A perfect way to cool off during these hot and hazy Arabian nights of summer can be found this weekend at the production of Disney's “Aladdin Jr.” by Sing Hosanna! youth.

The small cast of young talent does not fail to entertain and delight, along with a full soundtrack, satisfying sight and sound senses.

Taking on a shorter one-hour format, plus a brief intermission, this junior version of the original “Aladdin” incorporates the beloved music, comedy and plot that anyone would expect from the full show.

The carpet ride takes us to the fictional city of Agrabah, somewhere in the country of old Arabia. And, speaking of carpet rides, you just have to see for yourself the ingenious way that director Ralph Christy Jr. has put together his vision of the magic carpet, played (driven?) by Malachi Stephenson.

In the opening marketplace scene, quick introductions are made of the shows lead characters.

Aladdin, played by Zane Gagliardi, brings a pleasing vocal sound to this title character, along with the agility to navigate the townspeople and his captors.

He shines in “One Jump Ahead,” easily in command of the numerous words and movements that entail this tricky song. Gagliardi makes the audience root for Aladdin, despite the character's many moments of mischievousness.

Princess Jasmine appears as if she stepped right out of the screen and onto the Succop Theater stage. Samantha Barr is a sweet delight to watch and hear in this lead female role.

She has just the right amount of naïveté and strength to portray this part in a production at this level. From her early line of, “Hunger pains? What's that?” to her insistence on being able to choose her own mate, Barr is able to maintain innocence, yet make her point heard throughout the show's progression. Her vocals contain clearness of tone, which is so important to this type of character.

One character without any personality variables is Jafar. He is every bit of the mean, selfish, power-hungry villain that is present in every fairytale. Taking on this role is Luke Pfeifer, and he does so convincingly. Pfeifer brings strength of speaking voice to this part. He has steadily grown as a singer over his last several seasons with Sing Hosanna!, and this is his best vocal performance yet.

To ease everyone's discomfort with this nemesis, comic relief comes in the form of a colorful and sassy parrot named Iago. Enough cannot be said of the enjoyable line delivery and playfulness that is brought to this show through this silly bird. This role is shared by Isaac Hixon (Saturday show) and Lily Maschmeier (Sunday show).

Of course, none of the magic of this show can take place without Genie. This larger-than-life part is played by Trey Hixon, and what he lacks in size is more than made up for in vocal ability and energy. The audience is not disappointed in hearing a complete encore of the large production number “Friend Like Me.” Hixon applies all the nuance of sarcasm and bravado needed to fill such an enormous role.

Other cast notables include Daniel Ammerman, playing the Sultan with all the needed fatherly concern and love; Jake Orozco as Razoul, Jafar's stern henchman; and the show's narrators, who vary each night, but lend much help in moving the scenes along. The ensemble does well in supporting the big numbers, adding to, not taking away from the leads.

The best surprises of “Aladdin Jr.” must be seen in person and not read about. The most hilarious rendering of the three eligible bachelors are a creative delight by director Christy. But audience members are sure to be enthralled by the entirety of “A Whole New World,” with vocals blending beautifully and scenery that captures the ride perfectly.

And be ready for unique uses of light — bright, bright light — throughout the production.

This show is a great opportunity to experience a condensed concept of musical theater. There could not be a better format to introduce kids of all ages to live theater, with plenty of time afterward to get ice cream!

WHO: Sing Hosanna! youthWHAT: Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. SundayWHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $12, unreserved and available at the box office before each showINFO: 724-287-8362