A modern classic that’s delighted audiences for more than 20 years with both its stage and screen versions is coming to Oxford thanks to the new Leonard Elementary Theatre Club.

Folks of all ages are invited to enjoy Disney’s The Lion King KIDS on Saturday, May 13 at the Oxford High School Performing Arts Center. The show begins at 6 p.m.

Admission is free for kids and $10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at Leonard Elementary or at the door the night of the show (cash only).

The 45-minute musical is based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor, which opened in 1997, and the 1994 Disney movie. It tells the story of a lion cub named Simba and his adventures as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king.

Bringing this musical to the stage are the approximately 33 members of the Leonard Elementary Theatre Club, formed last fall by parent Lauren LoCascio.

“Last year, I came to the (school) talent show and I saw that the kids here have a ton of confidence,” she explained. “I thought this would be a great school for a theatre club.”

LoCascio chose The Lion King to be the club’s first show because it’s “very well-known.”

“A lot of people know the songs,” she said. “It’s one of the most successful shows on Broadway.”

Hit songs such as “Hakuna Matata” and Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” which won an Academy Award, will echo through the Performing Arts Center.

“The kids have had a lot of fun with the singing and dancing,” said LoCascio, who is directing the musical. “They like to add in their own interpretations.”

Peyton McDevitt is playing young Simba, while Riley McDevitt portrays adult Simba. Finn McDevitt will play the evil Scar, while Sarah Phelps portrays the wise Mufasa.

Leonard’s budding young thespians have been working diligently on The Lion King KIDS since October.

“We meet at least once a week,” LoCascio said. “The kids are dedicated. I’ve been very, very impressed with them.”

Even the younger students are showing a high level of commitment by participating in after-school rehearsals that last almost two hours.

“We have a lot of first-graders. Our ensemble is completely made up of first-graders,” noted LoCascio, whose son, Dominic, is one of those first-graders.

In addition to rehearsing for the stage, Leonard’s theatre students have been assisting in the creation of the sets, props and costumes, and serving as the technical crew.

“The kids have had a hand in every part of the show,” LoCascio said.

She loves how “respectful” and “supportive” the club members are of each other.

“That’s been one of my favorite parts of it,” LoCascio said.

Nobody has to be worry about being teased or bullied, so they’re free to be creative, take risks and not hold anything back during their performances, she explained.

“The kids really put themselves out there when they’re on stage,” LoCascio said.

But that doesn’t surprise her given what she’s observed and experienced during her time at Leonard.

“This is such a special school. I’ve never known another elementary school like it,” LoCascio said. “They are like a family.”

This is LoCascio’s first time being involved in a theatrical production and she’s just as excited as the kids are because for her, it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, but I never had the confidence to do it when I was younger,” she said.