Orangewood School’s Students Explore the World of Performing Arts

Tempe, Ariz. – This January, more than 80 students from Orangewood School from the Washington Elementary School District in Phoenix will participate in an intensive eight-week curriculum based program called “Kaleidoscope” presented by ASU Gammage, one of the leading performing arts presenters in the country.

Since 1994, Kaleidoscope – a nationally recognized and awarded program – has been the only program of its kind in Arizona and nationally that educates and exposes students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live theater.

During the eight-week program, the Phoenix students will work closely with ASU Gammage staff and with school administrators and teachers to explore the historical and sociological aspects of THE LION KING, the award-winning Broadway show, which is coming to Tempe’s ASU Gammage Friday, January 2 through Sunday, February 8.

Now in its 11th sold-out year on Broadway, THE LION KING is the winner of six Tony ®Awards including Best Musical, eight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, the New York Drama Critics award for Best Musical, the Evening Standard Award for the Theatrical Event of the Year, two Olivier Awards, a Theatre World Award, the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography, two Drama League Awards and a Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony® Award for Best Director of a Musical.  Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for THE LION KING. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design is by Richard Hudson, costume design is by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay for THE LION KING.  The score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer

THE LION KING is an adventure story that explores responsibility, growing up, and the relationships between parents, children and the connection between all creatures.  Students will study their own Circle of Life and ancestry analyzing the human experience through time and relationships, and creatively explore African culture through a variety of interactive lessons. The students will also attend  THE LION KING at ASU Gammage providing them with a unique and memorable theater experience. Plus, they will meet the cast and crew and have the chance to ask them questions about their educational and professional experiences.

“If we can expose just one student to the world of theater and what that has to offer, I am thrilled. It’s our mission at ASU Gammage to connect communities and Kaleidoscope is one of the many ways we make this happen,” said Colleen Jennings- Roggensack, ASU Gammage executive director.

For more information about getting your school or students involved in future Kaleidoscope programs, please call 480.965.5062.

About ASU Gammage
Located on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University, ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world.  ASU Gammage is the home theater of M&I Bank Broadway Across America – Arizona and Beyond series.  Its mission is connecting communities by providing artistic excellence and educational outreach to the public.  ASU Gammage is an historic hall designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.  asugammage.com

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