Lion King Jr Playbill
The Saline County Library and the Rising Stars players proudly present our 6th annual library theater production: “The Lion King, Jr.” This production will premiere for one night only on Thursday, May 29, 2025, lead by SCL library staff members Mason Newberry and Nathan Clay and Rising Stars student Evalyn Russum with a cast of entirely homeschooled acting students. The library is proud to continue our annual theatre tradition.
Directors note
This cast has worked so hard, learned so much, and supported each other every step of the way. Watching their confidence grow and their talents shine has been one of the best parts of this journey. To the cast: thank you for your energy, your enthusiasm, and your heart. You’ve made this show something really special. I hope you’re as proud of yourselves as I am of you.
Now get out there, have fun, and remember—Hakuna Matata!
— Mason Newberry
Rising Stars DirectorLion King, Jr.
Love Auditorium – Thursday, May 29, 2025
Rafiki…………………………………..Evalyn Russum
Young Simba…………………………………..Job Jenkins
Adult Simba…………………………………..Samson Scott
Young Nala…………………………………..Zoey Moore
Adult Nala…………………………………..Abigail Haggard
Scar…………………………………..Laney Kennedy
Mufasa…………………………………..Carter Brawley
Timon…………………………………..Azlyn Barnard
Pumbaa…………………………………..Emily Durham
Zazu…………………………………..Augustus Haggard
Banzai…………………………………..Payton Tolliver
Shenzi…………………………………..Jovie Byrd
Ed…………………………………..Amaya Jones
Sarabi…………………………………..Lily Plaisance
Sarafina…………………………………..Leah White
Dance Chorus:
Leah White, Scarlett Scott, Josiah Minick, Alexandrea Haggard, Joclyn White, Jolee Jenkins
Ensemble:
Presley Tolliver, Oliva Durham, Sterling Scott, Izzy Edds, Addilyn Durham, James Wallace, Meli Duncan, Joey Duncan, Kameron Klava, Echo Heyl, Jonah Mahan, Elleigh Arnold
Cast Bios
Mason Newberry – Director
Mason brings over 20 years of theater experience to the stage, having worn just about every hat in the theater world. His directing credits include Romeo and Juliet, The Wizard of Oz, and Peter Pan and Wendy with the Rising Stars; Madagascar JR. and Willy Wonka JR. with the Young Players; and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and And Then There Were None with the Grant County Theater.
Nathan Clay – Music Director
Nathan Clay is a newly minted music director & music educator with nearly two decades of experience in the theater arts. A proud alumnus with a bachelor’s from Henderson State University, this production marks his second engagement as a music director. Nathan considers it a privilege to serve as a music educator for these extraordinary young artists as they embark on this artistic journey together.
Evalyn Russum (Co-Director) as Rafiki
Evalyn Russom is so happy to perform this role as Rafiki the wise baboon, and thrilled to have had the honor of Co-directing this performance with Mason. This is her third year directing with R.S.P. Credits include Meg (Little Women), Young Clara (Silver Belles), Ghost of Christmas past (Christmas Carol), Ms. Darbus (High-school Musical), and more.
Job Jenkins as Young Simba
Job Jenkins, 10-years-old, is thrilled to make his acting debut as Young Simba! When he’s not roaring on stage, he is staying active on the field (playing baseball, soccer, or football) or playing video games. He’s active at his church and was inspired to join the stage after watching his big sister perform. Job is proudly supported by his family, and he just can’t wait to be king!
Samson Scott as Adult Simba
Samson Scott got the acting bug in 2022 when he performed at Wildwood in Oliver! He has since performed in shows like Wonka Jr. (Grandpa George) at Royal theater, Peter Pan and Wendy with Rising Stars (Mr. Darling), and Newsies at Wildwood (Tommy Boy). Samson loves dance, singing and the outdoors. He is excited to play Simba and thanks Mason and Nathan for this opportunity!
