It’s been “Socks Off” week for the cast and crew of “Aladdin, Jr.” And yet no one’s getting cold feet.
In fact, the 53 Jordan Small Middle School students involved in the production can’t wait to present this super-charged Disney musical this weekend. To inspire them, they’ve been walking around in crazy socks to remind them to “knock the socks off” their audiences.
At the beginning of each practice, Director Marilee Dunklee, also an English teacher at the school, whips up a combination of high energy and respect in these students to help bring their characters to life. But it’s hard to say who’s the more energetic – cast members or Dunklee.
Her enthusiasm and high expectations generate a can-do attitude in her cast, resulting in rousing, sparkling rehearsals that are sure to lead to an exciting show.
“The most challenging thing is taking that group of kids and bringing them together as a team and helping them build energy and reaching a point of excellence,” Dunklee said. “I get such pleasure out of seeing them when they know they’ve nailed it – seeing them opening night when their eyeballs are big and they know they’re good.”
Everyone who tries out for a Jordan Small production gets a part – this year there are 43 in the cast.
“I tell them, ‘I don’t guarantee you’ll be a lead, but I guarantee you’ll be a star,'” Dunklee said.
And for those who prefer to remain behind the scenes, 10 this year, they help with such things as costumes, sets and props – all the jobs a successful play couldn’t be successful without.
“Aladdin, Jr.” is a shortened version of the original Disney movie, adapted by Music Theatre International. With lines and songs familiar to any “Aladdin” fan, the pared down musical is perfect for a middle school performance.
Almost everyone knows the story. A “street rat,” Aladdin, becomes smitten with Princess Jasmine. He rubs a lamp, which releases a genie who gives Aladdin three wishes.
But Aladdin tries to be something he’s not in order to win the princess, then the bad guy, Jafar, interferes and – well – almost everyone knows the story.
The cast sings and dances its way through toe-tapping music and works hard to enunciate the dialogue precisely, obviously having a lot of fun along the way.
Dunklee says she’s grateful to have such good help – Mary Thornton, who wears many clever hats as production manager, Patricia Feeney who has choreographed many of the dances and Randy Crockett who is the band director. But the prize for the longest commute goes to piano player Emily Wall, a friend of Dunklee’s who comes up from Georgia on her week off to play for these shows.
And we have the most amazing parent booster group that one can even imagine,” Dunklee said. “They handle the T-shirts, feed the kids, advertise, raise money. It’s a team effort.”
“Aladdin, Jr.” will be performed at Jordan Small Middle School on Friday and Saturday, April 7 and 8, at 7 p.m. Come let them knock your socks off.
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