“Hakuna matata, what a wonderful phrase.”

At least, that’s what a group of P.S. Jones Middle School eighth-graders think, as about 45 of them are letting go of their worries and taking the stage to perform “The Lion King Jr.”

Directed by band teacher Michael Jenkins and art teacher Katelyn Shrewsbury, the musical will run May 19-22 at 7 p.m. each night.

“The Lion King Jr.” is the continuation of a history of musicals performed at P.S. Jones, and since the school didn’t have one last year, the staff felt it needed to happen this year, according to Jenkins.

“The musical has been kind of a staple in the P.S. Jones community,” Jenkins said. “We felt it was necessary to do one this year.”

This is Jenkins’ and Shrewsbury’s first year of leading the school musical, but the two have used their musical and artistic talents — and some trial and error — to pull it all together, from main character Simba down to the hyena ensemble cast.

Eighth-grader Grace Paszt, who is part of the ensemble, said the group has been working on the performance for the past semester.

“It can be stressful sometimes, but for the most part, it’s fun,” she said.

Raegan Alligood, also an eighth-grader in the ensemble, said the students who wanted to be part of the main cast had to try out, but the ensemble was open to anyone who wanted to participate.

Alligood and Paszt said this is their first musical show with P.S. Jones, but both have some experience from taking chorus and participating in other performances.

Shrewsbury said her art classes have contributed props for “The Lion King,” but the musical itself is extracurricular, and students practiced before and after school.

“It’s very demanding, what they’re doing,” Jenkins said. “This is outside of my normal teaching routine.”

Despite some bumps in the road and first-year learning curves, Jenkins, Shrewsbury and the students are ready for the spotlight.

“It has been a pleasure,” Jenkins said. “They’re a good group of students.”

“The Lion King Jr.” will be May 19-21 at 7 p.m. each night at P.S. Jones Middle School, 4105 Market St. Ext., Washington. Tickets are $7.