Excel Prep Academy Brings Disney to the Stage

MORENO VALLEY>> On Friday, April 14, fourth, fifth and sixth graders at Excel Prep Academy in Moreno Valley brought Disney's "Descendants" to the stage. More than 100 people were in attendance, including Principal Mason Patterson, Vice Principal, Anastasia Bradshaw. Visual Arts teacher, Ms. Devona Roy, adapted the play for the screen, and first grade teacher, Shirley Elder, choreographed the dances. The play featured a number of different sets, all of which were hand painted by Ms. Roy and several of her students. Production for the play began in October. "Descendants," originally a Disney Channel Original Movie/Musical, is the story of Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay, the sons and daughters of some of Disney's baddest villains-Maleficent, Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil and Jafar, respectively. After meeting the son of the famed Belle and the Beast-Ben, Mal and the others must choose between being evil like their parents, or becoming something more. Mal, the main character, was portrayed by 6th grader Azaleah. Co-stars, Evie, Carlos, Jay, Ben, and Maleficent were portrayed by 4th grader Charity-Ann, 4th grader, Lydell, 5th grader, Jylen, 6th grader, Jackson, and 6th grader, Ahni, respectively. The play was split into two acts, with the children singing and dancing through the shows many musical numbers. In the first act, Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay and Meleficent belted out the lyrics to "Rotten to the Core" and "Evil Like Me". During the intermission the audience was treated to a special toned down performance of the song "Rotten to the Core", by cast members, Charity-Ann (Evie) and 6th grader Anysia, who played the daughter of Sleeping Beauty. Songs sung in the second act included, "Did I Mention", "Be our Guest" and "If Only", the last of which was a solo performed by Azaleah. The latter half of the play involved a choreographed fight scene and a fantastic on screen dragon. Finally, the cast came together to perform a choreographed routine to the song "Set it Off". At the end of the night, Vice Principal Bradshaw spoke about the schools budding art program. "We just wanted to show off some of the talent we have here," said Bradshaw. "It's really incredible." This event was free, but donations were accepted. All funds given will go towards the arts program and buying new equipment for future performances.