WEEKEND SHOW — Fifth and sixth graders at Bishop John King Mussio Elementary School will present the DreamWorks animated film “Madagascar — A Musical Adventure Jr.,” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Catholic Central High School. Those in the production include, from left, Liam Coen, Connor Skiviat, Savannah Brock, Ella Dickey, Dominic Baillargeon, Shane Wnek, Talia Provenzano, Thomas Tygett and Bryan Esarey. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Prepare to join a cast of characters who will embark on an unforgettable journey through the streets of New York City to the heart of the wild jungle. Fifth and sixth graders in the drama club at Bishop John King Mussio Elementary School will present “Madagascar — A Musical Adventure Jr.” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Lanman Hall at Catholic Central High School. The musical is based on the DreamWorks’ animated film, with the family-friendly production featuring a group of elementary students who will take the audience on an adventure filled with singing, dancing and laughter.

Follow Alex the Lion, played by Ella Dickey; Marty the Zebra, portrayed by Dominic Baillargeon; Melman the Giraffe, played by Shane Wnek; Gloria the Hippo, played by Savannah Brock; and their mischievous penguin friends played by Talia Provenzano, Bryan Esarey, Thomas Tygett, Keegan Lesnefsky and Samuel Romanowsky, as they escape from the zoo and find themselves stranded on the exotic island of Madagascar. The friends will meet the duo King Julien, played by Connor Skiviat, and Maurice the Lemur, portrayed by Liam Coen.

“Madagascar — A Musical Adventure Jr.” brings to life the movie, featuring songs which include, “I Like to Move It” and “Best Friends.” The show explores themes of friendship, courage and the importance of being yourself, while offering moments of humor and heart.

The story kicks off when Marty the Zebra escapes the Central Park Zoo in search of freedom. But what begins as an adventure, soon turns into a hilarious misadventure, when he is joined by Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo and Melman the Giraffe. Along the way, they meet a variety of new characters, including the Penguins, King Julien and more. Together, they discover true freedom is found not in the wild, but within their own hearts.

This high energy, upbeat, family-friendly show is being co-directed by sisters Kayla Becca and Renee Wnek. Becca created and teaches the choreography. Wnek teaches vocals.