The Gaffney Little Theater just closed its fantastic performance of Disney’s The Lion King this weekend at Granard Middle School. The cast of 60 kids could not fit on the stage where GLT was originally housed, which is an age-old building where a lion’s roar could shake it to the ground because of the deteriorating infrastructure.  The building can seat only around 75 people total; therefore, the cast and crew moved to the Granard Middle School for a larger performing venue since there is no performing arts center in Gaffney. It’s incredibly disheartening to hear people say that no one supports the arts, but they must have failed to see 50 kids and families enter the arts for the first time in this production along with the 300-400 people who filled the auditorium for the fantastic and heart warming production of Disney’s finest. The set was constructed by the Cherokee Technology Center carpentry class while the beautiful African cultured fabric was painted by art classes at Alma Elementary. The show was choreographed by instructors from Elite Dance. Our community was clearly behind these wonderful actors in this production. The costumes and the wonderful dancing and singing of the cast along with the energy of the audience gave the production a Broadway feel. I would like to tip my hat to all who were involved with Gaffney Little Theater’s The Lion King. What a great way to open the 50th season of GLT and hopefully open the minds of those who oppose building a community that supports arts and families. I write this editorial as one who has performed on the stages of the high school and little theater, but I also write as someone who has been involved in sports. The only way that we build this city is by supporting sports, arts, and ultimately families by providing opportunities for anyone and everyone. When will we take this step in the progressive 21st century direction?