Families Will Experience a “Whole New World” at Walnut Street Theatre for Kids’ Production of Disney’s ALADDIN, JR.

August 30, 2018


PHILADELPHIA, PA: Kids of all ages will be enchanted by the WST for Kids’ production of Disney’s ALADDIN, JR.. Based on the classic 1992 Disney movie, and updated to include Alan Menken’s new songs written for the 2014 Broadway production, this hour-long musical will be performed LIVE at Walnut Street Theatre September 22 – 30, 2018.

Due to overwhelming demand, an additional performance has been added on Sunday, September 23rd at 11am!

Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. is filled with magic and thrills the whole family will enjoy! When street urchin Aladdin falls for the strong-willed Princess Jasmine, he gets help from a fun-loving Genie to outsmart the wicked Jafar and win her hand. Get on your flying carpet and join us on a soaring musical adventure!

The 1992 animated musical film Aladdin is based on the Arabian folktale of the same name from One Thousand and One Nights. It was conceived by Lyricist Howard Ashman (Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) who worked with Composer Alan Menken (Little Mermaid, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast) and Lyricist Tim Rice (Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess).

When Aladdin was released, it became the highest grossing film of the year. It also received two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and became the first Disney feature to earn a Grammy Song of the Year Award for “A Whole New World.” The movie’s popularity spurred two sequels: Return of Jafar and Aladdin: King of Thieves, a television show, several video games, various rides and attractions at Disney theme parks, and a myriad of merchandise. In 2014, a musical adaptation premiered on Broadway to rave reviews. It was nominated for five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical. Its success on Broadway garnered West End, Australian, and Japanese premieres, in addition to a U.S. National Tour. In 2016, Disney announced a live-action film remake starring Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott to be released in May 2019.

Jesse Bernstein returns to the Walnut to direct Disney’s ALADDIN, JR. Bernstein recently directed the Walnut’s Independence Studio on 3 production of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, and WST for Kid’s productions of Ivy + Bean and Honk! Jr.  As part of the Walnut’s Touring Outreach program, he directed The Return of Nick Nutrition and The Boy Who Cried Bully. Bernstein has also performed at the Walnut in numerous shows including Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, and Broadway Bound. Nate Golden, a Walnut teaching artist, returns to WST for Kids as choreographer, after most recently choreographing last season’s productions of Ivy + Bean, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. and StinkyKids. The Walnut welcomes Madi Juleskusky as the music and vocal director for this production.

Bringing the iconic and magical locations to life – from the mysterious majesty of the Cave of Wonders to the magnificence of the Sultan’s Palace, is a creative team led by Scenic Designer Laura Revelt. Revelt was the shop management apprentice for the 2016-17 Season and has designed sets for the Walnut’s Education and Outreach shows for the past three years. Joining her is Costume Designer Susan Benitez (Honk! Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr.), Lighting Designer Matthew Sanatore and Sound Designer Adam B. Orseck.  

The actors portraying the princess, villains, and heroes of Agraba are local to the tristate area, and members of the Walnut Street Theatre School. Immanuel Rimmer of Wyncote, PA will take the stage as the title role of Aladdin with Domenica Passio of Philadelphia, PA playing the strong-willed Princess Jasmine. Melina Cruz of Philadelphia, PA will portray the all-powerful Genie with McKenna Rulan of Williamstown, NJ as the dastardly Jafar. Jafar’s sidekick, Iago, will be played by Delilah Figueroa of Southampton, PA. Bringing to life Aladdin’s three best friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim will be Nathan Esser of Bluebell, PA, Rachel Gopalani of Merion Station, PA, and Fionnaula Meister of Philadelphia, PA. The Sultan will be played by Andre Brockenbrough, Jr. of Philadelphia, PA.

The cast continues with Sophia Henkel (Manal/Ensemble) and Hannah Fink (Rajah/Ensemble) of Philadelphia, PA, Danielle Kucerea (Isir/Ensemble) of Downingtown, PA, Casey McLaughlin (Ensemble) of Glenside, PA, Kristin Odd (Ensemble) of Glendora, PA, and Maya Huberty (Ensemble) of Downingtown, PA.

The Walnut Street Theatre for Kids Series is celebrated for its commitment to encouraging parents (and grandparents) to read with their kids. Families can read together, and discover a whole new level of imagination when they see the shows live onstage. The Walnut takes pride in bringing families together and beginning a creative conversation through reading and the arts.
Disney’s ALADDIN, JR. is an ideal outing for all kids with weekend matinee performances September 22 – 23 and September 29 – 30. The media sponsor is Courier Post. Tickets are $15 - $18 with group discounts available for groups of ten or more. For tickets and information, please call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets can also be purchased online at Ticketmaster or by visiting the Walnut’s website at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org.