When it was first released nearly 13 years ago, critics deemed it Disney’s anti-princess movie–a young girl desiring to show fortitude and strength, instead of awaiting the rescue of her handsome prince.
The Drama Club of (OLGC) will be presenting Disney’s Mulan Jr., this weekend. Students from fifth to eighth grades account for the nearly 55 members of the well-liked musical.
“This is our most unique story of any Disney princess movie,” said Mark Morgan, OLGC’s drama club director, “where the princess saves the prince. This show has a message for girls and boys.”
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The tale travels back to the legendary, ancient days of China, when the Huns invaded the countryside. The film is loosely based on the Chinese poem “The Song of Fa Mu Lan.” The legend follows Mulan, the only daughter of an elderly warrior, Fa Zhou, as she impersonates a man and takes her father’s place in the Royal Chinese Army to counter the attack. It is a heart-warming story that shows that strength comes from within, and anyone is capable of anything.
Now that’s girl power!
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This week, which is tech week, has these performers in the final rehearsal days, as the lighting and sound are checked, leading up to opening night tonight.
Leading the directing team is Morgan along with Carol Ann Murray, music director; Mary Sullivan, producer; and Bev Bennett, accompanist. All are in their eighth year showcasing the annual musical.
“This is our largest cast ever,” said Morgan, “and it is the first year we are offering reserved seating.”
Outfitted in Chinese silk robes and warrior trousers, the lively group loosened up by singing systematic scales. Then, one by one, these entertainers bounded up the stage steps while Morgan and his artistic team meticulously checked the technical elements again.
Disney Jr. musicals adapt classic and contemporary shows into 70-minute editions perfect for middle-school performers. This production includes score favorites like “Reflection,” “Honor to Us All” and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” as well as up-to-the-minute releases for this show.
Most of the ensemble has been split into two casts providing balance between the play times, along with help from the stage crew, a corps of dedicated educators and adults, who dash to the OLGC auditorium daily to carry backdrops, apply makeup and sew costumes.
Getting ready for the spring musical, for what now is a long-timed tradition, is a fantastically busy and full-family job. But, most people will agree, live theater still matters!
Disney’s Mulan Jr. will be performed 7:30 p.m. April 1 and 2. Tickets are $9.
