Magic Moments
Magic carpets are being swept and genie lamps are being polished as the cast and crew of Sing Hosanna! put the finishing touches on their Summer Youth and Teenage Production Disney's “Aladdin Jr.” The fable will open June 17 at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.
The production is being directed by Ralph Christy Jr. and organized by the unwavering band of theater kids and parents.
“Aladdin Jr.” is based on the classic animated film, with an Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. It is the tale of the street urchin, Aladdin, and his infatuation with the beautiful princess, Jasmine. Aladdin harnesses a genie's magic power to become a prince in order to marry her.
The core characters all make an appearance in Disney's “Aladdin Jr.,” a musical adventure filled with sweetness, silliness and, of course, love.
The role of Aladdin is being taken on by 16-year-old Zane Gagliardi of Summit Township, a soon to be junior at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School.
“He is a poor, kind and generous boy who is selfless through his struggles,” Zane said.
Because Zane has been in the show before — though in the role of Jafar — he said he is simply concentrating on his lines for this production.
“My favorite part of preparing for this show is the amazing cast and the fun set,” he said.
He last appeared as Lefou in “Beauty and the Beast” with Sing Hosanna!
Jasmine in this show will be played by Samantha Barr, 16, of Center Township.
“She is a strong, smart and independent woman who just wants her own freedom and to make her own decisions,” said Samantha, who is in the 10th grade at Butler Senior High School.
Samantha said she loves musicals and “Aladdin” has been her favorite Disney movie since she was little. She was delighted to land the role of this strong heroine.
“It's challenging to memorize all the lines,” said Samantha, who has no qualms about the role itself. “I am also very strong and independent, and I stand up for what I believe in like Jasmine.”
She has been studying her script and listening to the soundtrack constantly, she said.
“I love all the fun dance numbers and the upbeat music. The cast is also so much fun to be a part of,” she said.
Samantha last took the stage at the Butler All School Musical where she portrayed the teenage Fiona in the production of “Shrek” and on the Sing Hosanna! stage in “The Little Mermaid” where she portrayed Aquata, one of Ariel's sisters.
Also featured in the production are Daniel Ammerman as Sultan, Trey Hixon as Genie and Luke Pfeifer as Jafar, as well as a talented ensemble cast.
WHO: Sing Hosanna! youthWHAT: Disney's “Aladdin Jr.”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. June 17 and 2 p.m. June 18WHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $12/unreserved and available at May's Music ShoppeINFO: 724-287-8362
