March performances to benefit Furkids and Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends

The Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts  (SRAA) drama department will present The Lion King Jr as its spring production March 24–26, 2024 in the Fellowship Hall of Smoke Rise Baptist Church. The Lion King Jr is a 60-minute version of the original Disney film and Broadway production The Lion King, an inspiring coming-of-age tale set in the African savanna with an unforgettable cast of animal characters. Including some of the musical’s original songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, The Lion King Jr was created especially for the strengths and skill level of elementary and high school students.

Elementary drama students will perform Friday evening and Saturday matinee performances; high-school students will perform Saturday evening and Sunday matinee. While the shows are presented free to the community, donations to the Arts Academy are encouraged after the performances. The spring production will also benefit Furkids and Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends (AARF), both of which are local no-kill animal shelters.

“The drama students thought both Furkids and AARF were perfect choices for charity tie-ins because of the animal theme of the play,” said Denise Burcham, executive director, Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts. “These shelters depend on donations and volunteers to maintain operations, and several Academy students and their families volunteer their time at the shelters. We hope our patrons will be generous when it comes time to ‘pass the hat’ after the performance.”

In addition to cash donations, audience members are encouraged to bring items needed by the shelters, such as dog and cat collars, soft squeaky toys, cat litter, catnip toys, canned cat and dog food, 13 gallon and 30 gallon garbage bags, paper towels, bleach, copy paper and Clorox wipes.

In honor of its SRAA partnership, Furkids will be naming its next litter of kittens after characters in The Lion King, with an opportunity to “Sponsor a Lion King” set up at the show. A silent auction to award a Furkids Kitten Birthday Party will also be held at the play.

Disney’s The Lion King Jr is a fun family show suitable for all ages. Shows begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:00 p.m. Sunday. Each show will have live pre-show entertainment, concessions and videos (including out-takes).

Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts

The Smoke Rise Academy of Arts is housed in Smoke Rise Baptist Church at 5901 Hugh Howell Road in Stone Mountain. Classes are offered all year in music, dance, drama and art.  Visit www.smokerisebaptist.org/arts for class information and registrations. You can also follow the organization on Facebook.