From tall tales and ‘50s flair to Disney villains, three spring musicals showcase student talent across the district
This year, North Penn School District’s middle schools and musicals go together like Ramma-lamma-lamma-ka-dingity-da-dinga-dong. Remembered forever by those involved as Shoo-wop-sha-whada-whadda-yippidy boom-da-boom.
Chang-chang, changity-chang-shoo-bop – a theater ticket and a local, talented good time. That's the way it should be.
Spring at North Penn School District does not just bring warmer weather. It brings stage lights, overtures, and the kind of theatrical magic only middle school performers can deliver.
This year, all three district middle schools are rolling out full-scale musical productions, each with its own flavor of heart, humor and high-energy storytelling.
From tall tales to poodle skirts to Disney villains, there is a show for every kind of theater fan.
Penndale dives into larger-than-life storytelling with “Big Fish”
Penndale Middle School is taking audiences on a whimsical journey with “Big Fish: School Edition,” a musical built on imagination, family and the stories we tell about our lives.
Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the well-known film, the show follows Edward Bloom, a father famous for spinning grand, unbelievable tales about his past. As his son tries to separate fact from fiction, the story unfolds into a sweeping adventure filled with larger-than-life characters, heartfelt moments and a message about love, legacy and understanding.
Penndale’s cast and crew have leaned into the show’s visual flair, bringing colorful scenes and imaginative settings to life alongside a moving score. Performances are set for Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 14 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 online or at the door.
Pennfield brings back the ‘50s with “Grease”
Finally, a musical with some Rizz. Leather jackets, bobby socks, beauty school dropouts and plenty of slicked-back hair are headed to the stage at Pennfield Middle School, where students will perform “Grease: School Version.”
This family-friendly adaptation keeps the spirit and classic songs of Rydell High while making the story accessible for all ages. Audiences can expect favorites like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning” and “Beauty School Dropout,” delivered with middle school charm and big-stage energy.
One standout feature of the production is a custom-built “Greased Lightning” car, created in partnership with North Montco Technical Career Center. Complete with working lights, the prop promises to be a showstopper.
Showtimes are March 6 at 7 p.m., March 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and March 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for students.
Pennbrook unleashes Disney fun with “Descendants”
At Pennbrook Middle School, more than 130 students are teaming up for a high-energy production of “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical.”
Set in the kingdom of Auradon, the story imagines what happens after the heroes win. The children of classic Disney villains are invited to attend school alongside the children of beloved heroes. Tasked with carrying out an evil plot, Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos must decide whether to follow in their parents’ footsteps or choose a different path.
With a large cast, bold costumes and fast-paced musical numbers, Pennbrook’s show has become one of the school’s biggest annual productions, and recent performances have sold out.
Shows run March 5 to 7 at 7 p.m., with a final performance March 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available online and at the door, though early purchase is encouraged.
Together, the three productions highlight the depth of talent across North Penn’s middle schools, both on stage and behind the scenes. For families, friends and community members, it is a chance to see young performers take big creative swings, tell meaningful stories and maybe even steal a few scenes along the way.
