Youth performers tackle ambitious musical, remember late cast member
The next generation of heroes and villains will take center stage this week when Medina County Show Biz presents Disney’s Descendants: The Musical.
Directed by Angela Wunderle, the show which blends contemporary music and energetic choreography will run July 17-26 at the Haddad Theatre inside the Medina County Administration Building (144 N. Broadway). The production features students in grades 6-12, with approximately 50 young performers participating onstage and behind the scenes.
“This was one of the shows that the kids picked,” Wunderle said. “They’ve been sitting down, reading some scripts, deciding what they liked and what they didn’t like about different shows, and if we could put it on our stage … we can get them thinking about what it takes to produce a show.”
The musical is based on Disney’s popular Descendants franchise, which follows the teenage children of iconic Disney heroes and villains as they discover who they want to become. Wunderle described it as the latest wave of Disney musicals that followed the mid-2000s popularity of High School Musical.
While the show’s colorful costumes and familiar Disney characters may appeal to younger audiences, Wunderle said the production itself is reasonably complex.
“This is not like a Wizard of Oz. This is a lot of speak-singing and rhythm and hitting those beats,” she said. “We’re really challenging them.”
Among the production’s highlights are athletic dance numbers, including choreography featuring lacrosse sticks, intricate vocal harmonies and a cappella performances.
“They really surprise you with how much they can handle,” Wunderle said. “We’ve got 10 or 12 kids singing in four-part harmony, and they’re holding their own. It’s extraordinary.”
The show also marks another step forward for Medina County Show Biz as it continues investing in higher production values.
For the first time in several years, the organization assembled a live orchestra by increasing musician stipends and recruiting experienced local performers. Wunderle said the organization also has expanded its technical capabilities, including investing in new stage equipment, while benefiting from a permanent performance home.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have a dedicated theater space,” Wunderle said.
Beyond producing entertaining performances, Wunderle said Medina County Show Biz is intentionally developing young performers over the long term.
Elementary-age students participate in introductory productions that build confidence before moving into larger musicals as they grow older. Former youth performers have even returned to serve as choreographers, music directors and instructors.
“We’re trying to do generational things that can sustain themselves year after year,” Wunderle said. “We want to have these people who come back and then give back as instructors later.”
This year’s production also has carried added emotional weight following the recent loss of cast member Elise Paine, who had been cast in one of the lead roles. Wunderle said the organization has focused on supporting its young performers while honoring her memory in ways that keep the emphasis on the students and the community they have built together. Crisis counselors and therapy dogs were brought in to help students process their grief, and the production will include tributes recognizing Pain’s place in the Show Biz family.
Despite that challenge, Wunderle said the cast has remained committed to one another and to the production.
“I think it’s their safe home,” she said of the theater program.
She hopes audiences leave with more than an appreciation for one production.
“Local arts are important,” Wunderle said. “You’re going to see your neighbor on the stage, or your neighbor’s kid, in this case. It’s really important to keep that alive because when we are in times of strife and sadness, and joy even, we go to the arts.”
Performances of Disney’s Descendants: The Musical will be held July 17-26. For tickets, times and more information, visit medinashowbiz.org/descendants.
Purple Cast
Mal, Emersyn Kearney; Evie, Elise Paine; Jay, Jacob Crawford; Carlos, Mason Rusyniak; Maleficent, Katelyn Grimes; Ben, Trevor Haywood; Jane, Sophia Brauser; Audrey, Ivy Moorman; Fairy Godmother, Cecilia Young; Chad, Jack Glad; Doug, Luca Brasacchio.
Green Cast
Mal, Vivian Padilla; Evie, Sadie Valentine; Jay, Jacob Crawford; Carlos, Mason Rusyniak; Maleficent, Brynn Yannayon; Ben, Reece Noethen; Jane, Ireland Gillihan; Audrey, Kaila Kasprzak; Fairy Godmother, Cecilia Young; Chad, Jack Glad; Doug, Luca Brasacchio.
Isle of the Lost Ensemble
Grimhilde, Anna Smith; Jafar, Eva Buran; Cruella DeVil, Juliette Toal; Harper Hogue; June Sernoffsky; Alissa Pavelek; Kailyn Gross; Ella Townsend; Olivia Johnson; Jillian Rupnow; Rheegan Winterton; Elliotte Jankowski.
Auradon Ensemble
King Beast, Leah Manners; Queen Belle, Emma Baciak; Royal Page, Arissa Lee; Royal Guard, Jill Hildenbrand; Coach, Addison Bodar; Snow White, Fiona Hile; Maurice, Matthew Morris; Emma Turchek; Emma Chidsey; Charlotte Whitfield; Bella Godbold; Emma Smith.
Dance Team
Addy Masuga, Layla Carpenter and Maggie Pantoja.
