When the curtain goes up on \u201cMadagascar \u2013 A Musical Adventure JR.,\u201d audiences at Greasepaint Youtheatre won\u2019t just be watching a show; they\u2019ll be dropped straight into a high-energy jungle adventure where anything can happen \u2013 and usually does.<\/p>\n
Greasepaint\u2019s production runs Feb. 20 through March 1 and will feature a dozen young performers from Scottsdale and other communities across the Valley. \u201cMadagascar JR.\u201d brings the beloved characters from the DreamWorks Animation film to the stage in a fast-paced musical packed with comedy, movement and plenty of \u201cMove It, Move It!\u201d energy.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2019Madagascar JR.\u2019 is pure joy,\u201d said Director Joycelin Jacobs-Schwartz. \u201cOur young performers have worked so hard to bring this world to life, and I can\u2019t wait for audiences to feel that energy. It\u2019s the kind of show where you start smiling in the first scene and don\u2019t ever stop.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the center of the story is Alex the Lion, who\u2019s living the good life as the star\u00a0attraction at New York\u2019s Central Park Zoo until his best friend, Marty the Zebra, decides the world is too big to ignore.<\/p>\n
One bold escape later \u2013 with help from some suspiciously capable penguins\u00a0\u2013 their crew finds themselves far from home and face-to-face with the wild, unpredictable world of Madagascar.<\/p>\n
What makes \u201cMadagascar JR.\u201d such a crowd-pleaser is that it\u2019s as engaging visually as it is musically.<\/p>\n
This production leans into that visual playfulness with costumes designed to stand out. Audiences can expect a parade of personality, from zoo-chic city style to colorful island flair once the characters wash up in Madagascar.<\/p>\n
Bold patterns, bright tropical colors and scene-stealing lemurs and penguins help make the design part of the comedy and part of the wow factor.<\/p>\n
The set keeps that momentum moving. The stage transforms quickly from the polished world of the zoo to the chaos of travel and, eventually, the freedom of the island.<\/p>\n
Packed with dancing and movement, the physical storytelling is another reason why \u201cMadagascar JR.\u201d is a perfect match for young performers, and<\/p>\n
Greasepaint\u2019s cast meets the moment with strong stage presence.<\/p>\n
The score, too, keeps the pace moving with familiar favorites like \u201cI Like to Move It,\u201d plus upbeat ensemble numbers that underscore the show\u2019s comedy and choreography.<\/p>\n
\u201cI came into this show knowing the energy required and was pleased to see the kids meet and exceed those expectations,\u201d said Jacobs-Schwartz.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey consistently surprise me with their excitement and willingness to jump in and tell the story with enthusiasm and spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local audiences can expect to see a dozen young Scottsdale performers, including Charlotte Mikalsky as Rico, Avery Miller as Mason, Eleonora O\u2019Leary as Zookeeper Zoe and Lew, Michael O\u2019Leary as Mort, Pierce Seidenberg as Private, Ella Silver as Marty the Zebra\u00a0and Blair Yaron as Kowalski.<\/p>\n
The show\u2019s featured ensemble includes Emberli DaSilva, Rachel Hananya, Siena Hardy, Nola Lawson, Sadie Lawson and Alexa Schwartz<\/p>\n
Behind the scenes, the production is guided by Jacobs-Schwartz along with music director Mary Ellen Loose, choreographer Olivia Feldman, assistant choreographer Ava Siedensticker and stage manager Kris Crane.<\/p>\n
\u201cMadagascar \u2013 A Musical Adventure JR.\u201d runs Feb. 20\u2013March 1 at Greasepaint\u00a0Youtheatre, located at 7020 E. 2nd St. in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n