New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



Sunjata Kamalenya: The Story of the True Lion King of Africa

Saturday, February 10, 2024 @ 2:00pm



William Paterson University - Shea Center for Performing Arts
300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470

Sunjata Kamalenya (translated: Sunjata for Youth) is a new completely interactive production by Experiential Theater Company which celebrates the greatest hero of West African legend, Sunjata Keita, the first mansa (king) of the ancient Empire of Mali. The great 13th century epic takes place in a magical world filled with sorcery and enchantment.  Based on the story of the Lion King, this production chronicles the struggles of a boy destined to be the leader of the Mande’ people of West Africa. 

Both parents and children can participate in the show. Traditional music, costumes, and scenery whisk you away to 13th century Mali where the jelimuso (storyteller) guides your journey as you sing, dance, and act alongside professional actors and musicians. Audiences gain a unique experience that celebrates the spirit of determination and the love of family in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

This play was developed as a staged workshop performance at the McCarter Theatre Center, as part of the 2010 McCarter Lab. It was then introduced at the Kennedy Center during New Visions, New Voices.

Running time: 66 minutes Age Range: K-6

Admission: $25 Adults - $20 Children




For information on how your event can be listed, click here



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info

FEATURED EVENTS

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


The

The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray"

Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre

Click here for full event listing

 

The

The Mallard

Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre

Click here for full event listing

 

Good

Good Riddance; A Gnarly Murder Mystery Dinner, Dude!

Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
category: theatre

Click here for full event listing

 

The

The Wizard of Oz

Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
category: theatre

Click here for full event listing

 

The

The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray"

Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre

Click here for full event listing

 

More events

Event Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages




 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Paper

Paper Mill Playhouse Announces Cast and Creative Team for "Bull Durham"

(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has announced the casting and the creative team for Bull Durham, the first production of their 2025-2026 season. The new musical begins performances Thursday, October 2 ahead of a Sunday, October 12 in a run that continues through Sunday, November 2, 2025.



Jersey

Jersey Arts Podcast: Celebrating 20 Seasons of Premiere Stages with Original Play 'The Mallard'

Today we are highlighting Premiere Stages' twentieth season as they introduce their most recent production, "The Mallard," written by Vincent Delaney and directed by John Wooten.



Jersey

Jersey Arts TV: Princeton Summer Theater is Creating a New Take on a Classic Story with 'Frankenstein'

Classic literature is taking the stage with Princeton Summer Theater's production of "Frankenstein". This fresh take on the beloved classic takes the viewers on a journey to the past.



Surflight's

Surflight's Children's Theater presents "The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition"

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight children's theater has been eagerly waiting to take you down to the Bikini Bottom in The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition. Performances take place July 23-27 & August 13-17, 2025 at 6:00pm each night.



NJ

NJ Rep Presents the World Premiere of "How My Grandparents Fell In Love"

(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) presents the world premiere of How My Grandparents Fell in Love, a heartwarming and timely new musical by playwright Cary Gitter and composer Neil Berg, directed by NJ Rep Artistic Director SuzAnne Barabas. The production runs from July 17 through August 10, 2025.




 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info