Girl's act of deception turns to heroism

Mulan Junior offers a shorter version of the story of a Chinese girl's bravery.

By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN, Times staff writer
Published August 3, 2007

The Forum at Stage West Community Playhouse will be turned into the streets and hillsides of ancient China when the theater's youth group presents Mulan Junior, an adaptation of the beloved Disney animated movie.

With a cast of 36, the musical tells the story of a young girl named Mulan (Ashley Schoendorf, Tallulah in Bugsy Malone Junior) who believes she was destined to be a brave soldier, even though long tradition says that it's Written in Stone that girls don't become warriors.

Even so, Mulan is encouraged by her pal Mushu (Lauren Alagna, Baby Louise in Gypsy at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre), to follow her destiny, though others tell her that she will break her family's heart if she does.

Mulan gets her chance when the fearsome Huns invade her homeland and kidnap the Chinese emperor. Mulan's father Fa Zhou (Dakota Ruiz, 2006 HAMI winner as Rising Star) is unexpectedly called into the army, but Mulan steals his helmet and armor, dresses as a boy and runs away to join the army instead.

She's reminded by Mushu to Keep 'Em Guessing about her gender by practicing a manly walk and deep-voiced talk.

Mulan succeeds beyond her wildest imagination and becomes a hero - or is it a heroine?

"This is a shortened version of the Disney movie, so it's only about 90 minutes long, including the intermission," said Leanne Germann, the musical director. The cast members perform dances by choreographer Michelle Alagna using professionally recorded music.

Artist Mary Petricone and her students painted the backdrops. Donna Alagna designed and made the costumes.

"I advise people to get their tickets early," Ms. Germann said. "The children's productions always sell out."

'Mulan Junior'

Where: The Forum at Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill

When: 8 p.m. Aug. 10, 11, 17 and 18; 2 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19

Tickets: $10. The box office is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and an hour before each show. Call (352) 683-5113.

[Last modified August 2, 2007, 20:49:39]