Fly in to see the CCT's Youth Theatre as they put on Aladdin Jr.
CHILLICOTHE— Enter a whole new world as the Chillicothe Civic Theatre's Youth Theatre presents "Aladdin Jr." The show promises to take guests on a magic carpet ride as a street rat learns his true worth in the play which is based on the 1992 Academy Award-winning film and the 2014 Broadway show.
While this is the first time director Laura Pinnix has directed for the CCT she has been around the theatre many times as a board member and actor in Mary Poppins. She also directed musicals at local schools when she was a music teacher.
Pinnix said directing has been a fun experience and that she enjoys being able to teach the children about theatre. Cast members range from kindergarten to 12th grade so everyone is on a different skill level when it comes to acting, singing and dancing. She said she has worked to teach the younger actors the basics of theatre and has taught the older, more experienced, actors how to be a role model for the newer ones on stage.
In the play Aladdin has three friends who help him along the way, Babkak played by Cadence Manna, Omar played by Carter Faulkner and Kassim played by Jonathan Pairan. These three say it is different getting to play a part that is not in the movie they all know and love. They have enjoyed working together and making new friends with the kids from other schools.
"That's probably the best part about theatre, making friends," said Pairan.
The main characters, Aladdin, played by Mark Yanko, and Jasmine, played by Elison Ward, said they are excited to be in the show and have been telling everyone to come see it. Yanko said his favorite number in the musical is "One Jump Ahead" while Ward said she loves performing "A Whole New World."
The cast has already performed once in front of a crowd during a sensory-friendly performance. This show, which was put on thanks to a partnership with the Pioneer School had lower sound levels and did not use any strobe lights or fog. It also allowed the audience to move around more if needed. Pinnix said this show was a good experience for both the audience and the actors.
Five showings of the play will take place at the Chillicothe Civic Theatre, performances will be on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m., Jan 27 at 7 p.m., Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. To order tickets visit the Theatre's website. Pinnix said to get tickets as soon as possible because seats are already starting to fill up.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Fly in to see the CCT's Youth Theatre as they put on Aladdin Jr.
