Aladdin JR

Following their success with Beauty & The Beast earlier in the year, Phoenix Youth Theatre continued the Disney theme with a lively production of Aladdin JR at the Olveston Parish Hall. Although we’re very familiar with the film, we hadn’t yet seen a stage version, so we were excited to experience this one, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. It was a strong, thoroughly enjoyable production. Phoenix said goodbye to several of their older members in September to university and college, but they’ve welcomed a number of younger, wonderfully enthusiastic performers, which was fantastic to see.

Olveston Parish Hall is a small venue with a compact stage, enhanced for this production by two-tiered apron extensions spanning its full width, creating valuable extra performance space. These created multiple levels that worked brilliantly in the big numbers, creating a most impressive group effect. The set consisted of various back cloths and set furniture, with scenes moving slickly. Transitions were well-planned (though the crew appeared a couple of times unexpectedly!). The flying carpet staging worked really well, and the fabric cave was fantastically creative. There was good use of varied entrance and exit points, to maintain interest.

The lighting was a real feature in this show and you really pulled out all the stops to create some real magic on stage that this show needs, with lighting on stage and off it, including multiple moving heads, smoke/haze, fireworks, strobe and the mirror ball, as well as great use of colour (including some terrific use of red. Really well done!

The sound – effects and backing track were very well balanced with the dialogue and vocals, the small space meant microphones were not required and we could hear every word. There was some terrific chorus singing too.

The costumes were generally in keeping and were of a good standard. They fitted well and were often very colourful. This was no mean feat as most cast members had multiple requirements. I wondered if there might have been an alternative option for the guards as they looked very modern and casual in comparison to all the others. Make-up on the whole was very good – the Genie is particular was very effective.

Kayley Prior took on both the Director and Musical Director roles, not an easy job, but managed fabulously. I understand that it was her Directorial debut, and it was very slick and well thought out, using the space effectively and keeping the pace up throughout. The children were well drilled in using the backing tracks, with the timings of the dialogue and underscoring working well and the harmonies were clear. Real highlights here – opening (Arabian Nights)

Choreography was strong and suitable for all abilities, using the space available to full effect. The cast seemed to be really enjoying it too. 

In reviewing the principal characters:

Aladdin: This character really suited you, you displayed lots of energy throughout, with lovely vocals (‘Proud of your Boy’ was particularly well done), your dance background clear to see and some nice Acro! Your entry when you became a “Prince” was spectacular and a real audience pleaser. Great job!

Princess Jasmine: A spirited portrayal, strong and feisty, with some lovely clear vocals. One point of note - you did fly through some of your dialogue at times at a speed that the audience could not always pick up fully. Well done overall.

Genie: Another strong performance, performed with energy. Try not to look at the floor quite so much, as the audience want to see those lovely facial expressions and character work. Some lovely work.

Babkak, Omar and Kassim: A lively trio, all showing their different character quirks well.

Jafar: suitably scheming and villainous throughout.

Iago: you delivered the sarcastic lines well and bought out the comedy in the role.

Rajah, Isir, and Manal: another nice trio, that showed a great chemistry. I really enjoyed “These Palace Walls”.

Sultan: you played this role well, showing a nice paternal warmth towards Jasmine.

Razoul: a strong authoritative performance as required, showing great disdain for the “street Rats”.

The ensemble were enthusiastic and strong, the volume of singing was great to hear. I liked all the little bits of background acting, which is necessary in ensemble scenes, the new younger members in particular really seemed focussed and committed to their characters which was lovely to see, and I look forward to seeing how you progress moving forward.

Well done everyone on a really strong and enjoyable performance. 

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