Zoey Moore as Young Nala
Zoey Moore is thrilled to make her Musical debut as Young Nala in The Lion King Jr.! She discovered her passion for acting last year when she played Michael in Peter Pan at the Royal Theatre. Zoey also has several years of experience performing in Midtowne Church’s Christmas productions. When she’s not on stage, Zoey enjoys art, singing, practicing gymnastics, playing volleyball, talking about Jesus, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Abigail Haggard as Adult Nala
Abigail Haggard is roaring with excitement to be part of The Lion King Jr. She’s been doing library theater for nine years. Some of her favorite roles include Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet, and Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan. She’s proud to be part of this “mane” event and hopes you have an amazing time Hakuna Matata!
Laney Kennedy as Scar
I’m Laney Kennedy, and I’m very excited to be a part of The Lion King Jr! Previously I have been Captain Hook in Peter Pan as well as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz. I enjoy crocheting, doing accents, and hanging out with my friends. I hope you enjoy this production of The Lion King Jr!
Carter Brawley as Mufasa
Carter is excited to be working with Rising Star Players for his 4th season and 3rd show! When he’s not on stage or rehearsing, he enjoys competitive bowling and playing video games. He wants to thank his parents for rehearsing with him and being so supportive of his love for theatre. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Azlyn Barnard as Timon
Azyln is passionate about theater, and she dreams of turning that passion into a lifelong career on stage and behind the scenes. Known for her big personality, quick wit, and sharp, infectious sense of humor, she keeps those around her constantly entertained and is known for bringing joy and laughter to everyone around her. When not creating or performing, she devotes her heart to animals, especially her rescue pup, Ringo.
Emily Durham as Pumbaa
Emily is 12 years old and has been doing rising stars for 3 years. She is excited to be playing the part of Pumbaa in her first musical. She enjoys dancing, acting and playing soccer.
Augustus Haggard as Zazu
Augustus is very excited to be in his 7th show. Theater has become a big part of his life since he started in 2021 with Frozen Jr. Augustus has since played roles such as: the Tinman in The Wizard of Oz, Rooster in Annie JR., and Slightly in Peter Pan and Wendy.
Payton Tollivier as Banzai
Payton Tolliver is 15 years old. She loves drawing and enjoys playing with her dog, Belle. She previously played Wendy in Peter Pan and Hilary Hook in the Fearsome Pirate Frank. She is very excited to be in the Lion King!
Jovie Byrd as Shenzi
Jovie Byrd is so excited and grateful to be in her fourth show! She has played Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka Jr (Young Players); Esther Jane in A Christmas Story (Royal Players); and Ensemble in Matilda (Royal Players). When not on stage, she enjoys reading, playing video games, crafting and singing. BE PREPARED to see this amazing show!
Amaya Jones as Ed
This is Amaya’s first time in a full theatrical production. Her grandmother taught Theatre and Dramatical Arts at Pine Bluff High School for 27 years, and she says Amaya has “drama is in her blood.” Amaya attended Doxa Arts Academy for 6 years. Her favorite class is Acrobatic Arts, where she spends most of her time upside down!
Lily Plaisance as Sarabi
Lily Plaisance is excited to play Sarabi in The Lion King Jr.! She has done many plays before, including The Wizard of Oz three years ago and Peter Pan and Wendy last year. This is her first musical in years.
Leah White as Sarafina & Dance Chorus
Leah is a 13 year-old homeschooler. This is her first year with Rising Stars. She has had eight years of dance experience in ballet, tap and jazz, as well as a couple of years of gymnastics and acrobatics She has performed multiple times in Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker with professional ballet dancers.
Scarlett Scott as Dance Chorus
Scarlett Scott is 12 years old and enjoys dance and acting. Her past credits include Candy kid in Wonka Jr. with Young Players and Nibs in Peter Pan and Wendy with Rising Stars. She performs dance at Doxa Arts Academy. She thanks Mason, Evalyn and Nathan for believing in her and always encouraging her to do her best.
Jolee Jenkins as Dance Chorus
Jolee Jenkins, 13-years-old, is thrilled to be back on stage for her second performance! When she’s not honing her acting skills, Jolee is busy with competitive gymnastics and traveling with her family. She is also an active member of the youth group at Geyer Springs Baptist Church. Jolee is supported by her parents and younger sister, and she’s especially proud of her younger brother, who is making his debut.
