers.
Of course, as they say, it takes a village. Director Paula Gibson wishes to thank Donna Trotter (choreographer) and Jennifer Pitt (student intern). Amelia Lathem (“Annie” from last year’s musical) loved working with Gibson so much she volunteered to come from Habersham Ninth Grade Academy every afternoon to help with it. And no show would be complete without administrators who allow such endeavors. Gibson has been blessed to have the support of Mrs. Brent Tuck, the principal who has allowed her to reach for the stars.
Paula Gibson’s ‘swan song’
This show is special to our school, as it will be the last show directed by Gibson. She has chosen to retire this year after 30 years as a public school music teacher, 17 of those at North Habersham Middle. So her “swan song” The Lion King, will always be very special to her and her students.
Mrs. Gibson has done many shows through the years. She began the tradition of a spring show at NHMS with the student written production “Comedy Central”. After that first show, she decided to begin producing a spring musical, beginning with one of her favorites “Annie”. Over the years, she has produced shows such as “Oliver”, “Oklahoma”, “Seussical the Musical”, “Willy Wonka”, “Alice in Wonderland” as well as her all-time favorite story, “The Wizard of Oz.”
Many students have been under her direction throughout the years, some of whom have gone on to study music, theater, or musical theater in college. Gibson says, “Of all the things that I’ve done over my career, being with my kids has been the best part. I will sorely miss the children. After all, that is what teaching is all about.”
So come see a fabulous show featuring lions, hyenas, a wart hog, a meerkat, a baboon and a swan song. Friday and Saturday, the place to be is North Habersham Middle School.
Article and photos submitted by Sheila Lathem
