Wilton is about to be transported to the magical world of Auradon and the Isle of the Lost as Wilton Children’s Theater (WCT) presents Disney’s Descendants: The Musical from Friday-Sunday, Mar. 21-23. This highly anticipated production, a first for Wilton, promises a thrilling adventure filled with high-energy live music, captivating performances, and a powerful story about choices and friendship.
Confined on the Isle of the Lost, home to the most evil villains of all time, four troubled teens are given the opportunity of a lifetime. When this fearsome foursome are sent to Auradon alongside the descendants of beloved heroes, they face a tough choice: should they follow in their parents’ evil footsteps or learn to be good?
With a cast of 50 talented fourth to eighth graders, including 25 making their WCT main stage debut and seven eighth graders in their final WCT main stage show, this production showcases the skill and dedication of Wilton’s young performers.
This year’s production boasts a mix of veterans and newcomers in its creative team, bringing fresh energy to the stage. Áine Duffy, a WCT alumna as a performer, assistant director and choreographer, takes the helm as director, marking a full-circle moment in her theatrical journey.
“Returning to WCT as director feels incredibly special,” Duffy said. “I remember my first role here in eighth grade, and now to be guiding these talented young performers is so rewarding. We’ve worked hard to bring the magic of Descendants to life, and I’m excited for everyone to experience it.”
Joining Duffy is John Allen Watts, making his WCT debut as music director. A classically trained pianist and composer with decades of experience, Watts brings a diverse musical background to the production, featuring a vibrant pop score played by a live five-piece band. Rounding out the team, Wilber Escobar returns to WCT for his eighth show, bringing to the production his background in musical theatre and dance from the University of Houston and extensive experience performing and choreographing both nationally and internationally.
“I have never done a musical like this,” said Allison Pham, an eighth grader at Middlebrook Middle School who is performing in her seventh WCT show. “The music is very modern, and most of the dances are hip hop. I can’t wait for everyone to see it!”
Ticket prices are $15 for students and $20 for adults. Assigned seating tickets are available online. Limited tickets will be on sale at the door (by digital payment only) and producers encourage advance ticket purchases as tickets for last year’s show sold out.
Performances are Friday, Mar. 21 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Mar. 22 at 4 p.m., and Sunday, Mar. 23 at 2 p.m. in the Middlebrook Auditorium (131 School Rd.). Following the Saturday matinee, audience members are invited to meet and take photos with the show’s characters in the lobby.
Producers note that the show contains strobe-like lighting effects throughout the performance.