MAGNA — A small community theater in Magna is looking to involve an often overlookede generation in their next production.
The Empress Theatre is kicking off performances of Disney’s “Descendants” — which is a twist on the usual fairytales, focusing on the children of infamous Disney villains like Maleficent and Jafar. But the theater has a twist of its own — itsf cast is made up of folks 45 years old and older.
Artistic director Candice Jorgensen said she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“There’s a whole generation who would never have had the opportunity to perform in it because it didn’t come out until their children or grandchildren saw it and grew up on it,” Jorgensen said.
While trying to drum up attention to their production, the theater’s marketing director said they unexpectedly went viral online purely because they did not cast any kids in it.
Some joked that instead of “The Descendants,” they were “The Ancestors” — but the theater has been overwhelmed with positive comments seeing adults enjoy theater in an unapologetic way.
“Didn’t really think I was going to audition, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought, ‘You know what, I’d regret it if I didn’t,'” Jorgensen said.
They plan on making their “senior” show a yearly tradition, and already have a show planned for 2027.
“The Descendants” opening night is Friday, and you can catch a show through May 23. Tickets are available on Empress Theatre’s website.
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