Young Stars Light Up the Stage in 'Mulan, Jr.'

Looking for a way to clear those winter cobwebs out of your head? Come on over to Chatham Middle School auditorium this weekend, and let the cast of "Mulan, Jr." make your foot tap and your heart sing. If you are not yet familiar with this ancient tale, it is about a young woman's search to discover her true self amid the societal constraints of her time. Through her daring adventures, Mulan learns what her path was truly meant to be, forges new friendships and–with the spiritual guidance of her ancestors–brings honor to her family name. Oh ... and as an added bonus, she finds her true love along the way!

For the past three months, the cast and crew of "Mulan, Jr."–comprised of 73 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders–have been rehearsing diligently to bring this musical to life on their stage, under the guidance of vibrant director Christie Spriggs. When asked what originally drew her to the story of Mulan, Ms. Spriggs cited that she "liked the idea of the main character being a young person who is struggling with who she is and where she fits in, [which is] a relatable topic for students at this age level."

I agree wholeheartedly with Ms. Spriggs, but I would also like to add that this show offers something for everyone, with its funny and likeable characters, and show-stopping musical numbers, such as "Written in Stone," "Keep 'em Guessin'," and "A Girl Worth Fighting For." Performances will be held on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 6 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m (snow date is Sunday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m.). Tickets are $6, and can be purchased at Chatham Middle School during its regular school hours.