The musical review, ‘Dare to Dream Jr.’ will be performed by students at West Hartford’s Bristow Middle School the last weekend of March.

Dare to Dream will be performed at Bristow Middle School from March 26-28, 2026. Photo credit: Sky Nowlan, BMS student and D2D production staff

By Lindsay Cook, Bristow Middle School Parent

Bristow Middle School students will welcome audiences on a journey of imagination with their uplifting production of “Dare to Dream, Jr.” Presenting a 60-minute musical review, Bristow students will perform this jam-packed compilation of Disney songs March 26, 27 and 28, 2026.

The show, which features songs from beloved Disney films such as Coco, Moana, Frozen II and The Lion King, blends contemporary hits and classic favorites. The audience can expect plenty of sing-along moments, vibrant costumes, and energetic dance routines that bring the performance to life.

Dare to Dream will be performed at Bristow Middle School from March 26-28, 2026. Photo credit: Sky Nowlan, BMS student and D2D production staff

The story line centers on a group of eager trainees on their first day at a fictional Disney Imagineering Studio. As they work together, the youngsters learn that dreams can unite, inspire and make anything possible. George Thomas and Eden Baker, both eighth graders at Bristow, star as the mentors who are teaching the new recruits about the power of dreams.“

“It’s very Disney related! The plot is connected to each song…You can believe in yourself if you try hard enough. The play sends a good message out in the world” says Emma Borer, a seventh grader who performs a song from The Princess and the Frog.

Dare to Dream will be performed at Bristow Middle School from March 26-28, 2026. Photo credit: Sky Nowlan, BMS student and D2D production staff

Mary McSweeney, Bristow’s orchestra teacher, leads this team of talented young performers in her second year at the helm of the musical. McSweeney is joined by Bristow staff members Katie Frewen, serving as musical director, and Amy Landers, who is producing the show. This powerhouse team is putting a unique twist on Disney favorites.

“Mrs. McSweeney and Dr. Frewen want to give it our own unique aspect, with original dancing and singing,” says Lily, an eighth grader who performs Just Around the Riverbend from Moana.

Dare to Dream will be performed at Bristow Middle School from March 26-28, 2026. Photo credit: Sky Nowlan, BMS student and D2D production staff

“Dare to Dream” is an ambitious undertaking. Rehearsals began in January and the team choreographed, rehearsed and polished the musical in a few short months. The key themes of “Dare to Dream” – finding a passion, working together and setting high goals—are evident throughout the staging and preparation for the show.

The play includes over 65 middle school students in the cast and stage crew and offers numerous opportunities for young actors to shine. Haylee, an eighth grader who solos with How Far I’ll Go from Moana, highlighted the inclusive nature of the production.

“We want to make sure that everyone is included.” McSweeney remarked, “One of the reasons that we chose this play is that there is not just one main person.” Collaboration, encouragement, and shared creativity are major through-lines.

This uplifting production is sure to uplift and spark the imagination.

Tickets can be purchased online.

Show dates and times are:

• Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m.
• Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Bristow Middle School is located at 34 Highland St., West Hartford, between Fern Street and Farmington Avenue.

Dare to Dream will be performed at Bristow Middle School from March 26-28, 2026. Photo credit: Sky Nowlan, BMS student and D2D productions staff

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