After the success of the theatre department’s most recent performances such as “The Diary of Anne Frank” and “The Ugly Duckling,” the prospects were high for their next project. But, once again they have surpassed expectations with their “Disney Showcase,” which took place in the Brandt Black Box Theater on Feb. 13, selling out in a matter of minutes at the door. Students, parents and friends filled the auditorium to see Thespian Troupe 4990 perform Disney classics like “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas”, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from “Mulan” and “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin.” They also brought more modern songs to the stage with hits from the popular Disney Channel show, “Hannah Monatna,” and a “Jonas Brothers” tribute.

“It’s completely student-run,” theatre dean Bruce Linser said. “Rachael Labes is the Director of it, and Margo Gellert is the Assistant Director. They [also] came up with the idea for it.”

Students had to audition in order to be in the performance, the process happened quickly and the auditions along with preparation resulted in a successful show.

“We had 24 pieces audition, so they decided to make [the show] two acts.” Mr. Linser said.

“Large and small groups auditioned with monologues and songs, and we found out who was cast that day and started working during lunch and after school,” theatre sophomore Michael Materdomini said.

This showcase was also an International Thespian Society (or ITS) fundraiser. All proceeds from ticket sales went to Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS.

“It’s a New York-based charity, but it has local and global reach,” Mr. Linser said. “Thespians here have made it sort of their cause, we raised around $8,400 last year for Broadway cares.”