Lake Park High theater to put on children's play 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp'
The Lake Park theater department kicks off their 2023-24 season with the children's play, "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp," on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
The performance will be at 7 p.m. in the East Campus Dice Auditorium, 600 Medinah Road, Roselle. Admission is free.
Adapted by Jack Neary, the plot involves the king (senior Rowan Panganiban) of an ancient land in Persia who commands Scheherazade (senior Aashna Bhatt) to mesmerize him with a story.
If she fails in her attempt, she faces banishment!
With this weighty task before her, Scheherazade transforms each of the townspeople into actors who end up taking on roles as characters in her imaginative tale. She tells the story of Aladdin (senior Elias O'Neill), a young hero who discovers a magical lamp which leads him into a wild, funny, and exciting coming-of-age adventure.
According to director Kathy Weber who will retire this school year, "For many audience members who are familiar with one or more of the Disney movie versions of this story, I expect they will like seeing the story with both characters they recognize, but with plot twists and characters that are unique to this version."
The cast of 14 students and crew of approximately 20 more students will prepare for the evening show with four additional performances for area sender schools on Sept. 26-27.
Q. Why did you choose Aladdin for Lake Park High School's children's play?
A. Kathy Weber, director of the children's play at Lake Park High School, always searches for material that is an adaptation of classic literature.
"There are some stories our students, as well as the students at the area grade schools, should be familiar with," Weber explains. "The Arabian Nights tales are known the world over. The story of Aladdin was not part of the original collection of Arabian Nights, but through time, became one of the stories most identified with this anthology."
Q. For those who aren't familiar, please describe the plot.
A. The king of an ancient land in Persia commands Scheherazade to mesmerize him with a story.
If she fails in her attempt, she faces banishment! With this weighty task before her, Scheherazade transforms each of the townspeople into actors who end up taking on roles as characters in her imaginative tale.
She tells the story of Aladdin, a young hero who discovers a magical lamp which leads him into a wild, funny, and exciting coming-of-age adventure.
Q. How many students are involved with the production?
A. There are 14 students in the cast, listed below. Junior Luke Thomas is the stage manager, and there is a crew of about 20 other students.
They are: senior Rowan Panganiban as King; senior Aashna Bhatt as Scheherazade; senior Elias O'Neill as Musician/Aladdin; sophomore Isaac Kaleta as Chancellor/Grand Vizier; junior Cam Helgeson as Accountant/Grand Vizier's Son; junior Kacie Cooper as General/Sultana; freshman Thalia Rhodes as Jester/Magician; freshman Victor Tellez as Porter/Genie; freshman Brianna Johnson as Cook/Aladdin's Mother; freshman Alexis Pichay as Dancer/Princess; senior Bella Walloch as First Merchant; junior Saniya Mirza as Second Merchant; freshman Johnny Henderson as Third Merchant; and freshman Sophia Gomez as Fourth Merchant.
Q. How will your play differ from the original?
A. Like any fairy tale, there are many different versions of this story. This version requires the actors and audience to really use their imaginations.
Q. What were the most challenging aspects of getting this production together?
A. The most challenging part of the play is the fact that the story is told with all ensemble members on stage the entire time.
Most of the actors not only have to portray more than one character, they also have to create different settings through their performances.
Q. What did you find most rewarding?
A. I enjoyed working with many cast members who had never been in a Lake Park play. It is exciting to see new ensemble members experience the camaraderie and success of creating a production in a supportive environment.
Q. What were some of the best moments in putting together this production?
A. We know our best moments will be interacting with the audiences during and after the shows. The students who come to Lake Park on field trips to our theater know they are there for an experience that is special and memorable.
Q. What do you think audiences will enjoy most about this play?
A. For many audience members who are familiar with one or more of the Disney movie versions of this story, I expect they will like seeing the story with both characters they recognize, but with plot twists and characters that are unique to this version.
Q. Anything else you'd like readers to know about this show?
A. "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp" is appropriate and will be appealing for children as well as adults.
We hope many people will join us for this free performance which launches the 2023-2024 Lake Park drama season.
If you go
What: "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp" by Lake Park theater department
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27
Where: East Campus Dice Auditorium, 600 Medinah Road, Roselle
Cost: Free