Review: No Rest for the Wicked - Cardboard Playhouse presents Disney’s Descendants the Musical

One of my favorite parts of reviewing theater is walking in completely blind and allowing the show to unfold without expectations. I had that exact experience when I attended Cardboard Playhouse’s production of Disney’s Descendants the Musical, the story of the children of four of Disney’s most notorious villains who are allowed to attend Auradon Prep, where the offspring of the “good” characters live and learn. From the moment I entered the theater, the excitement was unmistakable. The audience, packed with eager kids, proud parents, and plenty of Disney fans, who could hardly wait for what was to come.

At the center of the story are the villain kids themselves—Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos—whose parents include Cruella De Vil, Jafar, the Evil Queen, and Maleficent. Mal, played by Marley Crump, immediately stood out. Having seen her earlier this year in Hadestown, it was no surprise that she impressed once again. Crump brought a compelling mix of edge, malice, vulnerability, and an unexpected comedic touch that made her Mal both relatable and magnetic. Evie, portrayed by Bea Busby, sparkled with warmth and wit, delivering strong comedic timing while grounding the character with emotional sincerity. Brady Gonzales embraced the swagger and physicality of Jay, infusing the stage with energy and humor, while Michael Schut’s Carlos brought heart, charm, and genuine sweetness to the group dynamic.

The supporting cast added even more color to the production. Julianne Frick’s Audrey struck the perfect balance of fairy-tale princess and Mean Girls attitude—her delivery of the line “Ask Doug!” still makes me laugh. Speaking of Doug, Joshua Bobb was simply adorable in the role, bringing kindness, sincerity, and plenty of heart to every scene. One of the biggest comedic standouts for me was Kelsey Montoya as the Coach. His performance was on another level, giving off strong Dodgeball-era Justin Long vibes. Every time he stepped on stage, I found myself laughing. While the adult performers were excellent, with Marisa Lopez instantly commanding attention as Queen Belle and Xandra Michele being deliciously wicked as Maleficent, the young performers truly held their own. Not only did they deliver vocally, but their acting and comedic timing were impressively strong. If this is the caliber of work they’re producing as teens, their future in theater looks incredibly bright.

Musically, the show delivered several standout moments that kept the energy high and the audience engaged. “Rotten to the Core” set the tone early, establishing the rebellious spirit of the story with confidence and precision. The ensemble work was strong, with solid vocals that immediately pulled me in. The mother-daughter duet “Evil Like Me” was both playful and powerful, allowing the characters to command the stage while laying the emotional groundwork for Mal’s journey.

“Goal” brought a fun blend of Backstreet Boys and High School Musical energy, drawing the audience into the excitement with infectious enthusiasm. The cast fully leaned into the fun, and the choreography made it impossible not to tap along. “Did I Mention” was another high point—I found myself doing the choreography in my seat as the number left me swaying, smiling, and entertained.

Balancing out the high-energy numbers was “Space Between,” one of my favorite duets in the show. This emotional moment gave the production room to breathe, highlighting Bea Busby and Marley Crump’s vocal control and genuine connection. It was a charming and touching pause amid the spectacle. The finale, “Break This Down,” wrapped everything together beautifully, reinforcing the show’s message about choice, identity, and growth. It was a celebration and a perfect way to end the night.

The choreography, developed by Larry Joseph Aguilar, worked seamlessly throughout the production with the cast’s strengths. It felt fresh, intentional, and well-paced, with each number advancing the story rather than simply filling space. The dancers filled the stage with energy, and every movement served the momentum of the show, keeping it lively and engaging for audiences of all ages.

Once again, Cardboard Playhouse delivered a fun production with Disney’s Descendants the Musical. The performances were strong, the choreography kept the energy high, and the musical numbers landed with confidence and joy. I left the theater humming songs well into the next morning, reminded once again that these young performers are in excellent hands. Cardboard Playhouse continues to provide memorable theater, thoughtful training, and meaningful experiences for the next generation of performers.