Thirty-four second through fourth grade Rosarian Academy students presented Disney’s Aladdin for Kids on Saturday, Nov. 8. The young talent performed in front of a full house in the school’s 485-person professional theater. The cast was led by fourth-graders Crede Janson (Aladdin), Kendal Perry (Princess Jasmine), Lily Guari (Genie) and Marcus Meinke (Sultan).
Aladdin tells the story of street rat Aladdin who meets Princess Jasmine and instantly falls in love. Aladdin happens upon a magic lamp with a Genie who grants him three wishes. He wishes to become a prince in order to win the heart of the princess.
Janson’s melodic voice and captivating stage presence took the audience on an hour-long magic carpet ride that left the audience wanting more.
The musical was produced and directed by Robert Sherman, with production assistance by Francesca Coniglio, musical direction by Gay Dedo and choreography by Jeanne Bennet.
Led by Sherman, Rosarian started lower school productions five years ago with It’s Showtime, followed by It’s Showtime 2, Willy Wonka, Cinderella, and, this year, Aladdin.
Aladdin is the first of the lower school productions to sell out of all the seats in the theater. All shows are shortened versions of the Broadway productions. The music is adapted for younger voices, yet is still challenging.
“Aladdin is the most elaborate lower school show Rosarian has produced in terms of costumes, props and sets,” Sherman said. “It was also the most challenging show for young voices that we’ve done.”
The Rosarian Academy gives children from second through eighth grade the opportunity to participate in fully-staged and executed productions, directed by professionals with real-world theatrical experience.
Founded in 1925, Rosarian Academy educates students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The private, coeducational Catholic school is located on Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. For more information, visit www.rosarian.org.
ABOVE: Fourth-grade Rosarian students, Crede Janson (Aladdin) and Kendal Perry (Princess Jasmine) sing with the cast of Aladdin in the lower school musical production.
