Disney Aladdin Jnr

It was amazing how much of the original Disney film came back to mind when watching this musical version - written for, and performed by, such a cast of young people – and I mean very young with some cast members. Naturally, the key elements were in the story line – Aladdin struggling with friends, his meeting the princess, learning of the cave and magic lantern and finally working with the genie to better himself and as many others that he could. The storyline still inspires the watcher to dream of better things.

As expected, the set was minimal to allow for the many changes needed while also giving the freedom of movement which was so essential. Director Sharyn Donoghue managed the large young cast quite well, but some of the younger actors obviously needed more rehearsal time. The costuming was good across the cast. Some young performers need to stay more in character but the little guards were great little meanies.

Madie Beckle as Aladdin, Sienna Randal as Princess Jasmine and Sarina Brener as the Sultan carried the main roles well. However, outstanding was Eli Ball as the genie as he danced, sang and acted his way into the minds of the audience. Others with speaking/singing roles were solid and inter-reacted well.

As an exercise to introduce young performers to actually being on stage, this Aladdin worked. I do feel that a little more polish is needed in future as it would boost their confidence even more and keep the audience, other that parents, happier. This was an entertaining and mainly successful experiment with the young.  We will see some of these performers for years to come.

William Davies