PVIS To Present "Descendants"
According to Alicia Trescavage, director of the Pequea Valley Intermediate School production of "Descendants," the fact that the Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) players only recently staged "Beauty and the Beast" in early March "just worked out that way." What a lovely coincidence that "Descendants," set 20 years after a young girl named Belle changed the heart of a beast and transformed him back into a prince, is about Belle and the Beast's son taking over their rule.
"Descendants" will be presented in the PVHS auditorium, 4033 E. Newport Road, Kinzers, on Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 25, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, March 26, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at http://www.pequeavalley.org or at the door prior to performances.
"Descendants" focuses on the kingdom of Auradon, populated by all Disney's favorite heroes and heroines. Meanwhile, Disney's evil villains and their troubled sidekicks live in banishment and without magical powers on the Isle of the Lost. Ben, played by Landyn Waters, the son of King Beast, played by Nathan Sensenig, and Belle, played by Sabrina Swann, is about to be crowned king. Ben decides to invite some of the offspring of the villains to become students at Auradon Prep School. Mal, played by Cam Frank, daughter of Maleficent, played by Bella Biddle; Evie, played by Peyton Haley, daughter of Grimhilde, played by Alyssa Ross; Jay, played by Sage Gray, son of Jafar, played by Nathan Sensenig; and Carlos, played by Jaden Abrahamsen, son of Cruella de Vil, played by Mylee Henshaw, journey to Auradon with an evil goal to fulfill. Their parents have tasked them with stealing the Fairy Godmother's wand, which will restore their parents' power.
Trescavage reported she had a number of reasons for choosing the show, including liking the modern style of the music and knowing she had students with the vocal chops to sing it well. She also knew the show would appeal to the students and offer parts for both boys and girls. But she also chose it because she liked the story. "It has a great message of being accepting and finding love in your heart," said Trescavage. "These kids have been rejected by their parents, but they can find love and acceptance outside their families."
One challenge for the cast of 27 is learning the choreography for the dance numbers from Katie Adams of LANCO Performing Arts. Trescavage noted that the participants are rising to the occasion. "The energy she brings to them that they will bring to the show is great," Trescavage said. "For some of the kids, this is the first time they have danced or followed choreography. They are enjoying it and working hard and seeing what they can accomplish."
Seeing the students grow through the acting experience is rewarding for Trescavage. "You teach kids first and content second," she said, noting that middle-schoolers are still finding their niche. "I want them to be kind and accepting of others," she shared. "We want them to have a positive self-image from their experience with the arts."
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