Wishes come true in MCS Theatre Club production of Disney’s ‘Aladdin Jr.’

Wishes will come true when Mount Carmel School’s Theatre Club proudly presents its next theatrical production, Disney’s Aladdin Jr. on Dec. 1 and 2, at the school’s historic stage.

Based on the 1992 Disney film and the 2014 Broadway adaptation, the show marks the club’s 57th production since the club was founded in 1996. 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.

The show is directed by senior and Theatre Club veteran Malina Rose B. Tenorio.

“Directing this show has definitely been a learning experience and a challenge for me, giving me a good outlet to channel all my creativity and ideas,” she said. “I hope the audience will experience the wonder of Disney magic in the show, especially during this 100 year anniversary of the Walt Disney company.”

Playing the lead role of Aladdin is Arturo Travilla. While he has helped backstage as a crew member in previous productions, this show will be his first time on stage. As a first-time actor landing a lead role, the show has been particularly challenging.

“I was really nervous at first, but with the help and support of our director and the rest of the cast and crew, I am really enjoying bringing this magical story to life,” said Travilla.

Playing Jasmine, Aladdin’s love interest and the princess of Agrabah, is Theatre Club veteran Jessiana Tenorio, whose previous shows include 2016’s Disney’s The Lion King, 2017’s Disney’s Mulan 2019’s Tasi, and the award-winning film series, We Drank Our Tears.

Despite all her experience, this will be her first time in a lead role. That has not dimmed her enthusiasm. “It’s new and exciting and I can’t wait for the audience to get a story about a girl who is more than what the world perceives her to be,” she said.

Junior Bernice Shane Sabino, an accomplished local performer who played Iris in this year’s True Colors and Maria in last year’s The Sound of Music, is back to play another lead role, this time as the Genie, a character made famous by the vocal talents of the late Robin Williams. Of all the lead roles she has played, this has been the most enjoyable for her. “The Genie has some of the funniest lines and so much physical humor, it’s been so much fun to play the role, especially as a female instead of a male,” she said.

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman, Time Rice, and Chad Beguelin, and book by Chad Beguelin. It is based on the Disney film written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliot, and Terry Rossio and directed and produced by Ron Clements and John Musker.

The Mount Carmel School Theatre Club production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. will be presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (mtishows.com).

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. will be presented on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2, at the school’s historic stage with doors opening at 6:30pm each night. Tickets are $15 for limited premium seats, $10 for preferred seats, and $5 for general admission, and may be purchased at the Mount Carmel School Business Office. For more information, call 234-6184 or visit www.facebook.com/mtcarmelcnmi. (PR)