**Collierville High’s Draco Playhouse Opened 25-26 Season with Disney’s *Descendants***
*Student-led production delivered high energy, heartfelt moments, and fun for the whole family*
COLLIERVILLE, TN — The curtain rose on another exciting season at Collierville High School’s Draco Playhouse last month, as the theater department kicked off the 25-26 season with a bold, student-led production of *Disney’s Descendants: The Musical*. Running from September 11 through 14, the show brought together music, magic, and nostalgia in a high-energy performance that captivated audiences of all ages.
This is one of the crown jewels of Collierville High School,. The Draco Playhouse produces many quality shows each year, and this season began with something truly special. *Descendants* was directed by two senior students — Lizzie Luter and TJ Stephanie — both of who are from right here at Collierville
The musical, based on Disney’s popular *Descendants* franchise, followed the children of classic Disney villains and heroes as they navigated friendship, identity, and second chances. Its blend of familiar characters and new storylines made it especially appealing to younger audience members — and their parents.
“You know, I just thought it was a good show for families,” cast member Maggie Dinstuhl said. “Kids recognized the characters from the *Descendants* movies, and adults were excited to see the original Disney villains they grew up with — Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Fairy Godmother. It really had something for everyone.”
Directors Lizzie and TJ, both experienced performers, took on the demanding task of producing the full-scale musical in just a few weeks. Their leadership left a lasting impression on the cast.
“Lizzie Luter and TJ Stephanie put this whole show together in less than a few weeks, which was so intense,” one student shared. “But I was very proud of them. They were so easy to work with, and it was such a great experience.”
According to the cast and crew, the production raised the bar in every way — from technical design to emotional delivery.
“They went above and beyond what we asked of them,” another cast member reflected. “They just kept raising the bar every day. It was really amazing.”
One emotional highlight of the show came in a moving Act Two duet between characters Maggie Density and Presley Sharp.
“It was just so heartfelt,” said a performer. “I wasn’t surprised when I saw people sobbing in the audience. It was such a good song.”
Of course, no *Descendants* production would be complete without the explosive opening number, “Rotten to the Core,” which introduced the four villain kids in all their rebellious glory.
“When people thought of *Descendants*, they probably remembered that song first,” a cast member said. “It’s when the four villains were in the aisles, showing how mean they were. I think all the girls in the audience loved that one.”
From start to finish, the production was packed with big dance numbers and infectious energy that had the audience clapping along.
“All of the big dance numbers were crowd favorites,” one performer said. “They were high energy, lots of fun. The final number — people were practically on their feet dancing.”
But beyond the flashy choreography and catchy tunes, the students involved hoped to leave a lasting impression through the quality of their work.
“For me, the most important takeaway was that people enjoyed it and thought it was well put together,” a cast member said. “That was our job, and we wanted to do it the best we could.”
*Descendants* proved to be a wonderful time full of music and fun. Hopefully, everyone who came had as much fun watching as we did performing.
The Draco Playhouse once again upheld its reputation for excellence, opening the season with a production that brought joy, laughter, and a touch of magic to the Collierville community.
