The Lion King, Jr.

Adaline Bauer

Zebra/Ensemble

Adeline is 9 years old and loves reading, singing, building with LEGO, playing field hockey, swimming, and being part of Girl Scouts. She is thrilled to make her acting debut as a zebra in The Lion King JR and has had so much fun learning her role. She wants to thank her parents and family for all their love, support, and encouragement!

Olivia (Liv) Beckner

Young Nala

Liv, a soon to be fifth grader at Wilson, is thrilled to play Young Nala! She was recently on stage as Peter Quince in Something Rotten JR and Young Fiona in Shrek JR. Liv loves singing, acting, and cheerleading and she is recommended Black Belt in Taekwondo. She thanks everyone in her pride for making this show so special!

Olive Bowers

Sarabi

Olive is a student at Wilson Southern Middle School. She loves to sing and be a part of theater. She has been in High School Musical JR, Matilda JR, and Seussical JR. She is thrilled to play Sarabi in this production!

Brantley Castro

Antelope/Ensemble -

Cheese or Branch, that’s what people call him, is a first grader at Wilson. He is only six, but The Lion King JR is his second show! When he is not with Miss Debbi rehearsing, he’s at home playing or running around the bases at Liam’s baseball games. Liam and Sophia, who are in the show, are his older brother and sister and he loves them and loves doing theater with them. “Thank you to Mommy, Daddy, Rochelle, Andrew, and everybody who came to see me. I hope you like my singing and dancing.”

Liam Castro

Rhino/Ensemble

He is a fourth grader at Wilson. Lion King JR is his fifth show. Hei Wei in Moana JR was his favorite role! When there are no shows or rehearsals happening, you can find him playing outside, swimming or singing. This year he will start learning the trumpet and violin! “Thank you to my Mom for always helping me rehearse and for setting up Kiss the Cast! Thank you to Rochelle for taking me to rehearsals when she can. Thank you to my dad for helping us learn the songs with no words. Love you all!”

Sophia Castro

Giraffe/Ensemble

Sophia is a 7th grader at Wilson.

Lion King JR is her fifth show. She loves reading and drawing. When she’s not rehearsing, she is usually on the phone with her friends or studying. She

recently started using a walker, but she’s not going to let that stop her from continuing to do theater. Thank you to Miss Debbi and Mrs. Kristen for teaching us the show and for everyone who came to watch the show.

Drew Eaton

Elephant/Hyena/Ensemble -

Drew attends Muhlenberg C.E. Cole as a 6th grader. He previously performed in the school’s Shrek, the Musical. He enjoys spending time with his three dogs, playing video games and riding in his two cars.

Jakub Furniss

Giraffe/Ensemble -

Jakub is a 7th grader at Brandywine Heights Middle School. He has previously performed in Fleetwood Community Theater’s Wicked Christmas Carol, Footloose, Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, Oklahoma! and Alice In Wonderland JR. In his spare time, he likes to play drums, electric bass, guitar and piano. He also enjoys singing, building and making all kinds of music.

Adrianna Giffin

Lioness

Adrianna is a rising 4th grade student at Penn Bernville Elementary. Adrianna previously performed in Moana JR with RCP. Best of luck cast and crew!

Elijah Hershey

Elephant/Ensemble

Elijah is going into sixth grade in the Wyomissing Area School District. This is his seventh performance. Favorite past roles include French Narrator in SpongeBob Square Pants JR, Brother Maynard in Spamalot JR, and Dingo in I Hate Christmas. In addition to theatre, Elijah enjoys karate, saxophone, and Scouts.

Hutton Meckley

Elephant/Ensemble

A 4th grader at Shiloh Hills Elementary, Hutton is pleased to return to the stage for his second performance with Reading Community Players, appearing in The Lion King JR as a proud member of the elephant ensemble. Hutton brings a natural charisma to every role and loves the friendships and fun that come with being part of the theater community. He has also been involved with Yocum Institute for Arts Education. When he’s not on stage, Hutton enjoys playing the drums and expressing himself through music. He’s grateful to be part of this production and can’t wait to share the magic of the performance with the audience!

