The curtain rises for the first time on “Disney’s Mulan Jr.” tonight at 7 in the Kalaheo School cafeteria, presented by the Kalaheo School Drama Club.
The production features more than 30 students ranging from grades three through five, and is directed by Tani Ishino, who made her appearance as a director during last year’s drama club production.
The presentation is based on Disney’s Oscar-nominated 1998 animated film and is a celebration of culture, honor and the fighting spirit. The students’ presentation is peppered with hit songs from the film production, and brings ancient China to life with a story filled with action, humor and heart.
Additional curtain times for “Disney’s Mulan Jr.” will be Friday through Sunday, May 3-5, with curtain times at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
In the saga, the Huns have invaded, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous dragon sidekick, Mushu, to save the emperor.
Defying the village matchmaker, Mulan takes up arms and disguises herself as a boy to spare her father from having to serve in the army.
The great battle with the Huns draws near, and Mulan must choose between revealing her true identity as a girl, or saving China with her plan.
Advance tickets are available at the Kalaheo School office, 332-6801, or at the door on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited seating. Special student pricing for keiki ages 2 through grade five are available, with proceeds supporting the drama club for next year’s production.
Early arrival enables patrons to enjoy the offerings from the food booth as well as silent auction items from community donors.
The school’s drama club also has a fundraising goal to acquire a new sound system which will enable it to continue to produce outstanding student performances.
Donations for this goal are welcome.
The drama club has been enriching the lives of Kalaheo-area students for the past 16 years, starting with the program’s founder, Marly Madayag, who is still found helping students in and around the production area. The program is now under the guidance of Ishino, who is directing her second production at the school this year.
“Disney’s Mulan Jr.” credits include music and lyrics by Matthew Wilder, David Zippel, Stephen Schwartz, Jeanine Tsory and Alexa Junge. Music adaptation and arrangement as well as additional music and lyrics are by Bryan Louiselle.
The book adaptation and additional lyric are by Patricia Cotter based on the 1998 Disney film, “Mulan,” and the story “Fa Mulan” by Robert D. San Souci.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
