Stadium Presents Mulan, Jr.

The classic animated Disney musical Mulan, Jr. will be performed at the Stadium Theatre from November 17 – 18.

The Huns have invaded, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous dragon sidekick, Mushu, to save the emperor. Defying the village matchmaker, Mulan takes up arms and disguises herself as a boy in order to spare her father from having to serve in the army. As the great battle with the Huns approaches, Mulan must choose between revealing her true identity as a girl or saving all of China with her clever plan.

“It’s a great story,” said director Gladys Cole, who was intrigued by the idea of a woman pretending to be a man with all the complications that would result from that situation.

“I did some research on the story of Mulan,” Cole explained. “I know it’s a story that has lasted for more than 2,000 years, and I know (the Chinese) believe Mulan was probably a real person.”

Cole also learned about the ancient Chinese culture and aimed to find the best way to honor and celebrate that culture in the production.

“The music is beautiful and a lot of the acting and choreography is movement, not a lot of dance,” Cole noted.

The young group of actors all have their own unique abilities and have worked very hard in rehearsals, according to Cole.

“As a director, I always try to showcase all the actors’ talents, even if they don’t have a lead role,” Cole said.

Cole is a theater teacher and teaches and directs children’s theater as a full-time job.

“It’s been a great honor working with all the kids. I love it,” Cole added.

Mulan Jr. November 17-18. Stadium Theatre. 28 Monument Sq, Woonsocket; stadiumtheatre.com.