Lovell High School to stage ‘Aladdin Jr.’ next week

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is playing at Lovell High School next Monday and Tuesday at 7 p.m. The 60-minute musical is based on the 1992 Disney film and the 2014 Broadway adaptation. The cast includes 31 students led by Carisa French.

Promotional material describes the musical as follows:

“Ring bells! Bang the drums! Are you gonna love this exciting stage adaptation of the legendary tale of the lovable thief with the heart of gold. Join Aladdin, Jasmine and the fast-talking, wisecracking Genie as they discover mystical caves, take magic carpet rides and outwit the evil sorcerer, Jafar.

“Adapted especially for young performers, this musical includes favorite Alan Menken songs such as ‘Friend Like Me,’ ‘A Whole New World’ and ‘Prince Ali,’ as well as wonderful new songs added for the Broadway production. With new, colorful characters and nonstop adventure, Aladdin Jr. is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.”

Admission is free, but donations are suggested to support future productions.

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is presented through special arrangement with and all materials provided by Music Theatre International, one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theaters from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theater as a vibrant and engaging art form, according to musical publicity.

“Lovell High School music performance classes are known for their fantastic yearly shows,” French said. “Our students love performing and have a knack for lighting up the stage with their singing, acting and dancing skills. The upcoming production of Aladdin Jr. is no exception.”

The cast and production crew is: Davin Crosby – Genie, Braxton Felkins – Babkak, Shalon Wilkerson – Omar, Kara Heindl – Kassim, Taggart Shumway – Aladdin, Anastyn Leithead – Jasmine, Wilson Hendershot – Sultan, Jay Mayes – Jafar, Stetson Asay – Iago, Jaelen Mayes – Isir, Rachel Pope – Manal, Whitney Hendershot – Rajah, Augastina Lembke - Shop Owner, Parker Steenbakkers - Prince Abdullah, James Blau – Razoul, John MacPeek and Kade Durtsche – Guards, Bella Gallagher, KC Christensen and Christy Aagard – Beggars, Claire Shumway - Apple Vendor, Denna Slater - Fortune Teller, Grady Henley and TJ Davis – Attendants, Mylee Morgan - Spooky Voice, John MacPeek - Cave of Wonders, Kaylynn Mickelson, Jaslynn Silva and Mark Durfee – Ensemble, Grady Henley — Assistant Manager, Davin Crosby — Staging, Mark Durfee and Whitney Hendershot — Choreography, Denna Slater and Claire Shumway — Costuming, Sebastian Lefstein-Brown – Sound and Gemma Allphin, Lights.