Aladdin Jr.

Aladdin Jr has been a staple of junior theatre globally for over a decade, being one of the first Disney works to be adapted for the ‘Broadway Jr’ range. Since it first was adapted for young people, it has become the only title in the Jr catalogue to undergo major revisions, to bring it more in line with the acclaimed (and still running) Broadway version. Everything that’s loved about the film and original Jr version remains but it now feels more like a musical inspired by the movie, rather than the just adapted from it. The only glaring omission is the Magic Carpet, save for one minor reference before the company’s resourceful staging of A Whole New World.

Director Amanda Daniel and her team, Choreographer Danny-Elle Henderson and Vocal Director Sally Sturgess, have created a vibrant and energetic production that keeps the predominately young audience at this performance engaged for the entirety of the show’s 90 minute run-time. Dazzling costumes by Margaret Holdom and clever set by Rebecca Howarth create what is visually one of the strongest designs from the company in recent memory.

Sean Logan, in the title role, brings a refreshingly naïve edge to the character, in particular during the new song ‘Proud of Your Boy’. Equally, Caitlin Stevens as Jasmine commands the stage in her portrayal of Jasmine. Jamie Sturgess, as Genie, makes the role uniquely his own and his brother Harrison gleefully plays villainous Jafar.

The most notable addition to the production is the inclusion of three major new characters - Aladdin’s group of friends - Kassim, Babkak, and Omar, played by Anneka Holland, Connor Logan, and Tom Sutherland respectively. The trio brings both talent and joy to these roles, ensuring the new songs ‘Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim’ and ‘High Adventure’ don’t feel out of place. Likewise, Stephanie Hanlon, Aliza DeVries, and Georgia Martin harmonise well with Stevens’ Jasmine in new song ‘These Palace Walls.’

Thirty-three young artists take to the stage in this production, any more and the venue’s small stage might feel crowded. One hopes the company is soon back on larger stages within the region - they absolutely deserve to be. Wyong Musical Theatre Company has come leaps and bounds in the past decade and has struck gold in Aladdin Jr. It’s a vibrant family-friendly production. 

Joshua Maxwell