Botelle Elementary School will present its annual spring play in three performances on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1. Friday’s performance at 10:00 a.m. is for school children, followed by a public performance at 6:00 p.m. Saturday the play is presented at 2:00 p.m.
Director Ann DeCerbo selected Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.” for this year’s production, a shortened version of the Disney award-winning film and the Broadway play.
“This version is for children,” said DeCerbo, “and is only about an hour rather than the full two-hour play.”
Seventeen students from grades 3 through 6 have been cast, some in multiple roles. They excitedly shared this week that their favorite moments in the play range from the opening song and dance to the scene in which Harrison Bennett, playing Aladdin, gets to act like a “doofus.” Belle Bracken, who is a co-lead with Harry, said she particularly liked the part in her role as Jasmine when the character finally stands up for herself.
“The play is about how you are the product of yourself, about recognizing your own worth,” said DeCerbo.
The children sing and dance many numbers, aided by the choreography of musical director/choreographerGinevra DeCerbo and professional choreographer Kristin Mudge. They will be attired in costumes by Kailyn Nadeau, with John DeShazo providing light and sound. Handsome sets have been created by Peter and Sarah Fiester and Ginevra DeCerbo. Helping backstage will be Heather Centrella, while the stage crew is composed of David DeCerbo, Sarah Fiester and Leif Johnson.
Cast members are Lorelai DeCerbo, Harrison Bennett, Chloe Keyes, Gudrid Johnson, Belle Bracken, Hillary Schneider, Anna Fiester, Gabriela Ongar, Bella Curtis, Blake Porter, Parker Bracken, Nate Schneider, Abigail Bennett, Elana Hunt, Evie Whitaker, Robbie Bazzano, Elana Hunt, Andrew Porter and Mini Genies.
All performances as free.