BUCYRUS – The animals are leaving the zoo and hitting the stage at the Bucyrus Little Theatre for its upcoming production of “Madagascar Jr.”
The musical – the final show of the theatre’s 2021-2022 season – features a cast of 33 area “crack-a-lackin’” youngsters. Performances are set for Aug. 11, 12, and 13 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on Aug. 14 at 2:30 p.m.
“This is a junior play and they actually have to be younger than 18 to be in a junior show,” said director Cindy Light. “The juniors are pretty much like the regulars, but they’re shortened so it’s a little easier to manage for the kids. As always, the kids are awesome.”
Based on the blockbuster DreamWorks film, “Madagascar Jr.” follows Marty, the zebra who, with the help of some prodigious penguins, plots his escape from the Central Park Zoo in New York City. His friends Alex the lion, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo break free to find him.
The animals, however, find themselves crated up and shipped off to a wildlife preserve in Africa. When their boat is hijacked, they end up stranded on the exotic island of Madagascar, where they learn first-hand what life can be like in the wild.
“The Zoosters,” as Light prefers to call them, are Dalton Edwards in the lion’s role, Liberty Davis as the zebra, Jack Gatchel as the skittish giraffe, and Samantha Dornbirer as the hippo.
Even the assistant director is a student – 15-year-old Mackenna Parsons.
“I’m really happy. She is just on top of everything,” Light said of her assistant. “She works with the kids. She does the music, and she knows everything going on. It’s their show, and I’m just so happy that she’s doing that.”
Instead of using makeup, cast members are wearing homemade hats and “animal heads” so their eyes, noses, and mouths are actually on top of their own heads, Light said. Parents are sewing the costumes and also helping backstage during performances.
“There’s an assembly line making the hats for the lemurs,” said Light, a 50-year B.L.T. veteran. “They’re just so cute and funny. I’m really proud of the costumes in this play.”
Tom Etsinger is again designing and building the set, which for this production will feature multiple levels so that even the young actors in the back are visible to the audience throughout the production, Light said. Trey Griggs is in charge of lighting for the show.
“The kids are really doing a great job. They have their hearts in it and I really think they’re going to be spectacular on stage,” Light said. “We hope that we’ll fill every seat.”
Tickets for “Madagascar Jr.” can be ordered on the Bucyrus Little Theatre’s Facebook page, on their website, or by calling the box office 419-562-0731. The theatre; is located at 130 Songer Ave.