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The Mansfield Youth Theatre (MY Theatre) will present Disney’s “Aladdin, Jr.” on the stage of the Renaissance Theatre on Sept. 13-15 as part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series.
Performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Dauphne Maloney directs the show with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors. Tickets are on sale now at the Renaissance box office, via phone, and online at www.rentickets.org.
A free, sensory-friendly performance of “Aladdin, Jr.” will be offered on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m. for families of individuals on the autism spectrum and with other sensory processing needs. Interested individuals must register for their free tickets by visiting or calling the Renaissance Education Department at 419-522-2726, extension 212. A limited number of tickets is available for the sensory-friendly performance and no walk-ups will be accommodated.
Set in the middle-eastern town of Agrabah, Aladdin and his three friends — Babkak, Omar, and Kassim — are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the genie who has the power to grant him three wishes. At the royal palace, the princess, Jasmine, is feeling hemmed in by her father’s desire to find her a groom. Meanwhile, the sultan’s right-hand man, Jafar, is plotting to take over the throne. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and moral character.
Disney’s “Aladdin, Jr.” is based upon the 1992 animated film, and the 2014 hit Broadway production about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies within.
“Aladdin’s story is an ancient one with universal themes, but has had such wonderful treatment by the Disney organization; first with the animated film, and now with its 10-year residency on Broadway,” Maloney said. “The MY Theatre production features the music of the legendary Alan Menken; and songs both from the animated film, as well as new songs created for the Broadway production. All of the fabulous music offers a little something for everyone … from the romantic to the adventurous. Audiences will not be disappointed. When you combine all of that Disney music and magic, with the energy of young performers, and the beauty of the Renaissance stage, it’s sure to provide a great family experience!”
The cast is composed of nearly 50 students ages 7-18 from the following schools: Ashland, Clearfork, Crestview, Discovery – Mansfield, Foundation Academy, Homeschool, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Mansfield, Mansfield Christian, Mansfield Classical Academy, Mansfield St. Peter’s, Mapleton, Nor-WayneOhio Connections Academy, Ontario, Richland School of Academic Arts and Shelby.
The cast is led by Zakari Ramos performing in the role of Aladdin, as well as Darius Darmody as the beloved Genie. The role of Aladdin’s love interest, Princess Jasmine, will be played by Josephine Foster and Callina Francis.
The cast also includes Payne Schwartz as the evil Jafar, Alyssa Racer as Iago, Graycen Stevens, Carter King, and Alex Trolian as Aladdin’s best friends, and Drake Remy as the Sultan.
Additional roles will be played by: Brynleigh Ball, Kiptin Ball, Julyana Bass, Jordyn Beasley, Morgyn Beasley, Sawyer Beasley, Wyatt Bechstein, Breah Boyd, Estel Bramlage, Loren Carmel, Jordan Clewell, Piper Donahue, Isla Donley, Tiegan Franta, Hudson Hamelink, Alaina Hawkins, Emersyn Henderson, Nakiyah Johnson, McKinnley King, Marilena Kruer, Steliana Kruer, Rosie Lawhorn, MaKayla Lawrence, Briner McCready, Evie McCready, Lilly McCready, Milo McDonald, Nicky Morabito, Saige Painley, Alyssia Pickett, Maddie Rice, Caroline Secrist, Sophie Shepherd, Molly Spoon, Nicholas Spoon, Grace Them, Lily Tomlinson, Sloane Walter, Makenzie Wynn.
“Aladdin” debuted on Broadway on March 20, 2014. The musical features music by Menken, and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin. The music includes favorites such as “A Whole New World,” “Friend Like Me,” and “Prince Ali.”
The book of the show was written by Beguelin. The Broadway production was directed by Casey Nicholaw, and produced by Disney Theatricals. The show has been recognized with numerous theatre awards internationally, including having been nominated for five Tony Awards. The Disney film was written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliot, and Terry Rossio.
Submitted by Renaissance Performing Arts.