The epic tale of a maiden who disguises herself as a soldier in the Chinese army to save her father’s life will be staged in Red Deer this month.
Tree House Youth Theatre will present the Disney musical Mulan Jr. at the Scott Block in downtown Red Deer starting on Friday.
The 34-actor production “isn’t just a kiddie show — we’re stepping it up a notch,” said artistic director Matt Gould, who aims to pull off a fairly lavish spectacle with high production values and stylized costumes.
“We’ve got professional stage managers and production designers, lighting, sound and backstage props . . . ” added Gould.
As anyone who’s seen the Disney animated movie knows, there’s an heroic quality to this folktale about a young girl who, concerned about her father’s failing health, is determined to take his place in the Chinese army to fight the Huns.
“It’s the story of bravery and taking chances,” said Gould, who feels this musical contains universal themes.
“It’s about honour, starting with a mistake and redeeming yourself. . . . There’s great music and a wonderful story,” he added.
The characters include a little dragon sidekick for Mulan. And the plot contains a climactic battle sequence.
The evening will start with the Tree House Youth Theatre actors presenting Mulan’s World.
This original segment will consist of seven short traditional Chinese folktales that will be acted out through narration and movement.
Gould believes these folktales, including one that retells the original (non-Disney) Ballad of Mulan, will give the audience a broader picture of life in ancient China, setting the stage for the Mulan Jr. musical to unfold after intermission.
The musical is titled Jr. because it was slightly condensed and its music transposed for young voices, said Gould. But with the Mulan’s World segment, the show will still run for two hours.
Shows are on Friday, July 23 and 30, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 24 and 31, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($12 for seniors and children 12 and under). For more information, call 403-346-9399 or email treehousetheatre@gmail.com
lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com