DeltaARTS’ ‘ Aladdin Jr.’ a delight for audiences

DeltaARTS’ ‘ Aladdin Jr.’ a delight for audiences

Crittenden Youth Theatre fall production brings Disney classic to the stage

ralphhardin@gmail.com Under the direction and choreography of Emma Crystal, the musical direction of Amanda Kraft, and stage management of Amanda Maglothin, the DeltaARTS Crittenden Youth Theatre recently held their fall production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr.

Sponsored by State Rep.

Deborah and Dr. Scott Ferguson, the show was a stage production of the classic animated feature presenting the story of Aladdin, a peasant thief who, with the help of his newfound friend, the Genie of the Lamp, attempts to win the hand of the Princess Jasmine and foil the evil plans of the no-good, very bad Jafar.

Along the way, the show featured a full retinue of musical song and dance numbers featuring a cast of dozens of student singers, dancers and actors.

Jordan Evans starred in the title role as Aladdin, who through the magic machinations of Genie, becomes Prince Ali. And speaking of Genie… there were actually two Genies

in the show, played by Erica Richardson and Ava Walker with much of the same energy and infectious fun that Robin Williams’ voice acting brought to the animated original.

Playing the lovely Princess Jasmine was Julie Cash.

Jasmine longs for a life outside the palace walls and away from the Sultan, played by Matthew Cash, who keeps hounding her to get married to a worthy prince.

Plotting against the royal family was the villain Jafar, who threatened to steal not only the throne but the show itself with a crowdpleasing performance by Norman Hunter. Jafar’s accomplice, the wise-cracking parrot Iago, was performed by puppeteer Ethan Kaiser.

Other roles in the show included Jillian Fleming as Razoul, Sydney Love and Gracelyn Weaver as the whirling and twirling Magic Carpets, Christopher Valentine as Prince Baba of Ganoush, Kaden Littlejohn as Prince Dahdu Rahn-Rahn, and Luke Goldsmith as the Prince Formerly Known As Artist.

The cast was rounded out by a host of Guards, Harem Girls, and Townspeople, bringing the show to life before appreciative crowds at the Academies of West Memphis Performing Arts Center for a trio of performances on Nov. 10, 11 and 12.

By Ralph Hardin