The magic of Walt Disney hits the stage this weekend here in Lansing.
Earlier this year, we told you about some local kids who are putting on Disney's "The Lion King" thanks to the Wharton Center and a grant from Disney.
Disney gave the Wharton Center a $100,000 grant to bring musicals into schools where kids might not otherwise have access to the arts.
Lewton and Post Oak Elementary Schools in Lansing are putting on a show, as well as two schools in Flint.
This Friday, after months of rehearsal, Lewton's performance of "The Lion King" opens to the public.
This totally free after-school program, "Disney Musicals in Schools," gives third to fifth grade students the chance to perform.
The students at Lewton have been practicing for months. It's a 17-week program where teaching artists, performance rights and more are totally free.
When I visited, teachers told me it's having a positive effect on the kids.
"Their self esteem has built and they just feel real excited to be part of a production that's unique to Lansing," says Lewton teacher Susie Hernandez.
The performance for the Lewton Students is this Friday and Saturday at Pattengill Middle School on Marshall Street in Lansing.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show is at 7 p.m. On Friday, it's pay what you can to get in, and Saturday, admission is $10.
