A whole new world on stage

Published 8:33am 24 May 2021

It is the tale of a loveable thief with a heart of gold, and the musical Aladdin Jr will be loved by a new audience, when Mueller College students rub the genie’s bottle and unleash their theatrical talents in June.

The production, based on the 1992 Disney film and the 2014 Broadway adaptation, will be staged on June 4 and 5.

Mueller College musical director and music teacher Sharon Casey says she was toying with the idea of Beauty and the Beast, but she felt with Aladdin Jr she could have a larger chorus and involve more students.

The cast and crew, of 112, have been rehearsing for about 13 weeks.

The role of Jasmine is being played by Year 12 student Alex Lundberg Hall and will be her first major musical role.

Aladdin will be played by Kyle Armstrong (Year 11), the Genie by Asher Ghal (Year 10), Jafar by Adison Ransley (Year 11), Sultan by Dylan Boughey (Year 12) and Iago by Jesse Vickery (Year 12).

“There’s lots of singing and dancing, sparkle and entertainment,” Mrs Casey says.

“The chorus is amazing, probably the best chorus I’ve worked with.”

Show for all ages

The story follows Aladdin, Jasmine and the fast-talking, wisecracking Genie as they discover mystical caves, take magic carpet rides, and outwit the evil sorcerer, Jafar and the witty Iago.

The production, adapted for young performers, includes favourite Alan Menken songs such as Friend Like Me, A Whole New World, and Prince Ali.

Mrs Casey says the story resonates with audiences because “everyone wants to go from nothing to something - everyone wants to be seen and heard”.

It is also a classic good versus evil story.

“And of course, who doesn’t want to ride on a magic carpet,” she says, laughing.

The production will blend technology with traditional staging, in a first for the college.

“It’s entertaining, it’s a short show, it’s not a QPAC show, it goes for one hour and it’s a great night or afternoon out,” Mrs Casey says.

Tickets are affordable with adults for children’s prices ($17 per person), or $60 per family of four.

Visit mueller.qld.edu.au