Lion King Jr. Cast

Alea Ransom (Rafiki) Alea, a senior at BPHS is beyond grateful and excited to be playing Rafiki in the Lion King. She has been in the HS drama program for 4 years, and has also been a part of the Elementary Drama program, as well as the Missoula Children’s Theater productions. Her past productions include Grease, The Little Mermaid, and The Wizard of Oz, With her favorite role being Jan in Grease. Alea plans to attend Russell Sage College for Childhood Education in the fall as well as being a part of their theatre program. In the future she hopes to be an Elementary School teacher and drama director at Broadalbin-Perth. She would like to thank her family for always being her biggest supporters, and also wishes to thank her current and past directors for always believing in her, and bringing her out of her shell.

Christiane Park (Nala) is a senior and this year marks her ninth year in theater, with many more to come! Some of her favorite productions include Grease, The Little Mermaid, and The Wizard of Oz. The Wizard of Oz was her first show at Broadalbin-Perth, where she had the honor of playing Dorothy and created lasting memories through cast and crew friendships and late-night cast parties. After graduation, Christiane plans to attend college in Rochester to study Behavioral Neuroscience. She would like to thank her past and present directors for their inspiration, her high school choir director for always believing in her, and her family and friends for their endless love and support.

Blake Lawson (Scar) Blake, a Sophomore at BPHS, has been in a number of shows with the BP drama program and Galway Players. Some of his favorite roles have been Peter Pan (Captain Hook), 101 Dalmatians (Horace), Lion King (Zazu), Little Mermaid (Skuttle), and Grease (Sonny). Blake loves music and enjoys playing the piano and guitar. He would like to thank all the faculty and parent volunteers that always show their support for the Drama Club.

Austin Steele (Mufasa) Austin is a Junior in high school at BP and is thrilled to be taking on the role as Mufasa in this year’s production of The Lion King. Some of his favorite roles include Grimsby, The Little Mermaid, and Roger in Grease. Some of Austin’s interests outside of drama are golf, and watching sports like football, basketball, baseball, etc. He would like to thank his directors, friends, and his parents for supporting him throughout his drama career!

Josie Sargalis (Young Simba) "just can't wait to be king!" She is a 6th grader who previously appeared as Middle Elsa in Frozen and Mrs. Claus in Candy Cane Lane. An avid athlete, Josie loves playing soccer, flag football, and basketball. She sends a huge thank you to her family (Mom, Dad, Jackson, Mema and Papa) and friends for always cheering her on and helping her reach for the stars. She also would like to thank the directors Mrs. Szumowski, Mrs. Staie, Alea Ransom, and Christiane Park for giving her this opportunity.

Genevieve Hanson (Young Simba) Genevieve is a fifth grader at BP, and is so excited to be playing Young Simba in this year’s production of The Lion King. Her experiences in elementary drama with Mrs. Szumowski and Mrs. Staie include playing Chip in Beauty and the Beast, a Wickersham Brother in Seussical,and Middle Anna in Frozen, as well as playing various roles in Missoula Children’s Theatre. Outside of drama, Genevieve enjoys strumming her guitar, dancing, and participating in band and chorus. She would like to thank her directors and student directors for their guidance, her older brother and sister for their inspiration, along with her parents and grandmother for their support.

Mila Murphy (Young Nala) Mila is a 6th grader at Broadalbin Perth Elementary School. She has been in several Elementary Drama Productions, Frozen Kids (Olaf), A Charlie Brown Christmas (Sally) and Seussical Jr (Wickersham Brother). Outside of school Mila enjoys playing sports, singing, and competitive dance. Mila would like to thank her family and friends for their constant love, encouragement, and for always being her biggest fans. Thank you to Mrs. Szumowski, Mrs. Staie, Mr. Aery, Ms. West, and Trenton, for the opportunity to play Young Nala, and for the time, dedication, and heart they put into making this production of The Lion King Jr. so special. Mila would also like to thank Alea and Christiane for their support and for helping her learn her songs and choreography.

Sophia Perry (Young Nala) is a 6th grader at BPES and has loved being part of the BPES Drama Club. Her past productions include Peter Pan Jr., Beauty and the Beast, Seussical, Frozen Jr., and she was also cast in the BPHS production of The Wizard of Oz. Outside of theater, Sophia enjoys playing soccer, competing as a dancer with The Dance Company, singing, and playing the saxophone. She would like to give special thanks to her mom, Wendy Perry; Ms. Szumowski; Ms. Staie; Mr. Aery; Miss West; Alea Ransom; Christiane Park; Trenton Richmond; the Stage and Costume Crews; Daniella Murphy; and her Nana, Sheila Perry, for helping her through another wonderful production. She also appreciates her family and friends for their constant love and encouragement.

Talia Moreale (Timon) is thrilled to be playing Timon in this year’s production of The Lion King Jr. She has performed in several productions over the years, with some of her favorites including The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, and Grease. Talia would like to thank the production team for all of their hard work, and her friends and family for their continued love and support.

Lorennzo Innez (Pumbaa) is a sophomore who has been part of the BP Drama Program since sixth grade, beginning with Peter Pan Jr. He has appeared in Grease (Eugene) and The Little Mermaid (Seagull), and is excited to bring Pumbaa to life in The Lion King Jr. Outside of theater, Lorennzo enjoys cooking, listening to music, reading comic books, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with his cats. He would like to thank the production team for making this show possible, as well as his family for their constant love and support, and for everything they have done to help him get where he is today.

Jacob Orapello (Simba) is proud to take on the role of Simba in this year’s production of The Lion King Jr. Some of his favorite past roles include Danny in Grease, Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin in Aladdin Jr. Outside of theater, Jacob stays busy playing soccer and running track, and he also enjoys playing piano and saxophone, as well as singing. He would like to thank his parents-especially his mom-along with his siblings, and his past and present directors for their constant encouragement, guidance, and support.

Jake Teresco (Zazu) is an 8th grader at BP Junior High School and is excited to be playing Zazu in this year’s production of The Lion King Jr. Some of his favorite past roles include Young Simba in the Glove Theatre’s production of The Lion King, Ryan in High School Musical Jr., and Ensemble in Grease. When he is not on stage, Jake enjoys skiing with his family and friends. He would like to give a special thank you to Christiane and Alea for serving as student directors, as well as to the rest of the production team for their guidance, support, and dedication in making this show possible.