Heeere’s Genie!
Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary School’s three wishes are being granted as they present Disney’s Aladdin Jr. this week.
The first wish is that a cast of Grade 6 to 12 students would prepare a dynamic, fun-filled drama suitable for all ages.
The second, that a whole army of volunteers could come together to present something beyond their wildest imaginings.
And third, that the crowds would come to enjoy their show.
So far, two of these wishes have been granted and you are invited to help grant the third wish by attending Aladdin.
Originally one of the tales of the Arabian 1001 Nights, the Disney stage adaptation tells the story of a ‘street rat’ Aladdin who meets Princess Jasmine and unrealistically hopes to win her affection.
He is thrown in to a cave where, upon rubbing the magic lamp, a genie appears and offers to grant him three wishes.
Wishing to be a prince so he can woo the princess he is transformed in to Prince Ali.
The evil villain Jafar and his parrot sidekick, Iago, scheme to take over the kingdom from the Sultan and marry his daughter Jasmine against her will.
“Once again, I am really impressed with how our community can work together to stage a show that is of such high quality,” said the play’s producer, Steve Thompson. “Watching our parent and community volunteers direct the singing and acting has been very fulfilling.”
“We’ve seen regular everyday students transform into evil royal Viziers, squawking parrots, magic carpets that dance, and crazy comical genies,” added director Dianna Fast.
“We couldn’t have picked a more exciting and fun musical to perform.
The characters in Aladdin are hilarious and larger than life.”
Diyana Ramdour, who performs the role of Jasmine, describes her character as “an exuberant young woman who wants to explore the ‘real world’ beyond her sheltered palace life to find her one true love. “I think many girls in our audience are going to relate to her. Definitely.”
Meanwhile, Nathan Stein is embracing his character’s evil streak.
“Playing a villain like Jafar is fantastic,” he said. “I get to scheme diabolical plans with a parrot and then sing about it.
“There’s also the cape. You haven’t lived until you’ve worn a cape.”
The show runs at Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary School, 21250 42 Ave., Thursday to Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. April 25 to April 27 and May 2 to May 4.
Tickets are $12 for adults or $10 for seniors 65-plus or children 12 and under. Book your tickets online at www.aladdinmusical.ca or call the box office at 778-775-8843.
Tickets may be purchased at the school during box office hours or held for pick up and payment up to 30 minutes before the show.
