MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Mansfield Youth Theatre (MY Theatre) is set to enchant audiences with their production of Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. at the Renaissance Theatre on September 13, 14, and 15. This event is part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series. Showtimes are scheduled for 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 PM on Sunday.
Directed by Dauphne Maloney with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors, this magical performance promises to captivate viewers of all ages. Tickets are priced at $15 for general admission and are available for purchase at the Renaissance Box Office, by phone, and online at www.rentickets.org.
A special sensory-friendly performance will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 1 PM, catering to families of individuals on the autism spectrum and those with other sensory processing needs. Interested individuals must register for their free tickets by contacting the Renaissance Education Department at (419) 522-2726, extension 212. Please note that a limited number of tickets are available for this performance, and no walk-ups will be accommodated.
Set in the mystical town of Agrabah, Aladdin and his friends Babkak, Omar, and Kassim find themselves in a series of adventures after discovering a magic lamp and its powerful Genie. Meanwhile, Princess Jasmine struggles with her father’s expectations, and the sinister Jafar plots to seize the throne. This production, based on the 1992 animated film and the 2014 Broadway hit, highlights Aladdin’s journey of self-discovery and the realization that true worth lies within.
Director Dauphne Maloney shares, “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 ten-year residency on Broadway. 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 features nearly 50 talented students aged 7-18 from various schools, including Ashland, Clearfork, Crestview, Discovery – Mansfield, Foundation Academy, Homeschool, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Mansfield, Mansfield Christian, Mansfield Classical Academy, Mansfield St. Peter’s, Mapleton, Nor-Wayne, Ohio Connections Academy, Ontario, Richland School of Academic Arts, and Shelby.
Leading the cast is Zakari Ramos as Aladdin, with Darius Darmody as the Genie. Josephine Foster and Callina Francis will portray Princess Jasmine. Other notable cast members include Payne Schwartz as Jafar, Alyssa Racer as Iago, Graycen Stevens, Carter King, and Alex Trolian as Aladdin’s friends, and Drake Remy as the Sultan. Additional roles will be performed by a talented ensemble of young actors.
Based on Disney’s 1992 Academy Award-winning animated film, Aladdin debuted on Broadway on March 20, 2014. The musical features music by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin. The show includes beloved songs such as “A Whole New World,” “Friend Like Me,” and “Prince Ali.” The Broadway production, directed by Casey Nicholaw and produced by Disney Theatricals, is currently in its tenth year and has received numerous international theatre awards, including five Tony Award nominations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. brought to life by the talented young performers of MY Theatre. Secure your tickets today and prepare for a magical journey in Agrabah!