Before performing 'The Lion King,' PMS students see it live on Broadway

In February, 60 Poughkeepsie Middle School students will present two performances of “The Lion King” for friends, family and the community.

On Wednesday, the students had a chance to see how the professionals do it on a Broadway stage.

The trip was made possible through generous funding from Kate Blossom and the Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley.

PMS Musical Director and sixth grade AIS Reading Teacher Nicole Schmitt noted none of the students had previously seen “The Lion King” and, for many, it was their first Broadway experience.

“They were captivated by the performance and had an amazing time,” Schmitt said. “Some were even in tears and stated it was because they were so moved and amazed. The students were singing along with the lyrics and many commented on what they learned about their character to be able to play it appropriately in our production.”

Schmitt had the idea for a Broadway trip last year shortly after the cast decided “The Lion King” would be this year’s middle school play. She reached out to Blossom, who, alongside CFHV, previously provided funding for Poughkeepsie City School District elementary productions. CFHV donated funding to pay for the students’ tickets Wednesday and the district provided the JTR buses that transported them to New York City and back.

“I am very grateful to the CFHV for helping give our musical members an experience of a lifetime!” Schmitt said.

The PMS production includes 47 cast members and 13 crew members, who have been rehearsing since mid-September. The performances are scheduled for the evenings of Feb. 4-5, with snow dates of Feb. 11-12. The play will be the first in the newly renovated auditorium, which reopened to students at the start of this school year.