Carpets will glide across the stage and lovers will sing as the city of Gilroy presents a whole new world of magic with this year’s play: “Aladdin Jr.”
At least 40 students will take the stage including Morgan Hill and Gilroy residents between the ages of 6 and 18. The one-hour-and-20-minute shows will be held in the Gilroy High School Theater during the first two weeks of April.
“It’s really a professional production,” said Carol Romo, director, choreographer and producer.
Although Romo has directed more than 20 plays and musicals, the latest stint is her first time directing a city of Gilroy production.
“The kids are so great,” she said. “Every week someone will do something to their part or in their part. It’s hysterical.”
The 14 weeks of rehearsals have kept the students running to learn their lines, dance numbers and correct positions on the stage.
“There’s a lot of dance numbers. A lot of color,” said producer Nichole Murphy. “The sets are gorgeous.”
Among pieces for this year’s set is a moving platform that changes between four scenes: cave, royal entrance, the main princess’ terrace and a wedding arch.
Murphy has two daughters performing in the play: Sydney Murphy, 12, who plays a narrator in the play and Sierra Murphy, 9, who plays the sidekick to the main antagonist.
“I get to do a lot of singing and make friends, especially among the other four narrators,” Sydney said.
The young actors and actresses have been rehearsing at the Gilroy Senior Center since they first auditioned for their parts in mid-January, Murphy said.
Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door of the Gilroy High School Theater on performance nights, as well as online at www.seatyourself.biz/theaterfun. They will also be available at the Morgan Hill Booksmart.
