CHS students will be taking the stage this Nov. 5 for the production of the musical “Disenchanted.”
“Disenchanted” is the story of ten Disney princesses (Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Mulan, the Frog Princess, the Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Belle, Jasmine, and Rapunzel) who are done with Disney’s princess movies and thus leave to tell their own true story.
The show is an all-female cast, starring Camille Janawitz, Sarah Copen, and Riley Watkins as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella consecutively. Others in the cast include Lily Morgan, Sydney Wynn, Rebecca Kraft, Anna Selph, Ashley Severson, Amelia NeSmith, and Mary Stewart Brannam.
The show is overseen by Dr. Burn, the drama teacher here at CHS. Mr. Segall is the music director and Mrs. Yeomans choregraphs the dances (one for each song, so 11 in total).
The main cast has been up to their knees in practice. According to several cast members, they practice whenever they can: during study hall, before and after school, and practicing lines at home. But, as they say, practice makes perfect!
The costumes are gorgeous, and the wigs used in the show are made from real hair (ranging from $35-$85). Costumes not used by the princesses include larger-than-life food costumes for Cinderella’s song (in the show, Cinderella has an eating disorder).
On the topic of food, one of the largest set pieces is an eight-foot tall apple. Other set pieces include black boxes and a small stage, but the story is mainly told through the aesthetic costumes.
We interviewed Riley Watkins, who stars as Cinderella, one of the three main roles in the show.
Q: Why did you choose to be a part of this performance?
I love performing, costuming, etc. I audition for this show with hopes to be a minor role. [When I ended up with Cinderella,] I was very glad my hard work had paid off.
Q: What have you been doing to prepare?
We’ve done costuming, set building, rehearsals, the whole deal. It takes a very long time and a lot of us are here from early in the morning until late afternoon.
Q: What has the music aspect of the show been like? Have masks been required while you sing? If so, how is this more difficult?
Masks have to be worn to sing, and we wear them all the time. It’s really hard to get a deep breath without inhaling fabric. During the actual show, however, we’re wearing face shields so the audience can see our expressions.
Q: How often do you rehearse? Do you feel like the rehearsals have been going well?
We rehearse different people everyday. But on our own we rehearse pretty much everyday during study hall, before school, etc. I think they’ve been going pretty well! I’m really excited for the show!
“Disenchanted” is one of nine performances put on by Dr. Burn at CHS. The next show, “Murder at Aunt Agatha’s”, is currently in rehearsal and will be put on the weekend following “Disenchanted.”
The show will be a live performance at CHS. Wish good luck to our Warriors this Nov. 5!
The sets are completed, the costumes are beautiful! Now we just need to put it together!
Dr. Burn, CHS drama teacher
THE WARRIOR WORD 