Brian Hood

Giraffe/Ensemble

Brian is a 14 year old student at Governor Mifflin High School. He has experienced two Broadway productions in New York City, one being The Outsiders and the other being The Lion King. He is part of his school’s orchestra, chorus, and select chorus. He has sung two solos throughout his musical career in seventh and eighth grade. In his free time he likes to hangout with friends and go shopping at the mall. Even though this is his first musical, this has to be the most fun and memorable time ever. Enjoy the show!

Kennedy Meckley

Nala

Kennedy is thrilled to take the stage as Nala in The Lion King JR. This is Kennedy’s second performance with Reading Community Players. Her theater experience also includes lead roles in multiple middle school productions, select choir performances, Opus One musical, and more. A dedicated student at Wilson Southern, Kennedy brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she does. shines both on and off the stage. With a vibrant personality, her love for singing, dancing, and acting and the support of her amazing family and friends, Kennedy continues to pursue her passion for music and the arts.

James Lane

Zebra, Hyena/Ensemble

His roles in Lion King JR are a zebra, a hyena, and an ensemble member. He is a third grader at Muhlenberg Elementary Center. He enjoys football, lacrosse, diving, and swimming. James loves being on stage in shows. In the past, He was a grouper and Nigel the Pelican in Finding Nemo JR, as well as Pua in Moana JR.

Gabrielle Mensah

Rafiki

Gabrielle is an 8th Grade student at Wilson Southern Middle School. She has performed in High School Musical JR, Matilda JR, and Seussical JR. She is excited to bring her best in her most recent production, Lion King JR as Rafiki. She loves to play violin, perform, and read. She also enjoys spending time with people in and out of the musical.

Caliana Miller

Joe Motherwell

Aubrey Moyer

Lioness

Cali is a fifth grader at Reiffton. This is not her first time on stage. She performed in Stone Soup, Shrek JR, The Wizard of Oz, and I Hate Christmas. When not on stage she is active in cheer, dance and crafting. She loves to sing!

Scar

Joe is a sophomore at Wilson High School and is excited to have his first “big” role. He has been in many shows over the past few years, his favorite being The Little Mermaid. Joe’s goal is to attend Penn State University and eventually get on Broadway. He loves the theater as much as he loves his friends and family.

Aubrey is just finishing 7th grade at Muhlenberg Jr High School. She will be playing Ed, the crazy hyena!. Her interests include singing, baking, crafting, watching/performing in musicals, playing games with her two siblings and hanging out with her family and friends!

Jaylyn Muriel

Antelope/Ensemble

Jaylyn will be in 5th grade in the fall at Exeter School District. This is her third time participating in a theater show. When she's not acting, she enjoys gymnastics, reading, writing, and drawing. She is in the Girl Scouts, and she plays piano, viola, harp, and ukelele.

Kasey Jo O'Mara

Shenzi

Kasey is in 9th grade at Muhlenberg Junior High School. She will be playing the role of Shenzi , the hyena in this production of Lion King JR. In the past, she’s played a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast JR and Tamatoa in Moana JR both at her school.

Jeremy Ortiz

Simba

Jeremy is a student at Muhlenberg Junior High School in 8th grade. He was in his school's production of Moana JR (Chief Ancestor 2), and Shrek The Musical (young Shrek). Some of his favorite activities are roller blading and reading, especially The Odyssey and the Percy Jackson series. His absolute favorite thing to do is sing, mostly musical theatre songs, he tries to be involved in most of his school's music-related extracurricular activities.

Olivia Peralto

Lioness

Olivia is a fun, energetic, and spunky 13-year-old girl who attends Wilson Southern Middle School. She is excited to sing, dance, and, most of all, be a part of Lion King JR Her role in this musical is a Lioness. Outside of Lion King, Olivia loves to dedicate her time to other hobbies such as cheerleading, track, softball, dance, piano, saxophone, school band, and choir.

Willia Pinsk

Lioness

Willa attends Oley valley Middle School and is in 6th grade. Her recent performances include Brother’s Grimm Spectaculathon, Charlotte’s Web, and Alice in Wonderland JR. She enjoys playing the piano.

Gillian Roth

Timon

Gillian is a 7th grader at Wilson West Middle School and is excited to be a part of RCP’s Lion King JR! She has most recently been in Moana JR, (Gramma) and Gypsy (Baby Louise). This coming December, she will be performing the role of Annie at Reading Civic Theater. When not on stage, Gillian likes to sing, play piano, and rock climb! She thanks her family, the staff, and the crew for this opportunity. Thanks to everyone who came out to see the show!

