The community center of St. Anne’s Parish in Bethlehem became the Pride Lands of Africa, where lions rule over all the other animals. Thanks to the magic of theater, dozens of children from St. Anne’s School were transformed into African animals. For 90 minutes, the lions’ authority was challenged by a wicked villain supported by hyenas, but in the end the good guys won. Simba, a young lion who had passed through fierce trials, became king of the pride, bringing peace and justice to the land.

The Feb. 19 show was a “junior” version of the Broadway hit of the same name. The performance, which included sets, lights, costumes, music, singing and dancing, was staged by The Gilberts/Sing for America, a local theater company. Starting from scratch, the Gilberts prepared the cast in just a single week – five days with rehearsals from 2 till 8 p.m. The kids learned their lines and their blocking to the best of their ability, and played their parts with gusto. Family members and classmates were enthusiastic observers.

The Gilberts/Sing for America is led by siblings Taryn, Tasia, Teara, Jorne and Jewel Gilbert, who have been singing and performing together since 2003. They sing at their parish church, St. Thomas More, in Allentown, and have organized many fundraisers to support wounded veterans and their families. Musicals that they have staged include “Shrek the Musical,” “Babes in Toyland,” and “Hairspray,” among others. (Their Facebook page is found at The Gilberts/Sing for America.)

James Krupka, principal of St. Anne’s School, says he and his faculty colleagues were pleased with the experience that over 50 St. Anne’s students had in “The Lion King Junior.” If possible, he would like to offer additional opportunities to perform at St. Anne’s in the future. One possibility is to stage “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”