WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – An original theatrical adaptation celebrating the courage, intelligence, and determination of one of China’s most beloved heroines comes to life when the Huaxia Chinese School at Plainsboro brings “The Ballad of Mulan” to the stage of Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre, Aug. 1-3.

This family-friendly performance is based on the centuries-old Chinese ballad “The Legend of Mulan,” an inspiring story of a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army. She becomes a formidable warrior as she fights and saves China, but when the Emperor ultimately honors her for her long and distinguished military service, she declines the position of high office he offers and returns home to her beloved family.

The ancient Chinese tale of Mulan is brought to life in a unique multi-disciplinary performance, enhanced by poetry, music, songs, dances, and Chinese martial arts to create a stunning performance, narrated in Chinese and English. Blending drama, humor, and traditional Chinese cultural elements, this visually stunning production promises to move and inspire audiences of all ages.

The diverse cast of talented young performers from area communities include Olivia Fan of North Brunswick, N.J.; Xinman Wang of Edison, N.J.; Alexander Chen and Cindy Chen of Princeton Junction, N.J.; Pelin Daskiran, Selin Daskiran and Zherui Li of Skillman, N.J.; Catherine Zhu and Michael Feng of West Windsor, N.J.; Zara Zeng of Pennington, N.J.; Sofia Liang, Annabella Tian, and Austin Tian of Plainsboro, N.J.; Jonathan Yan of Franklin Park, N.J.; Anna Yao of Rocky Hill, N.J.; Chelsey Li and Eli Li of Monmouth Junction, N.J.; and Amanda Gao of Princeton, N.J. The production is directed by Marilyn Stoddard and N'Talia Wilson.

Dates and showtimes for “The Ballad of Mulan” are Friday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 2 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 3 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Kelsey Theatre on MCCC’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for children and students, and may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.org or by calling the Kelsey Box Office Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, at (609) 570-3333. 

Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the Theatre. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.

Huaxia Chinese School at Plainsboro (HXPCS), founded in 1998, has served the community for more than 25 years. Located in West Windsor-Plainsboro, N.J., the school offers Chinese language and cultural programs on weekends, along with after-school classes and a summer camp. The school serves students from Kindergarten to ninth grade, providing a variety of activities in language, arts, and traditional Chinese disciplines. 

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Kelsey Theatre is located on the MCCC campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor Township. The theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking available next to the theatre. Assisted listening devices are available upon request.

For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey Theatre website, or call the box office for a brochure.

At Kelsey Theatre, we have pledged to take active steps in creating true diversity, equity and inclusion in our productions through systemic policy change and individual accountability -- aiming to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, nationalities, creeds, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and abilities.” –The Kelsey Team

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Oliva Fan (right) of North Brunswick, N.J., and Sofia Liang of Plainsboro, N.J., are among the cast for Huaxia Chinese School of Plainsboro’s presentation of “The Ballad of Mulan,” Aug. 1-3 at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor Campus.