As the curtain rises and a spellbinding score fills the air, “Descendants: The Musical” officially opens today, bringing with it a blend of nostalgia, adventure and thrilling performances.
The audience will be transported to the Isle of the Lost, a dark and edgy world where the descendants of villains like Maleficent (Shaeleigh Hreskwosky), the Evil Queen (Scarlett Cawthon), Jafar (Dylan Andrade) and Cruella de Vil (Makinzey Morrow) live under their parents’ sinister legacy. Adapted from Disney’s hit “Descendants” film series, the stage production brings the familiar characters to life as they navigate a world where the children of iconic Disney villains and heroes alike collide in a thrilling story about self-acceptance, friendship and the power to choose one’s own destiny.
The young cast of Crawfordsville Middle School students bring charm, humor and depth to their roles, making the familiar characters feel both fresh and true to their screen counterparts. Mal (Madilyn Biddle), the spirited daughter of Maleficent, was portrayed with equal parts strength and vulnerability, perfectly capturing her struggle between the darkness she’s been raised with and her desire to carve her own path. Evie (Alivia Lowe), Jay (Sebastian Kochert Cosby) and Carlos (Austin Rogers) each bring their unique quirks and charms, creating a lovable ensemble that lit up the stage.
The performances of the Auradon characters are equally engaging, bringing a sense of whimsy and warmth that balanced the grittiness of the villain kids. Prince Ben (Joel Conde Pasquel), the son of Belle (Tami Haas) and the Beast (Blake Surber), are portrayed as both royal and relatable, making it clear why he would be the one to offer the villain kids a second chance. Together, the ensemble cast delivers a performance that resonated with younger fans and parents alike.
While “Descendants” delights with Disney magic, it’s the underlying message that makes the story so impactful. At its core, it is about breaking free from others’ expectations and discovering who you truly are. The villain kids’ journey is a powerful reminder that our past does not have to define our future, and that everyone deserves a chance to choose kindness and courage over fear and resentment.
Director and music director, Jennie Swick and choreographer, Lisa Warren, are so proud of these students for their hard work and dedication to this production. Many of the students in the cast are on the honor roll, student athletes, and many have been recognized as “game changers” at CMS this year.
Tickets may be purchased online at http://cur8.com/18057/project/125536/. Adult tickets are $8 and student tickets are $6. Shows are at 7 p.m. today and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Crawfordsville High School in the Connie L. Meek Auditorium.
