'Descendants: The Musical' coming to New Castle Playhouse
NEW CASTLE – "Descendants: The Musical" opens at the New Castle Playhouse Friday with a large talented cast bringing a modern fun show.
Brady Flamino, youth musical director, has a lot of experience directing young people including four musicals at Union High School and this is his second time at the playhouse.
Flamino said this musical is the same type as popular high school musicals such as "Grease" and "Back to the '80s."
"It has the same vibe with the jocks, the nerds, the cheerleaders. The same storyline but with a twist. The music is modern and easily enjoyable. This is one for all ages," Flamino said.
The story is about the kingdom of Auradon, where all the Disney heroes and heroines live in peace. All the evil villains and their sidekicks have been banished to the Isle of the Lost, where they don't have any magic powers. Things are going great until Ben, son of King Beast and Belle, is going to be crowned King of Auradon and he decides to invite four of the most wicked villains to be students at Auradon School.
Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos ― the children of Maleficent, Grimhilde, Jafar and Cruella De Vil ― come to Auradon. They have a wicked plan, of course, but will they go through with it or do they have the potential to be good?
The play has a digital backdrop and special effects to keep the audience engaged.
The talented cast of 50 young people from 7 to 18 years old from 22 schools in Pennsylvania and Ohio was chosen from 110 who auditioned.
"It broke my heart to turn down so many really talented kids. It was very difficult. It just came down to being able to manage that many on our stage," Flamino said.
Flamino, who enjoys working with kids, said, "It might be a cliché but it's true. Working with kids keeps you young.""I am blessed with a great crew and a talented cast. When I direct my priority list is ― we are going to do everything we can to put on the best show we can and we are going to have fun doing it."
What: "Descendants: The Musical"
Where: New Castle Playhouse, 202 E. Long Ave., New Castle
When: 7:30 p.m. May 5, 6, 12 and 13 and 2 p.m. May 7 and 14
Admission: Adults $16, seniors and full-time students $13, children 12 and under $11.
For reservations or information: 724-654-3437; www.newcastleplayhouse.org online; email office@newcastleplayhouse.org
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: 'Descendants: The Musical' performing at New Castle Playhouse this week
