Local children take the stage in ‘Disney’s Aladdin Jr.’
MARION — Audience members will experience a show filled with magic, mayhem and flying carpet rides when the junior production of “Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.” takes place on the Palace Theatre main stage. Show dates are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 and 10, and 2 p.m. Oct. 11. Reserved tickets are priced at $18 for adults and $12 for students. Patrons are encouraged to order tickets early for the best seating.
More than 80 cast and crew members consisting of actors ages 7-17 years will perform in this Disney musical directed by Kristi Wink which features songs such as “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.” Favorite characters from the hit animated film come to life on stage, including the resourceful young hero, Aladdin, the beautiful Jasmine, and of course, the wise-cracking Genie.
“Aladdin will be the third junior musical we have staged at the Palace. Each season I am blown away by the level of talent we have in our small town, and this year it is no different.” Palace Theatre Executive Director Bev Ford said. “By offering junior musicals such as “Aladdin” and the junior stage play of “Charlotte’s Web” later this season, we are giving local kids the opportunity to explore the performing arts and develop social skills which go well beyond the stage. This opportunity hits right at the heart of our mission: to foster appreciation, education and participation in the arts. And it does it for the next generation, which is an exciting bonus,” Ford said.
Additional artistic team members are: Clare Cooke producer; Ann Schertzer, vocal director; Adam Radloff and Audrey Watkins, set design and construction; Susan Wenig, costume director; Barb Yaksic, stage manager; Rhonda Arnold, assistant stage manager; April Short, assistant to director.
The cast includes Tanner Wink (Aladdin); Madisen Schenk (Genie); Sydney Schertzer (Jasmine); Macie Snyder (Iago); Derek Schock (Jafar); Wyatt Wells (Sultan); Annie Bell, Kayleigh Morgan, Sarah Perkins, Owen Russell, Jia Radloff, Olivia Schertzer, Delaney Tabbert, Ashley Watkins (narrators); Brady Wink (Abu); Carson Bollinger, Isaiah Wasserbeck (Guards); Brody Cahill (Razoul); Riley McCoy (Baker), Anna Rasmussen (Matron); Alexys Bell, Madisen Blankenship, Arianna Creagh, Ashlee Manley, Reagan Poulton (Harem Girls); Mateusz Lisiecki (Prince Baba Of Ganoush); Caleb Wasserbeck ( Prince Dahdu Raha-Raha); Carter Rawlins ((The) Prince Formerly Known As The Artist); Alexander Lisiecki, Chase Osborne, Hudson Russell (Attendants To The Princes)
The chorus members are Jada Adams; Mallori Ballinger; Gabby Cametti; Madelyn Cheney; Jessika Cotsmire; Abby Coyan; Macyn Danals; Morgan Elliott; Hannah Faust; Carter Hancock; Sydney Hancock; Mary Jo Harrison; Travis Harrison; Tierza Hart; Kennedy Hummel; Reagan Hummel; Abby Isler; Julian Bishop Johnson; Kylie Klaiber; Jules Lacher; Rose Linville; Vivienne Linville; Cassey Maze; Braelyn Miller; Megan Montgomery; Shannon Morey; Ariana Osborne; Elise Osborne; Ashlyn Peters; Avery Petrie; Paige Powers; Schwen Radloff; Emily Ratliff; Katie Richards; Pippa Rothermel; Ivy Russell; Alexis Ruth; Sophia Ruth; Katie Shoaf; Heather Shoffner; Brooklynn Short; Allison Simon; Audrey Simon; Anna Songer; Clare Stevenson; Shelby Stimson; Gracelin Thompson; and Ryleigh Tillman.
Before or after the show, patrons can visit the aptly named “Magic Carpet Corner Gift Shoppe” in the theater lobby. Wink, along with members of the artistic team, handpicked fun and affordable gift items such as glitzy tiara’s and wands, plush toys and light up accessories that children will adore. Gift items include and range in price from $2 to $10.