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A magical little musical

Thirty-six children will bring the wishes and exotic wardrobe of Aladdin Jr. to the stage.

By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN
Published August 4, 2006

The Forum at Stage West Community Playhouse will be turned into a land of fantasy Aug. 11-20, when the curtain opens on the theater youth group's production of Aladdin Jr., a shortened version of the Disney favorite, Aladdin.

Like the movie and the original tale, the stage show has Aladdin, a genie, a beautiful princess and a flying carpet (well, it doesn't really fly; it just looks as though it could). It also has many of the movie's songs, including the Academy Award-winning A Whole New World and the sweet Friend Like Me.

With a cast of 36, ages 6 through 16, scores of costumes (many borrowed from previous Stage West musicals Kismet and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, as well as Center Stage Theatre and Dance Academy and Richey Suncoast Theatre) and bright backdrops painted by Mary Petricone, the show hopes to transport children and grown-ups into mythical Agrabah, City of Enchantment, and its fascinating collection of characters and adventures.

"We've been in rehearsal since early June," said co-director Leanne Germann. The cast is about half Stage West veterans and half newcomers. "We have a lot of students from John Leggio's (Center for the Performing Arts), too," she said.

The story begins with the decree that Princess Jasmine (Ashley Shoendorf, Bugsy Malone, The Music Man Jr.) must choose a husband within the day. Three princes offer themselves - Prince Baba of Ganoush (Anthoney Maffatone), Prince Dahdu' Rahn-Rhan (Joseph Montagnino) and the Prince formerly known as "The Artist" (Matthew Plotner).

But it is a mysterious young street beggar named Aladdin (Jacob Rice, Stage West newcomer) who captures Jasmine's fancy.

Unfortunately, Aladdin is accused of a crime and thrown into the cave of the wicked Jafar (Casey Wolter), the right hand man of the powerful sultan (David O'Quinn). Jafar's evil ways are barely kept in check by his adviser/guru, Iago (Samantha Gee), who often points out that a nefarious way isn't always the most advantageous.

In the cave, Aladdin comes across a small lamp. When he rubs it, out comes a powerful genie (Amanda Alvarez), who promises to grant three of Aladdin's wishes.

Those wishes lead to many complications - and lots of laughs, dancing and singing.

"The big dance numbers are in Act 1," Germann said. The story becomes more involved in Act 2, when Aladdin has become a prince before he realizes what being someone besides himself entails.

Choreographer is co-director Jessica Nicole. Music is provided by soundtrack discs from the licensing company, Music Theatre International.

It's a modern, jazzy score that matches the updated and upbeat story line, which differs from the original tale of Aladdin as told in the medieval The Thousand and One Nights.

The show is suitable for well-behaved children and grown-ups ages 5 and older. It is about 90 minutes long, including intermission.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Aladdin Jr., a musical

WHERE: The Forum at Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill

WHEN: 8 p.m. Aug. 11, 12, 18 and 19; 2 p.m. Aug. 13 and 20

TICKETS: $8, available only at the box office. Box office is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Aug. 12. For information, call (352) 683-5113.

[Last modified August 3, 2006, 20:01:35]