Children's Theatre of Elgin Presents Disney's Mulan Jr.
Children's Theatre of Elgin Presents Disney's Mulan Jr.
Travel back in time to exotic and dangerous third Century China as Children's Theatre of Elgin presents its debut production of Disney's Mulan, Jr., on the Hemmens Cultural Center Stage October 24-27.
Eighty-five students from the Fox Valley area ranging in age from 7 to 15 have been cast in the production, which features many favorite songs from the Disney movie including “Reflection,” “Honor to Us All” and “I'll Make a Man out of You,” as well as new songs that are sure to have audience members dancing in their seats.
The story of Mulan is set in the days of China's Han Dynasty, and when the musical opens, the Huns have invaded the area where Mulan and her family live. Defying the village matchmaker, Mulan takes up arms and disguises as a boy in order to spare her father from having to serve in the army. As the Huns threaten the Emperor, it's up to Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu to save him!
“Mulan is an inspirational story about staying true to yourself and standing up for what you believe in.” said, Producer, Amy Zapata.
Mulan Jr. is directed by first-time CTE director Catie Early, who also appeared with CTE as a performer. She performed her first show at the age of 7, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
"I can't say enough good things about my experience directing with CTE. The kids in the cast are so talented and focused. The parent volunteers have consistently gone above and beyond any expectations I might have had coming in. I can't wait to show off everyone's hard work!" Early said.
She added, "The five ancestors in Mulan open the show by telling the audience that the play is about honor, loyalty, strength, destiny, and love. If the audience could take away just one of those ideas after seeing the show, I'd love for it to be loyalty. This cast has been so willing to step up and help each other - groups running through choreography in their downtime or the older kids stepping up to make sure the younger kids are singing the right part. Beyond my pride as a director in seeing how much all of the kids have grown as actors throughout this experience, I'm amazed at how loyal they are to each other. I feel very lucky to have witnessed this small part of their lives."
Mulan Jr. performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 27. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. The group will present a special school matinee on Friday at 9:45 a.m. that is also open to the public. There is no intermission during Friday's matinee, and tickets for the performance are only $8 for everyone who attends. To purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.ticketpeak.com/CTESHOWS, or for more information, please see CTE's website at CTEelgin.com.
Children's Theatre of Elgin was founded in 1988 by David and Peter Akemann, who envisioned a theatre company that would give the Fox Valley community affordable access to quality performances put on by children for children. Today the group operates as an Illinois 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and in-residence ensemble at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. Children's Theatre of Elgin is partially funded by the Grand Victoria Foundation, the Palmer Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council.