Lovers of Disney movies have a chance to revisit one of Disney’s modern classics in late October, when the Academy Kidz Theatre Company will present “Disney’s Aladdin KIDS” at 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
The production, which costs $6 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under, will be shown at UAFS at Second Street, located on 101 N. 2nd St. The show is a 30-minute reproduction of the endearing Disney hit “Aladdin” and will include songs such as “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.”
Director Shannon Stoddard of Fort Smith said the group has had both fun and productive rehearsals preparing for the performance.
“It’s amazing how quickly their young minds will learn dance steps and music,” she said. “They are learning much quicker than I expected, and we’re having a great time in rehearsals.”
“Aladdin” is the story of a street urchin and a princess who fall in love after Princess Jasmine sneaks out of the palace to experience the city. The show will feature magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides.
“The show will have audiences’ spirits soaring with excitement,” Stoddard said.
Stoddard added that working with the students, whose ages vary from kindergarten through second grade, has been “entertaining.”
“My favorite thing about working with this age group is the excitement they have with learning new things and their own ideas on how the show should go,” she said. “Kids have great imaginations, and the way they perceive the magic of the show is always entertaining.”
Academy Executive Director Dr. Rosilee Walker Russell of Fort Smith, said that shows like “Disney’s Aladdin KIDS” are important because they introduce children to the performing arts at an early age.
“I think it’s great that shows like this get kids involved in theatre,” she said. “It opens up their personalities, it helps them grow and it eases their shyness.”
The cast includes:
Alma: Kennedie Cox.
Cedarville: Alyssia Sargent.
Fort Smith: Adelaide Coleman, Kaiya Erwin, Anabelle Hadley, Isabella Kindrick, Evan Law, Sebastian Stoltz, and Jasmine Washington.
Greenwood: Brenden Chick, Ryder Mack, Lenah Wheatley.
Pocola, Okla.: Elliot Alexander.
The performance is part of the Academy of the Arts’ On Stage series, which includes other productions such as “Annie Get Your Gun,” “The Little Mermaid JR,” and “Shrek the Musical.” The On Stage series has a total of 12 events featuring young and seasoned performers in musical and theatrical productions.
For tickets, contact the UAFS Box Office at 479-788-7300 or visit uafs.universitytickets.com. For more information on the Academy, contact Russell at 479-788-7546.