Staff photo by Fritz Busch Sleepy Eye Community Theater Junior cast members Declan Johnson of Springfield at left, and Ari Guerra of Sleepy Eye rehearse “Descendants the Musical.” The show will be presented at 7 p.m. July 24 and 10 a.m. July 25 at Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s School Auditorium.

SLEEPY EYE — Sleepy Eye Community Theater Junior presents “Descendants the Musical!” July 24-25 in the Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s School Auditorium.

Based on Disney Channel movies, the musical is a fun, high-energy stage show, following the teenage children of iconic villains Maleficent, Evil Queen, Jafar and Cruella De Vil.

The children are sent to prep school with heroes’ kids, facing a choice to embrace villainy or find their own good path.

The musical is packed with catchy pop songs, lively choreography and great themes of self-discovery and prejudice avoidance.

“We have nearly 80 kids from Sleepy Eye, New Ulm, Springfield and the surrounding area in grades 2-9,” said director Samarah Forster. “This is our fourth year doing this with Sleepy Eye Community Education.”

She said most of the kids grew up on the Disney Channel movies and know them by heart.

“The musical has a very good message about life, about finding out who you are as a person and not being defined by where you come from,” said Forster.

Jozie Pingeon of Springfield, who plays Maleficent talked about what she likes about the musical.

“I like the environment and how we can all be together, like one big, happy family,” she said. “I like how creative it is, putting all the pieces together with the villains and their kids.”

Elsie Weicherding of Sleepy Eye, who plays Jafar, said the musical is a lot of fun.

“I like the parts about having fun. It’s really fun. We all get along with everybody,” she said.

Dylan Nilson (Cruella) of New Ulm said she really likes her role.

“I really like how I get to be dramatic with my role,” she said. “I really like how the songs are written. It’s catchy, but each song is different.”

Isabella Seifert (Evil Queen Grimhilde) of Sleepy Eye said she likes to say a lot of funny things.

“I used to watch the movie when I was younger, so this brings back childhood memories,” she said.

Showtime is 7 p.m., Friday, July 24 and 10 a.m., Saturday, July 25. Premium seating is $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Regular seating is $5 for adults and $3 for kids. Advance tickets can be purchased online. Walk-in tickets will be available 30 minutes prior to curtain. Visit https://www.sleepyeyetheater.org/buy-tickets.