The Fairbanks Theater Group is preparing a production of The Descendants

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) – The Fairbanks Academy for Children’s Theater (FACT) is gearing up to present the stage adaptation of “The Descendants,” the 2015 made-for-TV movie from Disney.

Cast member Isabelle Timmons said: “I loved Generations. I really did. I know almost all the songs from this musical or just from the movies by heart.”

The show features famous villains from Disney’s past, including Maleficent, Jafar, and Cruella the Devil.

According to Amanda Hanson, who plays Cruella herself, these characters may not be what audiences remember. “He is crazy. He’s like a cuckoo banana and has his best friend, which is supposed to be a stuffed Dalmatian on his shoulder that he talks to no matter who’s around,” Hanson said. “It’s just a reimagining of these amazing characters.”

The plot revolves around the children of many Disney characters who struggle with the hostility of their parents. “The children of these, not only the villains, but Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming and Belle and the Beast.”

Caitlin Overaker plays iconic villain Maleficent. “It’s all about not keeping people in the boxes we’ve put them in before,” he said.

The cast and crew worked for about six weeks to bring the production to life. “They’re incredibly talented, like some of the most talented kids I’ve ever worked with,” Hanson said.

The leads range in age from teenagers to adults, with younger performers from the performing arts appearing in smaller roles. While there are new faces in the cast, many have worked with FACT before. “I did The Little Mermaid last spring and then I did Matilda the fall before,” explained Overaker.

“It’s a lot easier when you already know people and you know your environment, and it helps you get into character faster,” Timmons said. The sophomore plays Mal, Maleficent’s daughter. “The hardest part is being rude. I like to laugh a lot, so when someone says a funny line, I have to keep a straight face,” Timmons said.

The play opens at West Valley High School’s DeWild Theater for eight performances over two weekends beginning Friday, March 24.

You can find more information on this page FACT Theater website.

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