Video: TCT Summer Youth Brings ‘Mulan Jr.’ To The Lyric Stage

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A popular Disney movie comes alive on the stage at the Lyric Theatre in Tupelo.  As WCBI’;s Allie Martin reports, the production gives kids an opportunity to showcase their musical and acting skills.

Mallory Davidson gives a pep talk to the cast and crew of Mulan Junior.

Davidson is director of the Tupelo Community Theatre’s Summer Youth Production and is eager to direct the well known story.

“As soon as I saw it on the slate for our season I knew it was something I wanted to direct, because it’s a movie I saw in the theatres when I was 12 at the old Malco,” Davidson said.

Like the movie, the musical tells the story of Mulan, a young woman who defies the village matchmaker and takes up arms, disguised as a boy to spare her father from having to serve in the army.

30 people ages 11 to 19 are participating.

Grace DeGuzman, who plays Mulan, is no stranger to the stage from high school. She says the cast and crew have worked hard on this musical.

“We might have some moments, where we’re like, ‘oh, I’m so tired today, but we get on stage and we act and it’s like everyone wants to be there, and I just love the energy,” DeGuzman said.

A must in the play is Mushu the Dragon.

Katelyn Stieg says taking on the well known role is a challenge but she’s ready, as she prepares to leave north Mississppi and move to New York to pursue an acting career.

“Which means I’m going to be waitressing for the rest of my life.  It gives you a lot of experience, gives you so much experience,with that experience you will use it later on in life,” Stieg said.

Proceeds benefit the TCT’s Summer Youth Production.

Mulan Jr begins its three day run tonight.  Ticket information can be found at www.tct.ms