When you think of Aladdin, you most likely think of the animated Disney movie, but the students in the 2022 all-school musical are turning this movie into real life.
This year’s musical, “Aladdin,” is about a character named Aladdin, played by senior Caelin Wingender, who is granted three wishes by a genie in a lamp, played by eighth-grader Bella Sliva. This leads to many problems within the story and brings characters into play such as Jafar, played by sophomore Emma Schueler; Jasmine, played by senior Mia Dyer; and many others.
Choosing which musical to perform is the most important part of producing a good show that draws the audience into watching. Director Matt Gunter and the actors decided on “Aladdin” because it was the best musical for the group of students they had.
“Everybody was excited about it [the musical],” said Gunter. “It was something that we all knew.”
To draw people into watching the show, the musical cast has to produce good acting, which requires a lot of practice. Practices are three to four times a week and are usually two and a half hours long. In these two-and-a-half-hour practices, the actors have group work on Mondays, where the team usually gets together and works on choreography, lyrics, and more. Tuesdays and Thursdays, the team works on individual work where they can focus on their own parts.
“Monday’s practice, we usually get everybody together,” said Gunter. “Tuesdays and Thursdays then we work on individual groups.”
Despite their hard work, there are always challenges the actors have to face with producing a good musical. Due to sickness and other extracurricular activities, it is hard to get the group of actors on the stage at the same time. Additionally, with only two seniors in the musical this year, there are many less experienced actors.
“It’s been a challenge as they grow and learn to be part of the program,” said senior Caelin Wingender.
With the challenges the actor’s face and the hard work put into the musical, the actors are thrilled to see it all put together at the end.
“I can’t wait to see all of our hard work get put together to create a beautiful performance,” said eighth-grader Bella Sliva.