A new generation of Disney heroes and villains will take over Wausau East High School this week, as the East End Players present their production of “Disney’s Descendants,” a musical based on the 2015 Disney Channel film.
“Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” follows the teenage children of infamous Disney villains — such as Maleficent, Jafar, Cruella De Vil and the Evil Queen — who are invited to leave their banished island to attend school in the idyllic kingdom of Auradon alongside the offspring of Disney heroes. As they adapt to their new environment, these “Villain Kids” must decide whether to help their wicked parents steal magic to take over the world or forge their own paths and learn to be good.
“You get the standard Disney characters and then this new generation of Disney characters in ‘Descendants’ that a lot of our students and kids a little bit younger grew up watching,” director Nora Brown said. “These are the new Disney movies for them. It’s always fun to come to a show where it’s familiar characters and you know some of the songs and can sing along.”
Brown chose the show not only for its popularity among younger audiences and broad appeal for adults, but also because it gives so many students a chance to shine in the spotlight.
“There are lead roles, but the talent and the opportunities are really spread out,” she said. “There are opportunities for students who are really strong singers and — even though it’s a musical — there’s opportunities for students who are really strong actors and aren’t as comfortable with singing. It gave us a chance to really highlight a lot of our students.”
Brown said she’s very impressed with this cast of students, noting how well they’ve adjusted to the material and how they work together closely and lift each other up.
“They’re just incredible,” she said. “The way they get along, there’s been no drama, no negativity, they support each other, they build each other up. We have a lot of people who are new to theater or new to our program and there’s just so much camaraderie. We’re watching this show and it’s about everyone coming together in spite of their differences and how they can make things better that way. I’m watching these students actually live that! It’s just such a cool process. It makes a show better.”
Tickets for “Disney’s Descendants” are $15 for general admission seating and can be purchased in advance at gofan.co or at the door using card only. Evening performances will take place on Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m., with afternoon matinees scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, and Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. The auditorium doors open 30 minutes before each showtime.
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