Aladdin Jr.

This is the first time I have attended a production by Genesis Youth Theatre and what a treat it was. Aladdin Jr. flew into the Wellington Arts Centre with promises of a flying carpet (no strings attached), an abundance of colour and genie-ous moments - oh boy, did this production deliver!

The curtains opened as Aladdin starts his journey in the city of Agrabah. The choreography was slick, clearly demonstrating the hard work the cast and supporting team had put into this production. The costumes were magnificent and a real feature - the marketplace shone with colour as the audience were transported into the world of Agrabah.  Aladdin’s first entrance set the tone for the production, full of pace and energy and we were off into ‘a whole new world’. His trusty friends Kassim, Babkak and Omar delivered detailed performances with some excellent comic timing. The ensemble worked hard complimenting and developing the plot in the small stage space available. I was impressed with the professionalism of the cast, who masterfully stayed in character even when there seemed some longer set changes and a set mishap, they continued untroubled. 

The audience then finds themselves in the palace, where Jasmine’s masterful characterisation engaged the audience further. Her attendants Isir, Manal and Rajah delivered fantastic performances setting the atmosphere needed for the palace.   

Aladdin promises magic and this production had it in abundance – the cave scene, through very clever use of set, lighting and sound was very effective, with the scene change into the cave slick and enchanting. The Genie burst onto the stage, bringing a fizzing energy that spread throughout the cast. The cast were clearly enjoying the ‘Cave of wonders’ as were the audience. Not all the cast had radio mics, but where they were used, they were well-cued and managed. 

After a short break, Act 2 literally burst onto the stage and the cast excelled as their confidence grew. Special mention must go to the actor playing Jafar, who the director masterfully characterised. He clearly understood the role his character played within the piece and shined as a result. Jafar and his trusty sidekick Iago were a joy to watch. 

The director cleverly overcame the limited stage space in Act 2 by immersing the cast in the audience, this created a fantastic buzz during the ‘Prince Ali’ number and the glitter cannon added an extra magical touch.

A flying carpet - this company know how to deliver magic! All technical elements worked simultaneously to deliver the most magnificent flying carpet I have seen. This scene can be challenging as the director needs to carefully balance the magic without overpowering the beautiful duet ‘A Whole New World.’  This was excellently done, the carpet certainly created a wow moment, and it did not overshadow the beautiful duet, expertly sung, by Aladdin and Jasmine. 

We returned to the marketplace for ‘high adventure,’ beautiful singing, perfectly in time (particularly tricky with backing tracks), this high energy ensemble number was received with rapturous applause which was very much deserved. Every person on the stage during this number had a clear character and performed with a found confidence.

Thank you for inviting me to watch this performance, a lovely evening of entertainment, I sang all the way home. I greatly look forward to future productions. 

Note:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based upon what she sees at the performance in question. The NODA representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance viewed. Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and ware only made to encourage higher standards in amateur theatre.

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