'We never turn anybody down': In a Lincoln backyard, a full crowd for 'The Lion King'

Instead of writing an essay, she's directing the annual Boever Backyard Plays production of "The Lion King."

Hundreds of guests were greeted by an immersive scene as they walked along a red felt carpet to enter the backyard-turned-amphitheater for Wednesday night's free entertainment.

The rear side of the Boever residence, covered in orange and yellow plastic, mimicked a sunset layered with silhouettes of elephants, giraffes and other creatures of the Pride Lands.

Pride Rock, constructed out of cardboard and spray-painted sheets, ensured that the audience was no longer watching from Lincoln, Nebraska, but nestled somewhere in the African savanna.

While this was Boever's first year serving as director, she's been a longtime witness of the annual play that takes place at her family home. 

Six years ago, a dozen people performed "Aladdin." This year, Boever prepared a cast of 63 to present "The Lion King," complete with custom choreography. 

“We add dances where there aren't usually dances so it adds more people,” she said. 

The group of actors, singers, dancers and set designers keeps growing each year. So does the crowd, which Boever loves. By the start of Wednesday's show, little open space was left in the backyard.

“I want everyone to come,” she said. “I wish I could invite all of Lincoln, but our backyard doesn't fit everyone.”

Boever met much of the cast through her homeschool cooperative and some through her church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She didn't know half of the crew before they started working on the play in February. Now, she said they're like a huge family.

“God gives us all our talents, and so we're trying to give the glory back to him, and just to build community,” Boever said. 

Bella Miron, an incoming senior at Lincoln Southwest High School, is playing the role of Nala in the production, which was set for two more showings at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. She said the final preparations for the play are always an exciting start to the summer. 

“It's the most fun three weeks at the end, like, ever,” Miron said. “Everyone gets so close, and it's so fun to just watch the play start from nothing and then grow into an actual show.”

Raphael Fick took on the set design responsibility for the first time this year, though it's his fifth year of participation. He also made some of the costume pieces, and the headpiece for his role of Pumbaa took about two weeks to design and create. 

“I just love doing it,” he said. “It's just a fun little hobby of mine.”

Lindsay Boever said the play has grown organically each year simply because people, like her daughter, are so passionate about it. 

“We didn't recruit people,” Lindsay Boever said. “Everybody asked to be in it, and we never turn anybody down.”

In the weeks leading up to the shows, Lindsay Boever said her home is constantly bustling with cast members getting ready for opening night. She wouldn't have it any other way. 

“Even though she's the director, and we truly want it to be student led, I always say, ‘Whatever you need,’” she said. “John, my husband, and I are here. Our hearts are open.”

This is Vianney Boever's first year as director, but her predecessors have always been her siblings. Lindsay Boever said the responsibility has become the senior project where her children can put the skills they've learned during homeschooling to the test.

“She has to organize things. She has to plan schedules for exact things,” Lindsay Boever said. “Out of all the homeschool things we've done, or even opportunities they've had, for them to direct a show has prepared them unbelievably well for life.”

While the family could charge for attendance, Lindsay Boever said she loves being able to bring people together for something that's not at all about money. Her reward comes from seeing people laugh, smile and enjoy each other's company. 

“It reminds me of the good old days,” she said. “Just that reminder that it's good to be together and work on something.”

Anyone is welcome to attend the backyard play at 6032 Cross Creek Road, and guests should bring their own seats.