Comedic Fantasy Meets Disney Princesses: Alton Middle School to Premiere Spring Play

ALTON - Alton Middle School students will premiere their spring play this weekend.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the middle school auditorium, students will present “Game of Tiaras,” a two-act play that Director Eddie Hitchcock describes as “a combination of ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Lord of the Rings,’ and the Disney princesses all in one.” This comedy promises plenty of fun for audiences, and the cast and crew of 40 middle school students have enjoyed rehearsing together.

“These kids, they really do love it,” Hitchcock said. “I try to make sure the experience is joyful and fun.”

The students have been rehearsing since February. They’ve enjoyed playing Disney princesses like Cinderella, Snow White, Jasmine, Mulan and others, especially because the princesses in this play are “a little off,” with ruthless comedic backstabbing and more for the audience to enjoy.

The theater program in Alton Community Unit School District #11 is “really strong,” Hitchcock added, starting in middle school and continuing through to Alton High School. He noted that many African American students also auditioned for this play, which hasn’t always been the case, and he’s pleased to see the program growing.

Students with a variety of personalities, from introverts to extroverts, have found their home on the stage. Most of the students in “Game of Tiaras” are completely new to drama, and Hitchcock has enjoyed coaching them through basic acting skills.

“For a lot of them, it's their first time on the stage. It's their first time having to memorize the lines, the first time just engaging in acting,” he explained. “In middle school, you're teaching a lot from the ground up to prepare them for high school.”

He believes plays can be challenging for new actors because they must rely entirely on their acting skills, especially for a comedy that emphasizes comedic timing. But he has been impressed by the students’ eagerness to learn.

Hitchcock thanked sound engineer Dave Caires and technical director Alice Reif for their work behind-the-scenes. Diana Shobe has overseen costumes. All three have worked with student crew members to make this production successful.

Hitchcock emphasized the importance of working with the students and providing them this opportunity to engage with theater. He believes all students deserve to enjoy making art together, and he hopes the theater program continues to grow for the students’ sake.

“It really is more for them than anything else,” he said.

The students are excited to show their hard work to the community on April 10 and 11. Tickets to the show cost $8 for adults and $5 for kids and will be sold at the door. Hitchcock encourages people to come out and enjoy the middle school’s show.

“Be ready to laugh and enjoy, because you will,” he added. “Just come. Be ready to laugh and have fun.”

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