Published: February 08, 2006 06:59 pm      

Curtain rises on Aladdin, Jr.

JES students take audience for magic carpet ride

The concept of translating a two-dimensional animated film like Disney’s 1992 blockbuster Aladdin to the stage might seem at first glance to be a little flat. It might even inspire a “been there, done that” attitude in the minds of the younger set it targets. Banish that thought. Jackson Elementary School’s Panda Theatre production of Disney’s “Aladdin, Jr.” packs enough razzle-dazzle energy and warm-hearted appeal to fire even the most jaded imagination.

Directors Michael Forehand, Dawn Parson, Cindy VanDusen, and Tammy Green employ an unabashedly theatrical vision in bringing this magical world to life, from a flying carpet that actually seems to soar on a puff of smoke to tap dancing Broadway Baby of a genie. He’s aided in this task by a talented design team. Shannon Parson and Renee Ballew’s sets retain the bold outlines of their cartoon origins, while adding a smoky, atmospheric depth that softens the edges, and Renee Ballew’s costumes and Erin Crumbley’s choreography give the stage a jewel-toned palette.

Against this glowing backdrop, Forehand uses an outstanding cast to focus on the heartfelt human relationships at the core of the story. Six Traveling Mystics (Cameron Pennington, Cheyenne Ballew, Marci Thacker, Sami Kirkland, Ellie Cooper, and Gabrielle Hall) draw the audience in as they frame the narrative at the beginning of the play and then provide a jocular running commentary on the unfolding action. Joseph Green as Aladdin is an engaging rascal, alternately smoothly conniving and endearingly gawky, while Amelia Duke brings a lively spunkiness and soaring singing voice to the role of Jasmine. Together they make a pretty stage couple as one could hope for and yet they retain a sense of the giggling, awkward adolescence in their interactions with each other.

Anthony Pachiolli is the sour to the sweetness and strikes a nice balance between menace and comic pomposity as the villainous Jafar. He’s a sight to behold in an oversized black and purple headdress and swirling cape and is ably complemented by his servile, back-talking sidekick, Iago, staged by Maddie Parson.

Most impressive of all, however, is Jeremiah Head, who takes on the signature Robin Williams role of the Genie and makes it all his own. Strutting, preening, posing, and dashing off an antic patter in a dozen different voices, Head is a fount of comic energy that never runs dry. He provides the show’s highlight when he leads the chorus in a thunderous and infectious tap-dance rendition of “You Ain’t Never Had A Friend Like Me.” Newcomers Samuel DiRito and Noah Montgomery make their debut along with various townspeople, harem girls, snake charmers and guards.

Add the powerful presence of a live chorus, conducted by the Henderson Middle School Chorus Director Stephen Bearden, and the energy and immediacy of Jackson Elementary School’s production will buoy the audience on its own magic carpet. Don’t miss this production in the Jackson Elementary School’s Rufus Auditorium on Friday, January 27, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, January 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is $3 for students and $5 for adults. Don’t eat before the show, visit our Arabian Café just outside the theatre for refreshments. Then, come inside where the auditorium has been transformed to the sandy and magical land of Agrabah. All proceeds benefit further theatrical productions. For more information call 678-416-6583 and speak with Michael Forehand.