This production had dual casts in the principal roles. In the interests of fairness to all, TASA reviewed both casts. Kym Clayton reviewed the Sun cast and David Smith reviewed the Moon cast.
Sun Cast
Adelaide Youth Theatre’s current production of Aladdin Jr (they also did it in 2016) continues their tradition of energetic, colourful and well-presented musical productions arranged for a youth cast. It’s a busy time for the company: in addition to Aladdin Jr, they are also presenting Chicago – the Musical, both with parallel casts, so the number of young people involved on, and off stage is … well, there are lots of ‘em … too many to mention by name! To complicate matters, the productions alternate and use the same stage at the Futures Theatre, Paradise. This is made possible with the magic of technology and the sets largely comprise large and imposing images on digital projection screens complemented with walk on- walk off properties and sundry furniture items. AYT’s management and corporate supporters certainly weave some magic!
Disney’s Aladdin Jr is a cut down version of the 2014 Broadway show which in turn is based on the 1992 Academy Award winning film. The music was written by Alan Menken. The lyrics were written by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.
The story follows three street kids from the middle eastern fictitious Sultanate of Agrabah. Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are luckless until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the magical Genie who lives within. The genie grants Aladdin three wishes, and he uses two of them to help him woo Princess Jasmine with whom he would normally stand no chance. However, Jafar, a sorcerer and the Sultans’s vizier, also knows of the magic lamp and wants it for himself. Jafar knows that it can only be found by someone who is “the diamond in the rough”, who turns out to be Aladdin. So, ultimately there is a contest between Jafar and Aladdin, and it’s not a spoiler to say that Aladdin wins and ultimately takes the Princess as his bride, and they all live happily ever after in Agrabah (except Jafar of course).
In the Sun cast’s title role, Elliott Purdie plays Aladdin with great humour and a relaxed style. Purdie gives Aladdin the requisite cheekiness, but also imbues him with gentleness and innocent charm.
Mia Khairul plays Jasmine with a little bit of attitude, which gives her father the Sultan much grief. Playing the Sultan, Edward McEwan gives an interesting portrayal – almost nonchalant bordering on blasé.
Noah Magourilos as the genie is hip and confident, and his scenes with Purdie are fun and sassy.
Josh Curtis plays Jafar, and instead of making him sinister and evil, Curtis opts for a somewhat more low-key interpretation where the actions speak louder than the words. Curtis’ menacing laugh had the little ones in the audience sitting back in their chairs! Jafar’s sidekick Iago was performed with great energy and impish humour by Elaynah Magourilos.
First-time director Samuel Cannizzaro chose well with the three who played Aladdin’s friends. Babkak is played by Jayden Mihalopoulos with knock-about bumptiousness. Melanie Filmer is strong as Kassim with a confident voice and style. Jonathan Siow stands out as Omar. He is the classical triple threat: a fine young actor, brimming with self-assurance, a good singer with a nice clear and steady tone, and a strong and stylish dancer. Siow is one to watch out for.
There are many other minor named characters, and many many more in the ensemble and dance team, who all energetically contribute to this vibrant production.
Cannizzaro also designed the set and faced the usual problems that the configuration of the Futures Theatre stage and expansive auditorium present. The main stage is a substantial distance from the audience, and Cannizzaro chooses to present most of the action on the upstage section and occasionally uses the U-shaped thrust stage especially for pursuit scenes. It works well enough, but the audience can’t help but feel remote. Greater use of follow spot and less reliance on a full lighting wash might help give a greater sense of intimacy.
The costumes are excellent. This reviewer has never seen so much satin on one stage at one time! The overall colour palette is rich and bright, and the varying textures and costume manufacture is excellent. The large wardrobe team under the direction of Kylie Mobbs have done a superb job.
Daniel Maxwell’s choreography is up tempo and well executed by the cast. The dancers (and their costuming) in the magic carpet scene is a highlight.
Amber Fibrosi’s musical direction is creditable. Using a (professional) recorded backing track and conducting from off stage, Fibrosi never falters. The singing from the entire cast is for the most part strong, clear and tuneful. The audio engineering ensures everyone is heard clearly.
Samuel Cannizzaro, his fellow creatives, and the entire cast and production team have produced another fun and creditable production for AYT.
Moon Cast
The Moon cast was well-led by the effervescent Kyle Mobbs as Aladdin. He played to his strengths as a performer throughout the production. He danced effortlessly and with confidence, he interacted well with the other characters, and sang with a warm light baritone, giving meaning and mood to his songs. Playing opposite him was Alyssa Faranda as Jasmine. She brought both grace and strength of character to the role. Their featured duet A Whole New World, sung aboard the magic carpet, was a highlight both musically and emotionally.
These two were well supported by their friends and attendants. In Mobbs’ case, Aladdin’s fellow “street rats”, Babkak, Omar and Kassim, played by Alix Gibki, Alejandro Ingram-jimenez and Josh Roberts, were bouncy, irreverent and energetic. Jasmine’s attendants, Isir, Manal and Rajah, played by Emily Riddle, Estelle Holler and Maisie Lewis, showed kindness and loyalty and provided pleasing harmonies when singing with and to Jasmine.
Leo Sinclair was strongly malevolent as the ever-plotting Jafar. He was well supported by the chirpy, cheeky Iago, played confidently by Adele Binns. Chloe Day was a solid and decent Sultan while Khushi Choudhari made the most of her role as the Genie. She was poised and credible. In addition, Josh Curtis was suitably harsh and threatening as Razoul, leader of the palace guard.
