Ride the Magic Carpet with 'Aladdin Jr.'

Just when you thought that you’ll never see the magical city of Agrabah ever, think again.

Watch this hugely successful Disney animated film come alive—on stage.

You don’t have to say goodbye to this childhood favorite as the Sacred Heart School – Jesuit (SHS-J) stages the play “Aladdin Jr.” on October 16-18 at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., in SM City Cebu’s Cinema 1.

Directed by Benjie Diola with Avecenna Peteros as musical director, “Aladdin Jr.” is based on the story of Aladdin. Audiences will get to see a magic carpet flying, Jasmine and Aladdin falling in love and the Genie granting more wishes—complete with musical production numbers.

The term “Jr.” was attached to signify that it is a stage play based on the movie hit. Copyrights were paid by the school in order to stage the play.

Diola said that the story line is just the same, added with a few more magical touches.

“The backdrop sets are different and they should watch out for the magic carpet. And oh, we have little genies, too,” Diola exclaimed.

During the press conference at the Grand Convention Center last October 10, Diola shared that Fr. Ernesto Javier, SHS-J school director, was looking for a play to mount. Because of the simplicity of the story of Aladdin and its childlike charisma, “Aladdin Jr.” seemed the perfect presentation for the elementary pupils. February next year, SHS-J will stage another play, “West Side Story,” for the high school students.

Fr. Javier said that the play is one endeavor “to restore the balance of formation through sports, academics and arts.” The play is aimed at helping raise funds for the school’s auditorium. But more than just a fund-raising activity, the school play showcases the young talents of SHS-J students and provides an avenue for the students to make new friends.

Kyle Miguel Wong and John Caryll Simbajon play the lead role as Aladdin.

Kyle, a third year high school student, has always liked the theater. Through the different plays he starred in, he said that his acting skills have improved.

 Fourth year high school student John Caryll, on the other hand, is a first-timer. But he promises to give the audience the best performance he can muster as the smart street thief Aladdin. “I watched the Disney film so basically, I am already familiar with the story, thus, it is easier for me to internalize my part,” he said.

As for Aladdin’s sweetheart, Jessa Marie Ouano and Yuka Ozeki are playing Jasmine.

Jessa, a second year high school student, may be a neophyte as well but she always had a talent in singing and acting. Through acting, she believes she can be someone else and get to know herself better at the same time.

She admitted that the part she still feels awkward about is the hugging part between Alladin and Jasmine. “I don’t know. It just feels awkward. I feel shy whenever we do that,” she smiled.  

Having performed in other school plays, Yuka, a sophomore, may be considered a veteran but she thinks she has to work on her skills more. She believes she has learned much through her role. “From Jasmine, I learned to be concerned with the people around me,” she said.

Other cast members include Ferderiz Cantiller and Kyle Mella as Jafar, Chester Yacub, Sj and Bayani Acebedo as Genie, Francis Dann Singco and Roberto Joseph Galvan as Sultan and Ian Z’dref Erl Sy and John Joseph Amores as Iago.

Diola said that working on the play for two months has been fulfilling.

“I have done other plays before but this one is different. I have worked with 120 children and I love working with them. I give them the character and the person. From there, they go on their own. They are easy to motivate and they have their individualities as actors,” the director said.

Diola, who is now based in Guam, came back to the Philippines to direct several plays. He has seven plays lined up next year, including “Mucha,” a zarzuela that Governor Gwen Garcia asked him to direct to be staged August 2009 at the Sugbo Cultural Arts and Center.

Given all the magical visuals, costumes and colors on stage, Fr. Javier is aware that the audience could easily forget the real-life issues discussed and the lessons to be gleaned from the play. Thus, he encouraged the viewers to enjoy the play and learn its values at the same time.“From Jasmine’s character, we learn the right and freedom to choose. Jasmine is a young girl who is caught with culture yet she stood up for what she believed in. We also learn about the friendship and loyalty shared between Genie and Aladdin. We also see the ambitious and greediness of Jafar,” Fr. Javier said.

So, still thinking of not seeing the enchanting world of Aladdin ever again?

Not for long.

Come and ride the magic carpet with “Aladdin Jr.” on stage.