On February 19th, the Morrison Center played host to nearly 2,000 students from all across Idaho and held a special student-only matinee performance of Disney’s The Lion King. The performance was offered free to public, private, and homeschool groups throughout the Gem State, and it was all thanks to the generosity of the Morrison Center donors. The main hall was abuzz with excited chatter and childlike wonder in anticipation of the event.

A mix of elementary, middle, and high schools representing communities spanning hundreds of miles across Idaho attended the show, with many students experiencing live professional theatre for the first time. Sandpoint High School traveled the farthest - over 400 miles round-trip - to enjoy the spectacle of Disney’s The Lion King. The young audience’s reactions to “Circle of Life”, the opening number, alone exemplify the profound impact that live theatre can have on people of all ages. Laura Kendall, Executive Director of the Morrison Center, agrees and believes that providing such opportunities are central to the Morrison Center’s mission. “Live performance opens doors to imagination, connection, and confidence in ways that stay with students long after the curtain falls,” said Kendall. “Bringing students from across Idaho together to share that experience is a powerful reminder of why expanding access to the arts matters so deeply in our community.” The Morrison Center is committed to partnering with regional school districts and homeschool groups, ensuring that students throughout Idaho can experience professional performing arts in an educational setting. 

Disney’s The Lion King runs now through March 7th at the Morrison Center. For more information about tickets and our educational programs, visit Morrisoncenter.com.