Spectrum welcomed listeners across the Grand Lake Region to a special episode featuring the Coldwater Middle School drama cast of Disney’s Descendants The Musical and drama director Denise Peterson.

Peterson said the production is based on the Disney movie and follows the main storyline, pulling in a few elements from both the first and second films. The plot centers on Ben inviting the children of famous villains from the Isle to Auradon for a new life at school, while the villain parents push a plan involving the Fairy Godmother’s wand.

Showtimes are Thursday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 8 at 1:30 p.m. Peterson said the Sunday performance was moved earlier due to a band concert later in the day, noting many band students also help backstage and in the booth. Presale tickets are available through March 4 for $8 adults and $7 students, and tickets at the door are $10.

Students who joined the program introduced themselves in character as Mal, Ben, Evie, Jay, Carlos, and Maleficent. The conversation stayed light while giving listeners a feel for the show and the personalities behind the roles.

Cast members talked about their characters and how they change through the story. Ben described his character as trusting early on and more accepting by the end, while Evie said her character is often underestimated even though she is smart. Jay described his character’s confidence and competitive edge, and Carlos talked about playing a character shaped by his connection to Cruella DeVille and his fearfulness.

Mal said she enjoys playing a character with real complexity, explaining Mal tries to act “bad” on the Isle but shows her true colors in Auradon as she cares more about her friends. She also noted the role is demanding, with little time off stage. Maleficent kept the tone playful while leaning into her character’s “evil” mindset and approach to giving advice.

The cast also shared moments from rehearsals, including which scenes are most challenging, and what has made them laugh along the way. They credited the directing team for helping them work through difficult choreography and scenes, and said the cast and crew have supported each other by running lines and practicing together outside of rehearsal.

Peterson said the group has worked hard through an intense stretch of rehearsals, especially with weather related missed school days disrupting schedules. She also said she enjoys watching students grow over the years, from the time she meets many of them in kindergarten music class through graduation. Peterson said there are 63 students in the full cast, and the students featured on Spectrum were only a sample of what audiences will see on stage.

Coldwater Middle School drama presents Disney’s Descendants The Musical in the Coldwater Auditorium. Presale tickets run through March 4 at $8 for adults and $7 for students, with tickets at the door $10 for everyone.