The Arts Appreciation class performed its annual show on Dec. 12 and 13. The play “Roar” is an adaptation of Disney’s “Lion King.” This is Arts Appreciation’s first time putting on a community and night show.
The show began with a ten-minute video, documenting the program’s fall semester and the process of putting together “Roar.” The show itself had most of the “Lion King’s” iconic songs and characters, but there was a fair share of adaption including new lines and a bigger role for the ensemble. The night ended with a quick Q and A.
The students of the program pick the show while sometimes creating completely original pieces. Arts Appreciation peer leader and sophomore Annie Locker, who played Rafiki, thinks that the reason it felt so right for the program was because of its core themes.
“We’ve worked so hard throughout this entire semester to put on this show. I think we picked this show because it is fun and lively, but also because of its message. In the movie, there’s a bunch of different and unique animals, but they all belong, and Arts Appreciation’s main goal is embracing differences,” Locker said.
Ford says that finding leads is an entirely natural process. The group starts off learning choreography and as they progress, students start to emerge as potential leads.
Arts Appreciation started six years ago under the administration of the Director of Fine Arts, Patti-Anne Ford. The program consists of general education student leaders who partner with special education students as they participate in various art mediums. From collaborating on culinary to ceramics, the one aspect of the program that remains the same is the end-of-the-year theater production.
The play provides students with the opportunity to truly discover their passions and experience some independence.
“The show is such a confidence builder and it definitely teaches independence because they’re in charge of their costumes, their lines and being where they’re supposed to be. [Also,] when we do talkbacks it really helps them learn how to answer questions they’re not prepared for, and to build confidence in knowing that you can answer a question on the fly,” Ford said.
The show incorporates both general education leaders and special education students from a range of years. The main cast includes sophomore Awais Shafiq as Simba, junior Josie Konsolakis as Nala, sophomore Mohammad Rafiq as Mufasa, sophomore Karim Khan as Timon, freshman Alex Nole as Scar and junior Jonathan Woodward as Pumbaa.
Students are allowed to audition for any role, and freestyling during the production is encouraged.
“This is an experimental theater and we’re open to improv if it happens–we roll with it. I think the audiences understand that when they come to see the show they know to expect the unexpected,” Ford said.
Choir Director Justin De La Cruz, who accompanied the actors on piano, felt honored to take part in the creation of “Roar.”
“The biggest thing that I feel is an overwhelming sense of pride. These students work really hard day in and day out and hearing them reflect on it is one of their favorite parts of the day, and I think the best thing we can do is just continue to celebrate that joy. It’s a really special moment because we get to share it with the community, their family, their friends and whoever it might be,” De La Cruz said.
