The Newman Crows Landing Unified School District Musical Theater Department’s 17th year adds a new production to the roster: “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” this weekend. Around 30 students in grades 6-12 come together for this year’s production to form the cast and crew of Evils and Goods.
“Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” is a musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films. Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost - home of the most infamous villains who ever lived - the teenaged children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island…until now. When the four troublemakers are sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parent’s wicked footsteps or learn to be good?” (mtishows.com)
Fans of the hit movies will hear some of their favorite songs like “Rotten To The Core”, “If Only”, and “Ways To Be Wicked”; along with some new ones such as “Goal” and “Better Together”. The story will feel familiar to some, with some twists you might not expect.
Preparing for these characters was somewhat challenging as students were familiar with the movie versions. Some of the cast shared their thoughts on how they prepared:
Jessica Cameron (Mal), a junior at OHS stated, “In preparing for Mal I tried to see what their main attitude was and portray that from the script.”
Evan Gutierrez (Carlos), a sophomore at OHS said, “I go over lines and look at the context of how my character reacts and I listen to the soundtrack to get the overall persona.”
Tahira Absood (Cruella), an eighth grader at Yolo shared, “I’ve done a lot of research on my character and overall I’m really excited to embody one of my favorite disney villains.”
Reese Carrasco (Fairy Godmother), a junior at OHS said, “I try to look at others who have played that role and take different details, and then put my own spin on the character.”
Even with months of preparation these actors still have nerves leading up to the big day. “It’s crazy to think opening night is right around the corner, but I know we will pull through in the end and it will be great,” Carrasco stated. “I’m really nervous, but I know it’ll turn out amazing because we have such a dedicated and talented cast and crew,” Absood said. “I’m a little nervous, but I’m excited to be back up on stage dancing and singing with everyone,” Gutierrez stated. “I’m nervous too, but also very excited for everyone to come see the show,” Cameron stated.
The Cast and Crew of “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” include:
Jessica Cameron (Mal), Analeigh Diaz (Evie), David Miller (Jay), Evan Gutierrez (Carlos), Mateo Vasquez (Ben), Genesis Nunez (Maleficent), Emma Gutierrez (Evil Queen), Marquez Ragland (Jafar), Tahira Absood (Cruella de Vil), Peyton Marcotte (King Beast), Ally Eivaz (Queen Belle), Reese Carrasco (Fairy Godmother), Harmony Ancheta (Jane), Jeremiah Campos (Chad), Ana Guzman (Audrey), Cooper Reeves (Doug), Logan Cordeiro (Maurice), Daniel Rios (Coach), Shelby Vasquez (Snow White), Delilah Marquez (Ensemble), Jessie Huntley (Ensemble), Kimora Patterson (Ensemble), Abby Watson (Ensemble), Eryn Figueroa (Ensemble), Ella Moore (Ensemble), Kyler Cordeiro (Tech Crew), Amya Arteaga (Tech Crew), Fernanda Alvarado Cerna (Tech Crew), Lucas Veloz (Tech Crew), Abril Preciado Martinez (Tech Crew), Isabel Jaramillo (Tech Crew), and Kelsey Maninha (ASL Interpreter).
The show could not go on without the four dedicated directors. Hardy Reeves, Coral Munoz, Yaya Munoz, and Skyler Loo take the helm of this year’s production as they expertly navigated the show’s preparations. Their countless hours go above and beyond for our local students each year and result in amazing productions.
Saturday marks the opening night with a sold-out crowd for the dinner show. Located at the theater’s home stage in Yolo Middle School’s Cafeteria, tickets for the remaining five shows are available online through orestimbavapa.ludus.com for $12 each, or you can purchase tickets at the door for $15 (if the show is not sold out). When booking online you can choose your seat(s) for your convenience. A cash-only snack bar will have food available including nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, and candy. The show on March 2 is also a themed night where attendees are encouraged to wear Disney costumes and can receive a free popcorn.