"Aladdin" Cast Interview #4

   It’s time for more interviews with the young and talented cast of the musical Disney's Aladdin, Jr., which takes the stage this Saturday (at 2:30 p.m. AND 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington's Renaissance Theatre!

   Today  let’s hear from four of the show’s cast – they play townspeople, the Genie’s chorus and a number of roles. Here’s Luke Adkins, Melanie McDowell, Bailey Pope and Zadokite Wood: 

Q: Tell us about the story of "Aladdin."

Bailey: It's about a boy who falls in love with a girl that happens to be a princess and the obstacles he has to overcome to win the trust of her father so he can marry her.

Luke: It's about somebody named Aladdin who meets a princess and then meets a genie and wishes that he could be a prince. 

Melanie: It is about a kid named Aladdin, wanting to be somebody he is not. But he finds out that Princess Jasmine likes him for who he is.

Zadokite: The show “Aladdin” is about a poor boy (Aladdin) who falls in love with a princess (Jasmine), through the magic of an all-powerful Genie, Aladdin turns into a prince in an effort to impress Jasmine. In the end Jasmine brings Aladdin to the realization that she always loved him for what's in his heart, not money, or power, or anything else.

Q: What's your favorite song or part in the show?

Melanie: My favorite song is "Friend Like Me."

Zadokite: "Why Me," which is a song by Jafar (the main antagonist). This song is my favorite because it gives us look at why Jafar is evil and what motivates his decisions.

Luke: My favorite song is "Friend Like Me."

Bailey: (The song) “One Jump,” ‘cause it's fun to sing and dance to.

Q: Would you recommend this show to our readers?

Bailey: You will leave happy singing.

Melanie: It's a great show full of excitement!

Luke: It's a very good show to see!

Zadokite: I would recommend this show to just about anybody, it's great for all ages, and it certainly has a variety - from fun jazzy numbers to really beautiful ballads. The cast, production team, and tech crew are all amazingly talented! It's definitely a show you'll want to see!

Q: Have you enjoyed working on "Aladdin?"

Bailey: Yes, most definitely!

Zadokite: I love working on shows like this, it's always a blast!

Luke: Yes, a lot!

Melanie: Yes, very much.

   Thanks Luke, Melanie, Bailey and Zadokite!

   The stage musical Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) at 900 8th Street.

   Shows will be presented on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for children and senior citizens and $12 for adults. Tickets are on sale at the door.