I had to walk out into the Clarkesville square to remember where I was. Somehow in the music and splendor of the evening, I felt displaced. I should be leaving Gershwin Theatre exiting on 51st Street or Hudson Theatre on 44th in New York.
Disenchanted is a musical like none other you will see. The Habersham Community Theatre under the direction of the multi-talented LeAnne Challenger, opens April 11 at 7:30 p.m. with subsequent showings on April 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on the 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 2 p.m.
The talented cast
“This is a cast of many ages and experience. Half have done theatre before and half have not. But the talent is there. It is the Disney princesses but the real-life version,” Director LeAnne Challenger said. “I hope everyone will give it a chance.”
While its purpose is meant to entertain – and it does so freely – an underlying message seeps in before one knows it and delivers quite a punch. Audiences will leave believing the message of the show, “You are beautiful in your own way.”
It is years after their “happily ever after” and the nine princesses who Disney made household names tell their story. The show opens with Snow White (Zoe Simmons), Cinderella (LeslieAnn Khoury), and Sleeping Beauty (Molly Fae Nash) singing “One More Happ’ly Ever After” which quickly alerts the audience from the characters’ attitude and demeanor, “happily ever after” is not what it is cracked up to be.
Understudy Sarah Rabern, who played the part of Cinderella the night of my review, brought such humor and life to her role. Her laughable antics as she tries to understand the whole Fairy Godmother Glass Slipper part of her story are unmatched as she brings balance to the trio of hosts.
The entertaining hosts
The three partnered to lead the audience into a hilarious frenzy about what life as a princess really meant. Snow White (Simmons) commands the stage with a voice capable of filling the room and holding the attention of all who come to listen. The giddy, emotional, and often sleepy Nash, who portrays Sleeping Beauty, brings laughter with her snoring, animated, and often idealistic approach to life.
The hosts introduce the audience to the other princesses, Belle (Lilly Kate Farrar, Ashley Jones), The Little Mermaid (LeAnne Challenger), Pocahontas (Kimberly Buice), Rapunzel (Georgia Thomas), Princess Who Kissed the Frog (Kierra Goss) and Princess Baldroulbador or Jasmine (Katlyn Vinson, Allyah Duncan). Their stories reflect common truths about our own lives and often include choice words that wouldn’t be appropriate for little children to hear. It is best viewed by an audience of ten and up although the message of Disenchanted is good for all ages.
The royal court brings hilarious moments as they cater to the stories of the princesses. The ensemble includes Lauryn Baltimore, Sarah Rabern Jaron Horton, Sam Warren, Lilly Kate Farrar, Ashley Jones, Katlyn Vincon, Aliyah Duncan, and Arabia Jones.
A message for all
Director LeAnne Challenger and Stage Manager Katie Johnson make an incredible team. The production runs smoothly. It is inviting and energizing and impossible to leave without Sleeping Beauty’s song “Perfect” playing repeatedly in one’s head. Challenger stepped into the role of The Little Mermaid when Brandy Haberer was unable to complete the part. Challenger is witty as she delivers The Little Mermaid’s message of sorrow because she no longer wants legs but wishes to return to the “fin” life.
Challenger describes, “Disenchanted has so much heart. It is a musical about loving yourself for who you are and not having to apologize for who you are.”
As each princess describes her life, the audience is enthralled by the diverse talent of the actors. The voices hold a magical and spellbinding quality. When Challenger said the musical talent of the staff was in and of itself a reason to come, I didn’t understand how right she was. Be prepared to laugh more than you have laughed in a long time. This writer can testify to that.
To purchase tickets
Disenchanted is one you do not want to miss. Tickets are available to purchase online. You can also call for more information at 706-839-1315. Come and experience a musical comedy like no other. You will be on your feet at the end and won’t stop talking about the diverse talent and display of musical ability in every character portrayed.
Be careful, you may just leave the theatre, as I did, feeling empowered and proud of who you are.
