Sussex Academy Middle students staged a spirited performance of Madagascar Jr. March 6-7.

The production was student-driven; high school seniors Gigi Miranda and Chase Ryan directed under the supervision of middle school theatre and music director, Madison McCormick.

Based on the blockbuster animated motion picture, the play featured Lyla Clara as Alex the Lion, Fiona Nehrbas as Marty the Zebra, Luna Majjul as Melman the Giraffe, Draya Stratton as Gloria the Hippo and Kennedy Hearn, Grace Wagner, Alyssa McKain and Zoey Shenoy as the scene-stealing penguins Skipper, Private, Rico and Kowalski.