Shirland School took audiences to a “Whole New World” in Disney’s Aladdin Jr.
The cast and crew of Shirland School's music department took audiences on a fun adventure as the story of Aladdin unfolded.
Under the direction of Mrs. Dawn Heavilin-Pospischil and assistant directors Mrs. Ciara Fischer-James and Mrs. Hannah Pals, Shirland’s music department showed their creative genius as students in grades third through eighth took audiences to a “Whole New World” on April 30 and May 1 in the school’s version of Disney’s Aladdin Jr.
Aladdin Jr. is a 60-80 minute one act adaption of the 1992 animated film. The musical follows the classic story set in the fictional desert kingdom of Agrabah, where street urchin Aladdin finds a magic lamp with a genie inside. He uses his three wishes to become a prince to win princess Jasmine’s heart. Meanwhile, he must outsmart the evil Jafar, the sinister, power hungry Royal Vizier of Agrabah (brilliantly played by Sawyer Usry), who masks his evil intentions with a polite and sophisticated facade.
Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is based on the film written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio. The film was also directed and produced by Musker and Clements.
Music for the show was written by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin who also wrote the book.
Shirland’s production featured colorful costumes, powerful vocals, carefully placed props, cleverly used special effects, and snappy choreography arranged by Fischer and Pals, plus the talents of Shirland School students.
Immediately after the curtain opened, actors hit the stage. At times actors utilized sections of the gymnasium to enter the stage.
The play opened in the marketplace where the Arabian Nights took “One Jump Ahead” in setting the scene for a full adventure.
Beggars making a memorable turn in the marketplace were Lilly Crosby, Claire Evans, and Emma Sallinger.
Before the magic lamp is first seen, a peddler attempts to view the merchandise. The peddler is later revealed to be the Genie in disguise.
Princess Jasmine, played by the talented Kira Quillen, sang of her desire to explore the world outside of “These Palace Walls” as Isir ( Jaylen Paul) Manal (Isabelle Scott-Nimmer) and Rajah (Kashvi Bhatt) and her royal attendants (Ann Hoff, Nora Nygren and Enslie Michalsen) responded with encouragement.
Jasmine’s loving father, the Sultan (Knox Beyer), expressed his desire for Jasmine to marry.
Back at the marketplace, Babkak (Emma Faherty), Omar (Bayleigh Dewart), Aladdin and Kassim (Scarlet Allen) appear. In the marketplace, Jasmine and Aladdin meet for the first time.
Prince Abdullah’s (Drexel Michalsen) attendants (Maggie Van, and Grace Williams) accompanied him on his visit to Agrabah to court Princess Jasmine who later rejected him.
Dressed as an old man, Jafar, along with lago, Jafar’s human and comedic sidekick, (Ashley Kempin,) and Aladdin travel into the desert leading directly to the discovery of the Cave of Wonders where the Genie lets everyone know that they need “A Friend Like Me,” with the ensemble helping to deliver this message.
Following his entrapment and the meeting with the Genie, Aladdin, the Genie, and the carpets return from the cave. The Magic Carpet plays its own role in aiding characters on their journey out of the desert.
Aladdin, under the alias of Prince Ali, arrives back at the palace in disguise. Aladdin is joined by Babak, Omar, Kassin, the Genie and the ensemble.
The Sultan confronts Jafar in the palace and is freed from his spell, ultimately changing the law to allow Jasmine to marry whomever she chooses, rather than her having to choose from several suitors.
Jasmine’s balcony becomes the showcase for the song “A Whole New World” as Jasmine and Aladdin ride on a red carpet.
As the Genie, Peter Hoff displayed acting and comedic prowess, as did Gus Stromberg in his convincing portrayal of Aladdin.
Back in the marketplace, the cast finds “High Adventure” followed by a journey to the palace and a happy ending for Aladdin and Jasmine with a message that only love can change the world and that there is a “Whole New World” out there.
In the end of the show both Iago and Jafar are dragged into the lamp and are banished into the Cave of Wonders.
More musical shows at Shirland School
Marianne Mueller
Marianne Mueller
Marianne Mueller
In the marketplace the shop owners are a featured ensemble in the scene where Aladdin steals bread.
Playing shop owners were Leah Serns, and Annie Lange. Tucker Potter played the Apple Vendor.
Estelle Stromberg shone as a Fortune Teller.
Mackenzie Bragg was Razoul, the intimidating, no nonsense, captain of the palace guards in Agrabah. He served Jafar while actively hunting Aladdin.
Easton Gunnink, Gilberto Rodriguez, Micheal Pals, and Daxton Hawkins jumped into action as the guards in several of the marketplace scenes.
Zac Sibigtroth and Maggie Van provided spooky voices, while Sam Quirk was the voice in the Cave of Wonders.
Making up a multi-talented ensemble of residents of Agrabah and the royal Entourage were Hayden Bartlett, Brenna Fictum, Wyatt Ganrude, Junior Garcia, Delilah Holme, Katie Kempin, William Phelps, Jack Quillen, Madison Tanner, Jude Van, Olivia Wirth, Jameson Doll, Teagan Hawkins, London Serns, Layla Swanson, Jackson Taylor, Ava Ganrude, Colton Jobson, Savannah Meyers, Logan Riihl, Charlie Smith, Aubrey Hurn and Reed Miller.
The set design was done by Mrs. Pals.
For scenery, props and decorations, Fischer James and Pals were joined by Miss Emily Buhck and Shirland’s junior high art class.
Mr. Jamie Wilson was the sound engineer.
Stage crew, lighting and curtains were handled by Alia Johnson, Emma Kempin, Maddie Pals, Alleluia Fisk and Billy Hoff.
Costume design and sewing were provided by Mrs. Bev Velmers and Mrs. Pals.
Makeup and hair was done by Miss Buhck and Mrs. Emilee Schwarzbach, with several parent and community helpers.
Special thanks to Shirland School Superintendent Dr. Ryan Wlodek and Administrative Personnel Ms. Kristyn Hart and Mrs. Rachel Leibgott.
