Delta Secondary drama students will transport audience members to the world of Agrabah next month when the musical Aladdin is staged at Genesis Theatre.
The stage production is based on the hit Disney animated movie from 1992. "We have tried to stay true to that Disney version from the '90s because we love it so much, but we've also taken our own little spin on it," says teacher and artistic director Rebecca Salton.
"Agrabah's a world of magic and intrigue so it's definitely different from anything we've done," she adds.
It's been fun trying to do magic onstage, she says, noting they've used a mix of technical elements and creativity to tackle that aspect.
The musical has a cast of nearly 50 and a stage crew of over 30 students. Students from grades 8 through 12 are involved in the production.
Grade 11 student Dylan Ferguson plays the magic Genie in the upcoming production.
The late actor and comedian Robin Williams voiced the character in the animated Disney movie.
"I'm trying to really capture the essence, the energy that he brought," Ferguson says.
The Disney movie was one of his favourites growing up, he notes.
"The challenge has been trying to bring the Genie with all the magic there onto the stage."
He adds the cast and crew are working together well and the sets are "phenomenal."
Aladdin runs from May 6 to 9 at 7 p.m. at Genesis Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students/seniors. Tickets are on sale at lunch and after school at the Genesis Theatre box office. The box office number is 604-940-0069.
