The Newton Theatre Company is set to take audiences on a magic carpet ride to a Whole New World this weekend as they present their kid’s musical production of Aladdin at The Roxy Theatre.
Based on the popular Disney feature, the musical includes the popular music and characters from the animated classic, including Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, Lago, Jafar and the citizens of Agrabah.
Directed by Cindy Thompson, the musical adventure is a story full of magic and mayhem that follows Aladdin, a street urchin who contends for the attention of princess Jasmine. After discovering a Genie in an ancient lamp that awards him three wishes, he uses the genie’s magic powers to attempt to overcome the many obstacles to win over the princess’s heart.
Directing her first production, Thompson said that there is a total of 36 talented kids from the area that make up the cast of Aladdin, with this being the first production for a some of them.
“The cast is made up of first graders through fifth graders, so we’ve got a lot of young ones. But most exciting part is we’ve got a lot of kids that will be in their very first play,” she said. “And it’s a first time for a musical for this age group, so they’ve had to learn music, they’ve had to learn choreography, and of course they’ve had to learn their lines and placement on stage.”
After holding auditions in the first week of October, Thompson said that the kids have learned a lot in a month’s time.
“But they’ve handled it well, they always come in ready to go again,” she said. “They’ve been a good little group to work with. And they’re really excited, and nervous, for their friends to come watch them.”
Thompson said she was excited to see so many new faces that wanted to give theatre a try and said that audiences are going to see a great show from a very excited cast.
“This is such a great avenue for kids that love to sing or dance. And we’re excited to have so many new kids that’s trying it out and already talking about the next production,” said Thompson. “It’s just a fun way to introduce kids to the arts.”
Making up the cast of Aladdin are: Trent Wright, Nylee Autman, Connor Seals, Stacie Hillie, Rebecca Lynn Godwin, Camden Neese, Kyler Douglas, Melody McNeese, Makenna Posey, Kristie Harris, Gavin Giammalvo, Ma’Javious Jackson, Maison Caraway, A’Marin Berry, Bannon Palmer, Delaney Williams, Lila Bennett, Serena Ortega, Reagan Windham, Wrenn Wales, Kensley Goodwin, Gabby Dennis, Kayelynne Pientowski, Ollie Anne Alexander, Rynlee Jones, D’Aja Glasper, Lakelyn Brown, Rylie Mann, Mary May, Brinley Russell, Natalie McNeese, Gabby Gavin, Rayleigh Clayton, Chloe Martin, and Astrid Morales.
The Crew is made up of Cindy Thompson, Grace Norman, Tiffany Elkins, Jonathan Thorne, Olivia Morgan, Lily Harmond, Malachi Harmond, Pierce Gilbert, Jada Saxer, Sebastion Palmer, Lynn Wagner, Andrea Morgan, Amy Armstrong, Julie Rowzee, Kenneth Thompson, Ashlynn Round, and Ryan Clarke.
Audiences have three opportunities to catch this talented cast of kids in the musical production of Aladdin at The Roxy Theatre, with showtimes set for Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $15 and children ages 12 and under are $10. Tickets may be purchased at www.ntcroxy.com/tickets or you may reserve them at the door by calling 601-621-0033.
