The stage of Woodstock’s Town Hall Theatre hosted a vibrant rendition of “The Lion King” last Wednesday evening, thanks to the staff and students of Zack’s Place. Called “Z Lion King,” the production was launched by Zack’s Place’s former executive director, Dail Frates. After roughly two months of practicing, the 37 cast members and 11 backstage crew members confidently went out for their one-night-only performance.
Among them were some new players, such as Abigail Kowalzyk, who was in her second role as young Simba, and many veterans, like Erin Norton. Norton is nonverbal, so her mother helps her perform her lines via an iPad app. Norton’s father, Emmett, proudly remarked, “It’s a very special night with these folks. It’s all about them, it isn’t about any of us. It’s fun!”
Robert Shumskis Photo
Dail Frates, left, applies makeup to Teri Lewis, of Quechee, who played a hyena.
