Chesapeake High School’s stage is about to transform into the vibrant world of Auradon as the CHS Theatre Company presents Descendants: The Musical, opening this weekend. Packed with energy, music, and a powerful message about identity and choice, the production brings together an impressive 67 students, nine mentors, and a dedicated creative team.
Based on the popular Disney franchise, Descendants follows the teenage children of some of Disney’s most infamous villains – Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos – as they are given a chance to leave their isolated home on the Isle of the Lost and attend school in the idyllic kingdom of Auradon. Faced with the expectations of their villainous parents, the teens must decide whether to follow in those dark footsteps or forge a better path of their own.
At Chesapeake High, that story is brought to life by a standout student cast. Joy Higgins leads as Mal, joined by Phia Masters as Evie, Sophia Hepting as Jay, and Liv Wiskman as Carlos. The villainous legacy continues with Olive Heike as Maleficent, Lilliana Kahn as Cruella, Maddy Ochs as the Evil Queen, and Marcus Hood as Jafar.
On the Auradon side, Jayden Brown plays Ben, with Molly Eaton as Audrey, Lila Borte as Jane, and Kaleb Beck as Chad. Supporting roles include Zev Rosenbloom as Doug, Abby Hood as Fairy Godmother, Rowan Morrison as King Beast, Maya Spaulding as Queen Belle, and Dade Morton as Maurice/Coach.
The ensemble cast features Hannah Carland, Jack Shipley, Ava LeCroy, Karleigh Baldwin, Emily Scafide, Austin Ferrell, Kayla Hartley, Holden Falloni, Autumn West, Aubrey Richter, Alisa Andriashyna, Rachel Bush, Mystell Muncy, Tayte Sinnett, Kaleb Tenney, and Naomi Armstrong, adding depth and energy to the production.
Behind the scenes, students are just as vital to the show’s success. Seniors play a key role in leading the production, including Jaxson Algaze, Sophia Jones, TJ Lanning, and Madeline Ochs. Algaze also serves as co-stage manager alongside Pony Brenner, with Anna Rosello as assistant stage manager.
The set design team includes Mackenzie Zuber, Cheyenne Thomas, Isabelle Kahler, Sarah Rosello, Nico Mitchell, Justin Lewis, Anna Rosello, Elise Lounsbury, Brynn Weisenreder, and Kadence Falloni. Costumes, hair, and makeup are handled by Skylar Richardson, Payton Taliaferro, Riley Hinkle, Addie Miller, Sophia Jones, Natalee Gardner-Adams, Emily Carland, and Karina Nolasco.
The build team – Sierra Stecher, John Anderson, Maddie Wangdahl, Abbey Aamold, TJ Lanning, and Joseph Forte – brings the physical world of the show to life, while the tech team, including Jaxson Algaze, Brooks Miller, Kylee Bell, Alliana Ochs, Elisabeth Acree, and Richard Jones, ensures every cue runs smoothly.
Rounding out the production, the publicity and front-of-house team includes Maria Lugo, James Ogden, Nat Prince, and Madi Kisamore.
Audiences can catch Descendants: The Musical at Chesapeake High School on the following dates:
- Friday, April 10 at 7:00 PM (Student Night)
- Saturday, April 11 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
- Sunday, April 12 at 2:00 PM
- Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 PM (Student Night)
- Friday, April 17 at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 PM
Tickets are free for AACPS staff with a badge, $10 for students and seniors, and $15 for adults. Student Nights on April 10 and 16 offer $5 tickets for all students. Tickets are available online or at the door.
With its large, talented cast and a story that resonates across generations, Chesapeake High School’s Descendants promises a lively and meaningful theatrical experience as it opens this weekend.
