Alexa Jennings, an 8th grader at Hester Junior High School, practices the finale along with her fellow Mulan cast members Saturday afternoon. | Michael R. Schmidt ~ For Sun-Times Media

Mulan cast members practice the opening number of their spring musical Saturday afternoon. | Michael R. Schmidt ~ For Sun-Times Media

Mulan castmembers at Hester Jr. High in franklin park, practices their spring musical with the help of piano player Nick Cabat Saturday afternoon. The school's spring musical will play two shows on February 21st and 22nd at 7PM. Nearly 150 6-8th graders are part of the musical. | Michael R. Schmidt ~ For Sun-Times Media

Giselle Rico, an 8th grader at Hester Junior High School, practices with fellow cast members Saturday afternoon. The school's spring musical will be performed Feb. 21-22. | Michael R. Schmidt ~ For Sun-Times Media

Counting cast and crew, about 200 students — almost half the school — are helping put on the spring musical at Hester Junior High School. | Michael R. Schmidt ~ For Sun-Times Media

Uriel Martinez (left), a 7th grader at Hester Junior High School, and Erika Bautista, an 8th grader, practice a musical number under the direction of choreographer Mark Kosten Saturday afternoon. | Michael R. Schmidt ~ For Sun-Times Media

Mulan cast members practice under the direction of Marilee Castaneda (standing on piano bench) Saturday afternoon. | Michael R. Schmidt ~ For Sun-Times Media