The Young Entertainers on Stage (YES) series at The Renaissance Center returns for its second production chosen specifically for and cast solely with actors ages 6-18 when Disney's Aladdin Jr. is presented April 28 and 29.
Tickets for the 2 p.m. shows are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under 13.
Based on Disney's 1992 Oscar-winning animated hit Aladdin, the show contains all of your favorite characters in this stage adaptation for young actors: Aladdin, Jasmine and, of course, the Genie.
Filled with magic, mayhem and flying carpet rides, audiences' spirits will soar with excitement along with the Academy Award- and Grammy-winning soundtrack, including A Whole New World and Friend Like Me.
Princess Jasmine is faced with the distasteful task of picking a husband according to her country's tradition of arranged marriages. But Jasmine is determined to choose a husband out of love, much to the chagrin of her father, the Sultan. Meanwhile, the nefarious Grand Vizier Jafar, with help from his conniving parrot Iago, is secretly plotting to force Jasmine to marry him so he can become the next Sultan.
When she tries to escape her fate, Jasmine meets a young beggar named Aladdin and they quickly fall in love. When Jasmine insists she wants to marry Aladdin, Jafar has the commoner banished to a cave, where Aladdin finds a magic lamp that contains a powerful Genie. After Aladdin's wish to become a prince is granted, her returns to claim Jasmine's hand in marriage and to do battle with Jafar.
The YES series at The Renaissance Center provides young actors an opportunity to work with the professional actors, directors and technicians in the Theatre Arts Department to prepare and present a play selected specifically for them.
"This is a wonderful way for students to explore and embrace the world of theatre," said Amy Scott, manager of the YES series and director of Disney's Aladdin Jr. "They have the opportunity to sing and act in one of the lead roles, be a part of the chorus or even work behind the scenes. The shows are designed specifically for children and they will get a first-hand experience in the theatre world, working with a professional choreographer, musical director and actors."
More than 40 young actors from across Middle Tennessee have been cast in the YES series production of Disney's Aladdin Jr.
To purchase tickets, call (615) 740-5570. For more information, call (615) 740-5600 or visit www.rcenter.org.
The Renaissance Center is a fine arts education and performing arts center at 855 Highway 46 South in Dickson, just 35 miles west of Nashville on Interstate 40 at exit 172.
