Tim McKeown is directing more than 90 actors ages 8 to 18 in “Aladdin Jr.,” and sometimes they’re on the stage all at once. “It can get a little crazy,” he admitted. “But we want to get as many kids involved as we can. We believe theater is a life-changing experience.”
“Aladdin, Jr.,” staged by Spotlight Youth Theater, runs April 28 to May 6 in Zion.
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Children who take theater, vocal, dance and other classes through the organization can audition for a full-length musical each year. “They’re high-quality musicals,” McKeown said.
Aladdin Jr. includes the classic characters from Disney’s animated film — the genie, Aladdin, Jasmine and the parrot among others.
Also included are dance groups and chorus groups, such as fortune tellers and townspeople.
“It’s a very high energy show, and there are lots of opportunities for kids to shine in it,” McKeown said.
“It’s a really cool story. One of the big things to take away from the show is being yourself is always best. Aladdin, throughout the show, is trying to become something he’s not to impress Jasmine. In the end, he comes to realize when he’s truly just himself, he’s the best.”
Jordan Curtis, the actor portraying Aladdin, fits the part perfectly, he said. “His whole persona is very charming. He’s very honest and genuine. You watch him on stage and you actually believe what he’s saying. He also has the kind of mischievous side, and a very beautiful voice… . He’s a blast to work with.”
Emily Haverkampf, who plays the magic carpet has “such high energy,” McKeown added. “She does gymnastics throughout the show.”
The musical also includes a motorized carpet to make it appear as if Aladdin and Jasmine are flying. “We have some cool lighting effects, projections and moving clouds,” Mckeown said.
Costumes, sets and props are created by parents. For Aladdin, “our costumes are very vivid — we have a lot of rich colors. There’s not a single boring costume in the musical.”
As a Christian-based theater, McKeown said during rehearsals, he relates what’s happening in the show to Bible verses.
“We try to push the good values of the shows that we’re doing,” he said.
Mckeown, 22, began taking classes and appearing in shows for Spotlight Theater when he was 11.
“One of my favorites was playing the genie in Aladdin years ago,” he said. “It was a lot of fun. I was completely blue. I had my cool costume on and my face, neck and hands were all airbrushed blue.”
These days, he said, “I want to continue in the directing side of theater. It’s very rewarding. I love getting to know these students and learn about them and their lives.”
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
‘Aladdin Jr.’
When: April 28 to May 6
Where: Christian Arts Auditorium, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion
Tickets: $12 to $14
Information: 847-516-2298; www.spotlight.org/lks17_aladdin
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