LINDEN — North Montgomery Middle School students will bring Disney’s Aladdin Jr. to life today through Sunday.
More than 100 students will help tell the story about a street urchin, Aladdin, who is trying to wed Princess Jasmine. His romantic pursuit is aided by a genie, but the evil royal advisor, Jafar, also has his eyes on the princess.
“Aladdin is a lot different than I am,” said eighth grader Ben Oppy. “I got excited when I found out I was chosen to play the part. It is a challenge, but I’ve grown into it. I am really hoping people will enjoy the show because we all have been working hard.”
Fellow eighth grader Marlee Reed plays Princess Jasmine. Her character is being forced by her father, the Sultan, to marry.
“I love the part because she is like me,” Reed said. “Jasmine does not like to be controlled and she wants to make her own choices.”
Lily Mycroft, who plays Genie, said producing a well-known show can be a little daunting. She said there is more to the show than what people have seen and that the cartoon and musical are much different.
“My part is really magical, and everyone knows this story,” Mycroft said. “But this show is different because we have added so much to it with the dance scenes and more.”
Nathan Purcell-Sanchez plays Jafar. His character is scheming to make Jasmine his bride before Aladdin can woo the Sultan’s daughter.
Purcell-Sanchez is making his stage debut and is pleased to have landed the part.
“I like how Jafar works to get his way,” he said.
Purcell-Sanchez also likes how the cast works together.
“The cast is great, and we have all become close friends,” he said.
All the actors are grateful for the support of their parents and the directors, Michael Melvin, Megan Birk and Bailey Mann.
“The cast and directors have come together like a big family,” Oppy said. “The directors have made us come together and they have been fun to work with.”
Aladdin Jr. opens at 7 p.m. today. Additional performance will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the North Montgomery High School auditorium. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and may be purchased online at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/eventlist/nmmsfinearts.
