By Eva Trieger
SAN DIEGO –Last weekend, Trinity Theatre Company performed to a nearly full house of very supportive and appreciative fans. Through Arts Education, a collective group of 8-17 year-olds delivered Descendants The Musical. “The students really wanted to do this show,” reported director Sean Boyd, and this was made evident by their enthusiasm.
The students came from all over San Diego from North County to East County and everywhere in between. Some were returning from previous summers on stage, while others were first timers. It was impressive and surprising to learn that the cast only had eight full rehearsals before tech week. Clearly, they were motivated.
The script was written by Nick Blaemire, who also added additional lyrics. Much of the dialogue was clever, witty, sarcastic and fast paced. The Disney Channel Original Movie, written by Joann McGibbon and Sara Parriott provided the foundation for this production. Musical adaptation and direction are attributed to Madeline Smith and Megan Goyette respectively.
The choreography was no mean feat with a cast so large and a finite space on Trinity’s stage, but props to Megan Goyette for her dazzling fancy footwork. The musical orchestration is credited to Matthew Tishler.
The plot line follows events surrounding the coronation of Prince-soon-to-be-King Ben (Ryan Faber). As a benevolent fellow, he wants to offer redemption and create unity with the offspring of Disney’s evil-doers and open up Auradon to those banished to the Isle of the Lost. Even his parents Queen Belle (Morgan MJ Achterberg) and his father, King Beast (Marley Turner) believe his plan is naive and ill-advised.
The four children he has invited to Auradon include Carlos (Anderson Adrid), son of Cruella de Vil (Saffron Selikow), Mal (Insia Kagalwala), daughter of Maleficent (Janice Garcia), Jay (Sophie Phuong Nguyen), son of Jafar (Shelby Achterberg) and Evie (Samantha Xames), daughter of Grimhelde (Robyn Evans). The four children resolve to be evil and simply pose as ordinary, helpful students, but secretly plot to steal the magic wand and squire it away to Maleficent who yearns to rule over all.
Since goodness must win out….after all this is a Disney inspired show, the miscreants end up using their wiles to benefit the good people of Auradon while refusing to continue being “bad seeds” like their parents. The magic wand is returned to the Fairy Godmother (Nevaeh Perez) and the Auradonians celebrate unity and a few budding romances to boot!
Other key roles included Audrey (Skarlet Martin), Ben’s not-so-nice girlfriend, Chad (Leela Love), Jane (Anabel Rodriquez), Doug (Violet Holland) and Snow White (Eva Lillian Silva). Additional roles, the Royal Page (Monroe Sacco), the Royal Guard (Rowan Roxy McConnell), Maurice (Olivia Nunez) and Coach (Ben Rodriquez) served as the ensemble, along with Smitten Kids and Auradonians, respectively (Nessa Taft, Kodi Johnson, Daphne Quirodga, Abigail Mercado). Rounding out the cast were Crowd Members (Lucy Luu, Louise Marlier, Lucy Benitez) and Choir Director (Katerina Bingham). As you can see, a very large cast filling a multitude of roles.
To this reviewer the most exciting part of watching this show was observing the obvious pride and delight that the actors took in bringing their parts to life. With 19 musical numbers and several complex dance steps, the children had much to learn in a short time. The fact that every chair was filled with a supportive (and often vocal) appreciative fan surely went a long way in building confidence, self-esteem and bolstering a sense of accomplishment.
Director Sean Boyd gratefully reported that Trinity Theatre Company was able to offer 11 scholarships for this show “thanks to the generosity of the community.” For some kids this could simply be a terrific summer activity, but for one student, it could be the spark that ignites a lifelong dream of becoming a professional performer.
This weekend the youth theatre will be performing Bonnie and Clyde with performances on Saturday and Sunday. For additional productions visit trinityttc.org or call 619.500.4985.
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Eva Trieger is a freelancer specializing in the coverage of the arts.
What a nice review. Eva is a thoughtful writer. I like when she mentioned the pride they took in bringing their roles to life.