Disney Summer

This summer, two Disney Jr. productions will be making their way to stages in the Golden Isles. In June, the Golden Isles Penguin Project will inspire you to “Believe!” when it presents Peter Pan, Jr. The Island Players’ annual Young People’s Summer Workshop will bring Simba, Rafiki, and friends to the stage in July with their production of The Lion King, Jr.

If you haven’t heard of the Golden Isles Penguin Project, here’s a little background. The Penguin Project was conceived by Dr. Andrew Morgan, a developmental pediatrician, to give children with special needs an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. Children and young adults with disabilities are cast in all roles in a musical theater production. They all sing, dance, and act in the show. The special needs participants (artists) receive assistance throughout the entire process from on-stage peers (mentors). The Golden Isles Penguin Project was launched last year with 21 artists and 24 mentors who performed Annie, Jr. before sold-out audiences.

Local singer and vocal instructor Annie Akins was asked to participate last year and came out of the experience saying it’s been one of the most rewarding things she’s ever done. She did not hesitate to return as Music Director for this year’s production of Peter Pan, Jr., joining producer Allyson Jackson the impetus behind bringing the Penguin Project to the Golden Isles, Lisa Jinkins, and Director Heather Heath, as a team who work together flawlessly. Annie's praise for Heather especially is effusive, explaining that Heather's incredibly calm, encouraging and supportive nature is hugely important during rehearsals and working with the kids. “In fact,” Annie says, “I can’t imagine anyone else who could pull this off so successfully!”

And successful it has been indeed! Not only were last year’s performances sold out, but participation for Peter Pan, Jr. has increased by about half, with more than 30 artists (and mentors for each) and a majority of the artists and mentors who participated last year returning for this year’s show. That’s a testament to what a great experience it was for everyone involved. Additionally, there was excellent turn-out and financial benefit from a recent fundraiser for the program that included a delicious Low Country Boil prepared and generously hosted by Driftwood Bistro and a preview performance of some of the numbers from Peter Pan Jr. Annie says the community has been incredibly supportive and it seems like everyone has a connection to someone participating.

These wonderfully enthusiastic kids are hard at work on their lines, songs, and dance moves, and they never fail to make you smile and inspire, so plan to fly away to Neverland with Peter, Tink, and the Darling children June 14-17 and get your tickets before the ticking of the clock in the croc catches up with you! Shows take place at The Ritz Theatre in Historic Downtown Brunswick Thursday-Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 3:00 p.m. One week only, so don’t miss out on this very special production of the adaptation of the Disney classic and J.M. Barrie’s enchanting tale of the boy who won’t grow up. Purchase tickets at The Ritz box office or online at goldenislesarts.org.

June at the Casino Theater on St. Simons Island will find dozens of kids creating the Circle of Life of the African savannah on stage as they prepare for the July production of the annual Island Players Young People’s Summer Workshop. The workshop has been a theatre tradition for kids ages 8-18 since 1975 and draws about 60-80 participants each year. In addition to being a fun summer activity and bonding experience for kids, YPSW teaches these young actors various aspects of the theater, including stage etiquette and how to be a responsible team participant. Many of the YPSW actors have pursued a love of theatre through high school and community drama clubs and extending into college. It’s wonderful to see them flourish and soar to greater heights in the world of theater after developing their “wings” on the YPSW stage. 

This year, the YPSW will be presenting the much-loved adventures of Simba and friends in Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. under the direction of familiar face and Island Players veteran Jeff Dempsey. Tammy Kavanaugh is producing the show based on the Broadway production by Julie Taymor with familiar tunes by Elton John and Tim Rice. Bring your little ones out to sing along and see their favorite characters. As always, there will be two casts of performers who alternate performance days. Show dates are July 18-29 with 7:30 p.m. performances Monday-Saturday and 3:30 p.m. matinees on Sunday. All shows will take place at the St. Simons Casino Theatre at 530 Beachview Drive. Tickets are available for purchase at theislandplayers.com or at the box office. Please be aware that these shows do sell out so arrive early if you are planning to buy your tickets at the box office.

You don’t need a trip to Florida to enjoy a Disney experience this summer. Stay cool in the theatre and catch one or both of these classic tales performed by the young actors in our community. You might just walk away with some pixie dust in your pocket or singing "Hakuna Matata!"