El Dorado Musical Theatre’s talented cast brings the beloved DreamWorks adventure to stage with family-friendly summer production.
The wild adventures of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and the scene-stealing penguins are heading to the stage as El Dorado Musical Theatre opens its latest youth production, Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr., beginning Friday at Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College.
Presented by El Dorado Musical Theatre’s Rising Stars program, the family-friendly musical runs June 19 through June 27 and features young performers ages 6 through eighth grade bringing the beloved DreamWorks animated film to life through music, dance and comedy.
Based on the hit motion picture, the production follows the story of Alex, the star attraction at New York City’s Central Park Zoo, and his best friends Marty, Melman and Gloria. Having spent their lives in comfortable captivity, the animals find their world turned upside down when Marty’s curiosity inspires him to venture beyond the zoo walls. With the unexpected assistance of a group of plotting penguins determined to make their own escape, the friends embark on an unforgettable journey that ultimately lands them in the colorful and unpredictable world of Madagascar.
The stage adaptation captures the humor, heart and energy that made the original film a worldwide favorite while introducing audiences to a lively musical score packed with memorable songs and high-energy production numbers.
At the center of the story is Alex, the lion known as the “King of New York City,” whose love of steak is rivaled only by his devotion to his closest friends. Marty dreams of exploring beyond the boundaries of the zoo, while Melman, the lovable giraffe, constantly worries about his health despite repeatedly proving his courage.
Gloria serves as the confident and caring voice of the group as the four friends navigate a world far different from the one they have always known.
Audience favorites are expected to include the mischievous penguins, led by the commanding Skipper and supported by second-in-command Kowalski, the tough Rico and the ever-disguised Private. Other colorful characters include Mason the chimpanzee, the energetic lemurs of Madagascar and the fearsome fossa predators that inhabit the island.
The production features numerous musical numbers throughout the show, including “It’s Showtime,” “Wild and Free,” “Best Friends,” “Relax, Be Cool, Chill Out,” “Grand Central,” “Penguins’ Sea Shanty,” “Welcome to Me,” “I Like to Move It,” “Steak,” “Living in Paradise,” “Foosa Hungry,” “The King of Madagascar” and the crowd-pleasing finale reprise of “I Like to Move It.”
Directed by Brittany Lansford, the production also features Scott Rivers as vocal director, Kara Nakano as choreographer, Carmen Cornejo-Hoy as costume designer and Zoi Jones as producer.
El Dorado Musical Theatre has built a reputation throughout the region for providing young performers with professional-level theatrical experiences while creating family entertainment that appeals to audiences of all ages. The Rising Stars productions serve as an introduction to musical theater for younger performers while maintaining the organization’s high standards for production quality.
Performances are scheduled for June 19 through June 27 at Harris Center for the Arts. Showtimes include 6 p.m. performances on June 19, 24, 25 and 26, with both 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. performances scheduled on June 20, 21 and 27.
Filled with adventure, comedy, memorable characters and an upbeat score, Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr.promises an entertaining theatrical experience for families looking for a fun summer outing while showcasing the talents of the region’s next generation of performers.
Tickets and additional information are available through the Harris Center box office or online here.
Copyright © 2026, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
<p>The post Young EDMT Stars Bring Madagascar to life on Harris Center stage first appeared on Folsom Times.</p>
