[photo credit: South Pasadena Educational Foundation]
Presented by SPEF in partnership with Upstage Theatre Schools, the production features two casts to give more students a chance to shine in featured roles.
Students began rehearsing their lines, songs and dance numbers in October in preparation for the performance weekend.
“The Lion King Jr.” follows curious cub Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king, ultimately confronting his wicked uncle Scar.
The show includes beloved songs with music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice and a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor.
SPEF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1979, serves as the official private fundraising organization for South Pasadena Unified School District and has raised close to $14 million over four decades to support programs across all five district schools.
5th Grade Musical: The Lion King Jr. will run on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at 4 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. South Pasadena High School Auditorium, 1401 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 441-5810 or visit https://spef4kids.org/programs/spef-musicals/. Ticket prices: $10; live stream package available by donation.