Bryce Rugg

Young Simba

Bryce is a rising 7th grader at Exeter Junior High. He’s been involved in theater for three years. Some of his favorite roles include Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Greg), Oliver Twist (Oliver), Peter Pan, JR (Peter Pan), Moana, JR. (Tamatoa), Shrek, JR. (Pinocchio), and Finding Nemo, JR (Nemo). Alongside theater, Bryce swims and runs cross country. He’d like to thank the directors and cast for all their support!

Aria Skelly

Pumbaa

Aria is an eighth grader at King’s Academy. Some of her previous roles include Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka JR, Mama Bear in Shrek JR, and most recently Charlotte and Charley Bares in Oliver. Outside of the theater Aria enjoys volleyball, drawing and video games. She would like to thank her family and friends for all of their support!

Nadyha Toledo

Zazu

Nadyha is a second grader at Willow Creek Elementary School. At her young age she has performed in many shows including Alice in Wonderland, High School Musical, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, and A Christmas Carol.

Laina Torrence

Bird/Ensemble

Laina is in third grade and is home schooled. She loves to dance. Laina has previously been seen in RCP’s I Hate Christmas!

Liam Torrence

Elephant/Ensemble

Liam is a homeschooled 5th grader. He has performed in two previous shows for RCP, I Hate Christmas and Moana JR. When not rehearsing for a show, you will find him playing football!

Ryleigh Torrence

Lioness

Ryleigh is both homeschooled and attends Reiffton as a 6th grader. She has been in Moana JR, I Hate Christmas and High School Musical JR. She enjoys art and reading Japanese manga.

Jayden Torres

Mufasa

Jayden, who proudly plays Mufasa, is a talented student at Wilson Southern. He brings strength and heart to the stage, just like the wise king he portrays. Jayden loves singing, which shines through in his performance, and also enjoys volleyball, drawing, and spending time with friends. He was in Matilda JR and Seussical JR. in past productions. His passion for the arts and vibrant personality makes him a joy to watch on stage.

Catherine Weisman

Banzi

She is a 7th grader at Southern Middle School in the Wilson School District. She is overjoyed to be playing Banzai the hyena in her first production with the Reading Community Players! Catherine previously appeared as Matilda in Matilda JR and Jojo in Seussical JR, both at Southern. This winter, she will take the stage as Duffy in Reading Civic Theater’s Annie. Catherine loves performing and is excited to continue growing in her theater

journey!

Celeste Weng

Antelope/Ensemble

Celeste attends Spring Ridge Elementary School and is in third grade. When she is not rehearsing for The Lion King JR, she is singing, listening to music or playing stuff on her phone.

Stella Weng

Rhino/Ensemble

Stella is a 1st grader at Spring Ridge Elementary School. Her favorite activity is singing!

Cassidy Yeager - Brenner

Bird/Ensemble.

Cassidy, a second grader at Schuylkill Valley, is happy to be performing alongside both her sisters in The Lion King JR. She previously took the stage in December 2024 as part of the elf ensemble in I Hate Christmas. When she's not singing and acting, she enjoys swimming, soccer, biking, ice hockey, and playing outside with her friends. She also loves reading, crafting, painting, and slime.

Lenora Yeager - Brenner

Giraffe/Ensemble

Lenora a fifth grader at Schuylkill Valley, loves being on stage. Past roles include Finding Nemo JR (Pearl), Moana JR (Ocean Ensemble), and I Hate Christmas (Rose) with RCP. She was also an emcee at both her school's talent show and assembly. She performs with her school's band (saxophone) and chorus while also competing in the Reading Olympics. Other hobbies include track, playing the piano, arts and crafts, reading, and spending time with her dog, Elvis.

Elliette Yeager - Brenner

Sarafina

Elliiette is an eighth grader at Schuylkill Valley, is happy to be in her third RCP production. She was previously in Finding Nemo JR and Moana JR. She also plays ice hockey and tennis, while also a member of her school's track and field team (shot put and discus). Her other activities include Reading Olympics and both band and jazz band (flute). In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, playing the piano, crocheting, and painting

Veda Zoga

Bird/Ensemble -

Veda is a 4th grader at Spring Ridge Elementary School. Her previous shows with Reading Community Players have been I Hate Christmas and Moana JR.