Area youths bring 'Aladdin, Jr.' to life

MAGIC CARPET RIDE:
‘Aladdin Jr.’ stars Westley Hughes, 12, and Bethany Fitch, 11.

More than 50 young performers debuted in their first feature production, Aladdin, Jr., last weekend.

The talented young actors and actresses brought the play to life through acting, song and dance at Anderson Union High School's performing arts center last weekend. The Aladdin, Jr., production also featured bright, vibrant costumes, sets and props.

The child performers go to elementary and junior high schools around the south county, and are part of the nonprofit South County Children's Chorus. The play was directed by one of SCCC's founders and AUHS music and band teacher, Nancy Dutton.

About a dozen high school students also volunteered their time to help make the production a success. The older students, most who have acting and dance experience themselves, said they were inspired working with the young performers.

"They eat, sleep and breathe this musical," said freshman Courteney Jones.

The high school volunteers said they were not only impressed with the work ethic of the young performers, but also their demeanor.

"They work very hard. They push themselves and it shows," said sophomore Allison Hughes.

"They are also a lot of fun to be around because they are very happy. If you are having a bad day, you come here and they will cheer you up," she said.

Carren Goaves is a 14-year-old Pacheco student who played the genie. She said she appreciated having the high school helpers around.

"They have been in more shows and know more about it, so they can teach us," the young actress said.

Aladdin, Jr., assistant director Amy Hughes said the high school volunteers played a significant part in making the play come together.

"The high school students in this play have done all of the choreography. They've painted the sets. They are doing the backstage and sound crew. They've even helped a bit with the costuming. So they are quite involved," Hughes said.

Many of the child actors and actresses have played small roles in local high school plays such as "The King and I" and "Wizard of Oz." But Aladdin, Jr., is the first production the children's chorus has put on by themselves.

"One thing we really like about Aladdin, Jr., is that there is lots of leads," assistant director Hughes said. "There are 15 kids or more with singing and speaking parts, so it wasn't just one child starring in the play. Lots of kids get to be the lead."

Hughes said she hoped community members who came to the performances not only enjoyed the play, but saw how much it meant to the children.

"I hope the audience saw how much fun the kids had performing and learning about music and how important the arts are for children," she said.