Given permission to stage this special junior version of the hit West End show, NKTA (NK Theatre Arts) rose magnificently to the challenge of recreating the look and feel of this much loved Disney classic. With dazzling sets and costumes, side-splitting comedy, moments of high drama and a cast of over 100 children aged 5 to 18; this is a production that produces its own kind of special magic.
As with other Disney films that have successfully transferred from the screen to the stage this production sticks faithfully to the story of the original film. Opening with the highly energetic number, Arabian Nights, the audience is quickly introduced to the leading characters, most notably Aladdin, a poor street urchin, Jafar, the Sultan’s evil Grand Vizier, his side kick, Iago, the Genie Of The Lamp and a host of other supporting characters including beggars, stall holders and Royal Attendants. Aladdin’s adventures begin when he chances upon Princess Jasmine in a bazaar. He learns that her father, the Sultan of Agrabah, will only let her marry a Royal Prince. When Aladdin is given a magical lamp from the Cave of Wonders his luck begins to change and with the aid of the Genie and three wishes, he sets out to woo the Royal Princess. Once Jafar learns of the existence of the lamp he schemes to steal it from Aladdin, so that he can claim its magical powers for his own.
NKTA never stint on production values and this show is no exception. An impressive set, festooned with luxurious cloths and paper lanterns is exquisitely brought to life by atmospheric lighting that wonderfully recreates the feel of an authentic Eastern bazaar and the exotic world of the Arabian nights. Director and choreographer, Hannah Gorst, marshals her large cast with precision and great skill, scene changes are carried out meticulously and under her expert direction the pace of the show never falters. With so many young people on stage Gorst impressively instils each performer, especially the younger members of the cast with focus and a real sense of purpose.
Of the principals the most impressive are Sam Jeffries as Aladdin and Grace Maxwell as Princess Jasmine. They look natural on stage, something which is often very difficult for young performers to achieve. When they sing, arguably the show’s best number, A Whole New World, they match each other’s vocals perfectly. Their performances are a delight and Maxwell in particular is a potential musical theatre star in the making. As the Genie, Ben Rose is engaging and performs his musical numbers with style and panache. The pairing of Jay Dodd as Jafar and Megan Adams as Iago is a real treat with Dodd’s spot on comic timing and wonderful pantomime like villainy almost stealing the show. As Aladdin’s friends, Lara Lamont, Maddie Bates and Jess Forrest provide great support attacking every production number with bags of energy and verve.
Recently Sir Ian McKellen chose to support NKTA by performing his one man show at the Forum Theatre. The one-off event raised much needed funds to support the company and its vital work. For over 20 years NK Theatre Arts has enabled hundreds of young people to experience the magic of live theatre and hopefully it will continue to keep on doing so for a long time yet.
Reviewer - Richard Hall
on - 12/7/19
T3 Triple Threat Youth Mentors (T3). Whether a casual enthusiast or aspiring professional all are welcome and encouraged to join T3 Teaching Artist as we celebrate and pay homage to our favorite productions from the Great Bright Way. Best acting school junior theatre san Diego summer we’re seeking to bring together a diverse ensemble of talented young people. Youth from all backgrounds are encouraged to audition.
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