By Joelle Carr
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Members of Camden County College’s theater program are presenting “Wish Upon A Star: A Disney Broadway Cabaret” of 24 songs performed in solos, duets, trios and groups.
Opening night, April 21, pulled in a full house in the Little Theater on the Blackwood campus. Some of the audience members were sporting on-theme Mickey Mouse ears and costumed in Disney princess dresses.
Students auditioned in January and rehearsals kicked off in February. Music rehearsals were three times a week for a few hours; music rehearsals were coupled with dance rehearsals in March. No more than three months of rehearsals prepared the performers to deliver an enchanting song and dance cabaret showcasing diverse talent.
Student Julia Nelson began singing as a child and now stars in at least one show a year since her first fifth-grade show. Nelson performs two solo songs in the show: “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana and “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog.
Before opening night, Nelson said she hoped “the audience has some good fun and can enjoy the Disney magic, as well as all the hard work that radiates from (the) show.”
A setlist of some of Disney’s most iconic songs as well as songs from newer Disney projects balance the show. Their rendition of “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid utilizes charming choreography and light work to enhance the classic song. The solo performance “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” brings a laugh out of the audience with its comical take on the esteemed Toy Story song.
The opening night crowd included loved ones and fellow students. The show’s child-friendly approach made for reactions of delight from young Disney fans.
“It felt really nice to do everything in front of a crowd, especially one with so much energy and so many kids,” Nelson said.
Bewitching harmonies in the final song “Happily Ever After” filled the theater and the show ended with a standing ovation from the opening night crowd. Audience member Sawyer Klein described the show as “delightful, whimsical and lovely” immediately after the performers left the stage.
Two more performances remain. You can get tickets for April 28 or April 29 at 7 p.m. here.