Cast of Princesses Wow Their Audience

With eager smiles and wands at the ready, the cast of Once Upon a Princess gave two performances at the on June 26.

The Shining Star Performing Arts Academy produced the show, which included every enchanting Disney princess. From Cinderella's corner of the world to Jasmine's secret hideaway, the young girls put on quite a show.

"It's that magical idea about being a princess that makes the girls so excited," said Jody White, whose daughter Allison, 13, played Snow White.

With only a month to rehearse, White admitted to being a little skeptical about what would come of the show.

"It was a little scary because of the little time they had, but each girl did amazing, and it turned out very cute," she said.

With cast members ranging in age from 5 to 19, every girl got a chance to shine in the glittering spotlight. Nine-year-old Emily Baker especially enjoyed the princess she played.       

"Ariel is my favorite princess and I loved every rehearsal," said Baker. This is her third show; she also performed in Annie and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.       

Also in the cast was 16-year-old Erin Lightner as Mulan. This her first show with Shining Star, but she says she's done about a dozen shows elsewhere.       

"I like how the show takes all different Disney princesses and puts them together instead of having to pick and choose," said Lightner. Her favorite part of the show was meeting girls of all ages.

Shining Star director Cordelia Dessert said she couldn't be more proud of the success.

"Seeing students memorize and perfect their scenes was really amazing," Dessert said. "I'm thrilled at their progress and I hope to work with them more in the future."

With two shows last Sunday, the girls had a long day. After the yellow curtain fell for the final time on the stage at the Civic, they had all learned what it really means to be a princess.