When the curtain goes up on “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.,” audiences at Greasepaint Youtheatre won’t just be watching a show; they’ll be dropped straight into a high-energy jungle adventure where anything can happen – and usually does.
Greasepaint’s production runs Feb. 20 through March 1 and will feature a dozen young performers from Scottsdale and other communities across the Valley. “Madagascar JR.” brings the beloved characters from the DreamWorks Animation film to the stage in a fast-paced musical packed with comedy, movement and plenty of “Move It, Move It!” energy.
“’Madagascar JR.’ is pure joy,” said Director Joycelin Jacobs-Schwartz. “Our young performers have worked so hard to bring this world to life, and I can’t wait for audiences to feel that energy. It’s the kind of show where you start smiling in the first scene and don’t ever stop.”
At the center of the story is Alex the Lion, who’s living the good life as the star
attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo until his best friend, Marty the Zebra, decides the world is too big to ignore.
One bold escape later – with help from some suspiciously capable penguins
– their crew finds themselves far from home and face-to-face with the wild, unpredictable world of Madagascar.
What makes “Madagascar JR.” such a crowd-pleaser is that it’s as engaging visually as it is musically.
This production leans into that visual playfulness with costumes designed to stand out. Audiences can expect a parade of personality, from zoo-chic city style to colorful island flair once the characters wash up in Madagascar.
Bold patterns, bright tropical colors and scene-stealing lemurs and penguins help make the design part of the comedy and part of the wow factor.
The set keeps that momentum moving. The stage transforms quickly from the polished world of the zoo to the chaos of travel and, eventually, the freedom of the island.
Packed with dancing and movement, the physical storytelling is another reason why “Madagascar JR.” is a perfect match for young performers, and
Greasepaint’s cast meets the moment with strong stage presence.
The score, too, keeps the pace moving with familiar favorites like “I Like to Move It,” plus upbeat ensemble numbers that underscore the show’s comedy and choreography.
“I came into this show knowing the energy required and was pleased to see the kids meet and exceed those expectations,” said Jacobs-Schwartz.
“They consistently surprise me with their excitement and willingness to jump in and tell the story with enthusiasm and spirit.”
Local audiences can expect to see a dozen young Scottsdale performers, including Charlotte Mikalsky as Rico, Avery Miller as Mason, Eleonora O’Leary as Zookeeper Zoe and Lew, Michael O’Leary as Mort, Pierce Seidenberg as Private, Ella Silver as Marty the Zebra and Blair Yaron as Kowalski.
The show’s featured ensemble includes Emberli DaSilva, Rachel Hananya, Siena Hardy, Nola Lawson, Sadie Lawson and Alexa Schwartz
Behind the scenes, the production is guided by Jacobs-Schwartz along with music director Mary Ellen Loose, choreographer Olivia Feldman, assistant choreographer Ava Siedensticker and stage manager Kris Crane.
“Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.” runs Feb. 20–March 1 at Greasepaint
Youtheatre, located at 7020 E. 2nd St. in Scottsdale.
Tickets are available at greasepaint.org. Performances are scheduled at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. An ASL-interpreted performance will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, featuring interpreters provided by ASL Impact.
Greasepaint Youtheatre has been a cornerstone of youth performance in the Valley since 1984, producing highquality, accessible productions that give young artists the chance to grow and shine.
Learn more at greasepaint.org.