HAGERSTOWN – ACT, Authentic Community Theatre, Inc., is packing the house of their Black Box Studio for “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical.” Under the competent direction of Scott Ruble, the show is a quick-paced musically centered intersection of some of Disney’s best-known characters.
Prince Ben, played by Finn McNeal, soon-to-be king of Auradon, chooses to serve his legacy of greater good by inviting the children of four of the most evil villains in the land to attend the kingdom’s prep school, with the hope that introducing better values might defeat their poor upbringing and win them to the lighter side. Queen Belle, commanded by Georgia Martin and Matt Steyer as her King Beast, represent all that is good, yet they are jointly stunned when Prince Ben informs them that his first act as the incoming king will be a risky attempt to bridge the chasm between good and evil.
“Rotten to the Core” illustrates the dilemma, bursting into high-energy song performed by the richly rebellious quartet of Audrey Hott as Mal, Pedro Magalhaes as Carlos, Gillian Martin as Evie and Colter Ferraiolo as Jay, setting the tone for just how seeped in badness these evil offspring are.
Sarah Biggs is beautifully awful as Maleficent and Heather Brown is darkly dreadful as Cruella de Vil. Georgia Martin and Matt Steyer double down their talent playing both good royalty and the Evil Queen Grimhilde and Jafar. As this wicked crew processes Prince Ben’s invitation, they relish the possibilities to wreak havoc on a kingdom formerly off limits. Not even a earnest Fairy Godmother, complexly played by Nancy Burral, is safe.
This production has appeal for all ages. The wide-eyed littles, riveted to the fast-paced action, while the force of magnificent voices fills the space in ageless delight. The timeless struggle between good and evil is on enchanting display, as Mal explains to Prince Ben,
“It’s just different where we’re from.”
The depth of her observation vibrates with the thematic struggle to overcome what generations have ingrained. Prince Ben strives to help Mal understand that anyone can choose who they want to be and no one is locked into an assigned set of values based on the reputation of their parents.
Through the collision of a cadre of characters: overlooked Jane, played by Madison Kline; bold Chad, strut by Henry Castro; self-assured Audrey, confidently crafted by Charlotte Linehan; good-hearted Doug, delightfully turned by Evie McNeal; and the ensemble of Auradon Prep co-eds, magically portrayed by Roxxi Newman, Jocelyn Bentz, William McDonald, Kamryn Newman and Macy Beinhower; there unfolds an invitation for change amidst the chaos of differences.
The intimate space of the ACT Black Box Studio serves well for the production design mixing of two worlds. The audience is enveloped in crisp sound design, smoothly executed choreography, vibrant costuming and imaginatively themed concessions.
Will good win? Or will the ingrained nature of evil prove too deep to allow transformation? You have two more weekends to see for yourself.
Catch one of the remaining performances of Disney’s Descendants: the Musical at ACT Black Box Studio, 43 South Potomac St., Hagerstown: Oct. 3, 4, 5 and 10.
Ticketing: https://onthestage.tickets/show/authentic-community-theatre-inc/67f409cd71836131830adc5b
Photo Credit: awaiting credit from ACT
Shelia Cooper
This marks Shelia Cooper’s journalistic debut. Daughter of God, student of Jesus Christ, momma to a human daughter, dog-mom, Pennsylvania girl, and foodie to her core, Shelia basks in glorious sunsets that fill up the cup she later pours from. She experiences and instinctively interprets our world in paragraphs as stories unfold.
