'Aladdin Jr.' playing Sept. 5-7

Posted on: Aug 7, 2019

Rehearsals are already well underway for the first play of the new school year, and performances will take place the first week of school.

Forty cast members from grades five through eight are preparing their production of “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” Performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 5-6, and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7 in the old auditorium. 

“I chose Aladdin because in addition to upbeat songs and opportunities to showcase gymnastics, it also has a strong message about the importance of our choices and how they affect those around us,” said Delano Intermediate School teacher Natalie Palmer, who is directing the middle school play for the first time.

Aladdin Jr. is based on the 1992 movie and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “street rat” who learns that his true worth lies deep within while pursuing Jasmine, princess of Agrabah.

“Aladdin knows he can never marry Jasmine, but it seems that the impossible becomes possible when Aladdin discovers a magical genie who can make him a prince,” said Palmer. “And herein lies the dilemma: Is marrying Jasmine worth lying about who he really is?”

In addition to the cast members, no fewer than 24 high school students are helping with the production. Though this is her first time directing the middle school play, Palmer assisted with “High School Musical” last spring and said the theater experience is valuable for students.

“Some of my goals for kids involved in drama is that they become more confident addressing a large group, make solid friendships, and have fun,” said Palmer.

Post Categories: High School, Intermediate School