Sussex Academy students present ‘Madagascar Jr.’

Marty the Zebra, portrayed by Fiona Nehrbas, left, meets with Penguins Skipper, Kowalski, Private and Rico, played by (l-r) Kennedy Hearn, Zoey Shenoy, Grace Wagner and Alyssa McKain. KAIA MEDRANO PHOTOS

Draya Stratton as Gloria the Hippo confers with Alex the Lion, played by Lyla Clark.

Luna Majjul, as Melman the Giraffe, emerges from the zoo cage.

Sussex Academy Middle students staged a spirited performance of Madagascar Jr. March 6-7, and the cast and crew gathered for a group photo to celebrate.

March 19, 2026

Event Date:

Tue, 03/10/2026 - 10:00 pm

Draya Stratton as Gloria the Hippo confers with Alex the Lion, played by Lyla Clark.

Luna Majjul, as Melman the Giraffe, emerges from the zoo cage.

Sussex Academy Middle students staged a spirited performance of Madagascar Jr. March 6-7, and the cast and crew gathered for a group photo to celebrate.

Sussex Academy middle school 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 Madison McCormick, middle school theatre and music director.

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.

Sussex Academy is a tuition-free, public charter K-12 school in Georgetown.

Draya Stratton as Gloria the Hippo confers with Alex the Lion, played by Lyla Clark.

Luna Majjul, as Melman the Giraffe, emerges from the zoo cage.

Sussex Academy Middle students staged a spirited performance of Madagascar Jr. March 6-7, and the cast and crew gathered for a group photo to celebrate.