Josiah Minick as Dance Chorus
This is Josiah Minick‘s theatrical debut with the Rising Stars. He has a love for music and has enjoyed his first experience in a musical. He looks forward to more adventures in theater!
Alexandrea Haggard as Dance Chorus
Alexandrea has participated in theater for 4 years. She is a student at Doxa Arts Academy in Benton, Arkansas, and participates in drama and music at her church. Alexandrea would like to thank Mr. Mason and his team for working tirelessly to put on an amazing show, and her mom and dad for encouraging her to pursue her talents on stage.
Joclyn White as Dance Chorus
Jocelyn is 10 years old. She moved to Saline county from Texas 2years ago. Jocelyn loves to sing, dance, and play softball. Although Jocelyn has performed in a couple of recitals, this is her first time on stage in a musical!
Presley Tolliver as Ensemble
Presley Tolliver is 13 years old. She loves singing, dancing and watching Disney movies. She previously played the Neverbird in Peter Pan and Cutlass Kate in the Fearsome Pirate Frank. She is very excited to be in this play!
Olivia Durham as Ensemble
Olivia is 14 years old and has been doing Rising Stars for 3 years. She is very excited to be doing her first musical. She enjoys dancing, reading and hanging out with friends.
Sterling Scott as Ensemble
Sterling Scott is so excited to participate in another amazing production with the Rising Stars. Sterling has been singing, dancing and acting since she was born; just ask her mother! She wants to thank Mason, Nathan and Evalyn for supporting her in her passions! Her past performances include candy singers/oompa loompas Wonka Jr. with the Royal theater, and Tinkerbell in Peter Pan with Rising Stars. She’s thrilled to head to the Savannah with the Rising Stars again this season!
Izzy Edds as Ensemble
Izzy Edds is 14 and likes to bake, knit, read, and hang out with friends and family. Izzy was the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz, the housekeeper and a pirate in Peter Pan, and the Knave of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. She think that this show is going to be grrreat!!!
Addilyn Durham as Ensemble
Addilyn is 9 years old and has been doing rising stars for 3 years. She is very excited to have the part of an ensemble and to be taking part in her first musical. Addilyn enjoys being outside, music, art and participates in Junior Bible Quiz in her church.
James Wallace as Ensemble
James Wallace, 9 years old, is thrilled to be a part of the ensemble in The Lion King Jr! He has also been in the ensemble for Frozen Jr. and Descendants Jr as well as roles in Fearsome Pirate Frank (Cast N Crew) and The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever (Charlie Bradley).
Meli Duncan as Ensemble
Meili Duncan is 8 years old. She enjoys soccer and having fun with her brothers.
Elleigh Arnold as Ensemble
This is Elleigh’s first show, and she is so excited to be on stage! When she’s not acting, she loves swimming and spending time with friends.
Joey Duncan as Ensemble
Joey Duncan is 13 years old. He enjoys climbing trees, stories, movies, video games, playing DND and hanging out with friends. He loves music and plays the drums. He also plays soccer and tennis.
Kameron Klava as Ensemble
Kameron Klava is thrilled for his second performance with Rising Star Players, first appearing in Peter Pan and Wendy last year. From Roblox to reading, music to spending time with family, Kameron’s interests are widespread. Kameron has plans to write his own play based on the game Minecraft.
Echo Heyl as Ensemble
Echo Heyl is so excited to work with Rising Stars on Lion King Jr. They recently worked with The Royal Theatre on Seusical Jr. They hope you enjoy the show and thank you for attending.
Jonah Mahan as Ensemble
Jonah Mahan is a freshman in high school who played as John in “Peter Pan and Wendy” last year, and he is looking forward to singing in a musical this year! He likes building LEGO and learning about the creatures of the world.This is his second year in the theater, and he plans to continue being a part of the Rising Stars Players group in future years.
Special Thanks
We’d like to extend special thanks to Jermey Clay and Bryant High School for the use of their amazing auditorium to host this play.
We would also like to thank Red Curtain Theater and Mandi Carrero for donating costumes, helping bring the world of Lion King Jr to life.
And last but certainly not least, we would like to thank YOU for attending our show tonight! Your love of theater is what fuels our passion, creativity, and drive. THANK YOU!
