The magic of Auradon and the grit of the Isle of the Lost are coming to the Burke stage. This year, the theater department is tackling Disney’s “Descendants,” a production that promises to bring familiar characters to life in a way audiences haven’t seen before.
While many students grew up watching the “Descendants” movies, theater director Emily Mokrycki said this production is not a direct copy of the film. The script is a unique blend that primarily follows the plot of the first movie while incorporating songs from across the entire trilogy.
“Our goal is to create our own vision of the show without a direct copy,” Mokrycki said.
To achieve that, Mokrycki enlisted a costume designer and a student crew to build a visual world unique to Burke.
“I hope the audience enjoys seeing these characters from the movie in a new and fun way,” she said.
For students on stage, the production is both exciting and demanding. Zayne Prusia, a member of the Class of 2027, landed the first lead role of his career as Ben, the son of Belle and the Beast.
“The role I wanted from the start was Ben, and I am very happy and honored,” Prusia said.
Prusia described the character’s motivation as a mission of unity, working to bridge the gap between the privileged residents of Auradon and the children of the Isle.
For Prusia, the highlight of the show is the high-energy solo “Did I Mention.” While taking center stage can be intimidating, Prusia said the key to overcoming stage fright is experience.
“Experience and consistently being on stage got me very used to it,” he said. “It feels like a rehearsal almost.”
A typical rehearsal at Burke involves the demanding but rewarding process of blocking, or positioning actors on stage, and going off-book, which means memorizing lines. However, the biggest challenges are not always the choreography or music, but the logistics of managing a large cast.
Mokrycki said student absences and illnesses often force the cast to adapt, with stage managers or other actors stepping in to cover roles during rehearsals. That unpredictability reinforces her favorite motto.
“Ensemble is everything,” Mokrycki said.
