Mulan Wows Audiences at Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts

The popular Disney movie "Mulan" is being performed live on the Smithtown Center for Performing Arts stage for the next two weeks.

The show, which features a 29-member cast of actors between the ages of ten and 18, is a Chinese folktale of a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to take her father's place in the ancient Chinese army. Although she is discovered to be a girl she is able to defeat the enemy, the Huns.

"She isn't a damsel in distress waiting for someone to rescue her," said Brianna O'Neill, 18, who plays Mulan. "She rescues herself."

O'Neill, who has been in 12 productions at the Center, found that character trait appealing. O'Neill herself was adopted from Korea and the Asian princess is her favorite Disney princess.

She said she can relate to her character because they both make sure family is a major part of their lives.

"I'm a Daddy's girl," O'Neill admitted. "I respect him so much there isn't anything I wouldn't do for him. Like Mulan I don't like to wait around for someone else to rescue me. We also both speak our minds even if it gets us into trouble."

Matt Caccamo, 15, plays Shang, the captain of the Chinese army. Caccamo is also no stranger to the stage - he has been with the center for less than two years and he's already been in "Summer of '42," "Guys and Dolls" "Les Miserables," "101 Dalmatians" and "Alice in Wonderland."

"I love going out of my comfort zone and being someone completely different," he said. "People should see Mulan because it tells a great story.  Each person in the cast is suited for each individual part."

"Mulan" is Kelly Mucciolo's directorial debut. She has been with the Center for seven years as a box office manager and stage manager.

"The challenge is to get 30 kids to concentrate on one thing at that moment," she said. "It's knowing what you want in your head and being able to communicate that to them without all of the side conversations and distractions."

But Mucciolo enjoys working with the children.

"Most of these kids I've known the whole time I've been here," she said. "I enjoy watching them grow up."

As a director, she has high expectations for the young actors, but she is proud of her cast.

"Everyone works really hard and they really get the story across," Mucciolo said. "Brianna's performance [as Mulan] is amazing. She's a strong anchor and everyone else follows suit."

The audience agrees.

"The kids are really talented and it's a great show," said Myra Barkan whose grandson Matthew Pedersen plays Mushu. "It's got plenty of comedy, history and witt. It's a remarkable thing to watch."

"It's a perfect blend of comedy and drama," said Sari Pedersen. "There's charisma between the characters. It's entertaining and easy to watch."

"Mulan" will be performed on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. until Aug. 29. Tickets are $15. For tickets and information call the box office at 631-724-3700.