Thursday, January 29, 2026

Fifth-Graders Bring “The Lion King Jr.” to South Pasadena Stage

[photo credit: South Pasadena Educational Foundation]

Fifth-grade students from Arroyo Vista, Marengo and Monterey Hills elementary schools will bring Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.” to the South Pasadena High School Auditorium stage Feb. 6-8 in the South Pasadena Educational Foundation’s annual fifth grade musical.​

Presented by SPEF in partnership with Upstage Theatre Schools, the production features two casts to give more students a chance to shine in featured roles.​

Students began rehearsing their lines, songs and dance numbers in October in preparation for the performance weekend.​

“The Lion King Jr.” follows curious cub Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king, ultimately confronting his wicked uncle Scar.​

The show includes beloved songs with music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice and a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor.​

SPEF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1979, serves as the official private fundraising organization for South Pasadena Unified School District and has raised close to $14 million over four decades to support programs across all five district schools.

5th Grade Musical: The Lion King Jr. will run on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at 4 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. South Pasadena High School Auditorium, 1401 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 441-5810 or visit https://spef4kids.org/programs/spef-musicals/. Ticket prices: $10; live stream package available by donation.