Vernal Theatre: LIVE was packed with Princesses and even a few Princes in both the audience and on the stage Saturday night for a special fundraiser event. ‘Disney Goes Broadway’ was an absolute hit with a sold out crowd that enjoyed raffle prizes in between classic Princess songs. Emily Walker, who shares many striking features with Snow White, said the event was a dream come true, giving her the chance to be the Princess she’s been compared to since childhood. A handful of the Princesses, including Larissa Pearson, traveled from out of town to be a part of the fun but to Larissa, it was worth it to give back to the community and get to perform as Ariel, her favorite Princess. Some of the performers had more elaborate costuming than others but show director Nashelle Jackson said this was about more than the bling and fluff often associated with Princesses. “The point of this performance, aside from giving back to the community, was to show that ANYONE can be ANY Prince or Princess who they desire,” shared Jackson, who played Anastasia. “While dressing up is fun, you can be a Princess or Prince and make a positive impact by just being you. We hope the little Princesses who came dressed up saw their favorite characters and walked away knowing that even if they don’t perfectly ‘look a part’, they have strength and value and can be whoever they want to be.” The event raised several thousand dollars with half going to help animals displaced by the Dollar Ridge Fire and half going to a local family affected by cancer.
