Friendships and Fun: See 'Aladdin' with A Special Place on March 3

Cheryl Butler created A Special Place in 2012 to help young adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities showcase their talents while making friends and having fun along the way.

"We began with red T-shirts and jeans and now we have full costumes and sets," said Butler, a Naperville resident and Executive Director of A Special Place. "Every year we host a new show and it's so fun. We've come a long way from where we started."

A Special Place will host a performance of "Aladdin" at 8 p.m., Friday, March 3, at Compass Church, 1551 Hobson Road in Naperville, following the organization's annual fundraiser dinner. Tickets to the dinner are sold out, but tickets to the show are still available for $25 each. Made possible through support from local sponsors that include the Gerald Auto Group, the show features beautifully designed costumes, exciting sets and professional direction.

"The best part about these productions is our kids get to be celebrated one day a year by their family and friends," Butler said. "They feel like stars. They look forward to it."

The Gerald Auto Group is proud to be a longtime sponsor of A Special Place.

"It's an honor to help support such a wonderful organization that brings so much joy to the community, these young people and their families," said Donna Lawler, Vice President of the Gerald Auto Group. "A Special Place provides an important service and the productions are so impressive year after year."

Preparations for the show began in August. The rehearsals are more than learning lines and practicing songs - they offer a chance for participants to make friends and socialize.

"The friendships are amazing," Butler said. "I have parents saying their children count down the days before practice. It's a social time they all get to spend together. It gives the kids something special to do that's all about them."

Many of the actors are stepping into lead roles for the first time, including Lucas Guerrero, who will play Aladdin, and Zoe Cajigas, who delivers stunning vocals to her performance of Jasmine. Butler's son, Troy, who was a high school sophomore when his mom founded A Special Place, will play Genie.

"Everybody has different abilities and everyone helps each other," Butler said. "They all work together, and it's different from any other team you've seen. You can't help but smile when you're watching the production."

Because putting on a show of this magnitude can be expensive - from staffing directors and renting space to purchasing microphones and other equipment - Butler is grateful for the help she receives from sponsors like the Gerald Auto Group. She also appreciates the opportunities the sponsorships provide to the performers themselves.

"Gerald Auto Group donates every year," Butler said. "That's huge. We don't charge kids anything to be in our production - if you can't afford it, we still want you there."

To purchase tickets to the show, email cheryl@asp4us.org. For information on The Gerald Auto Group, visit www.geraldcares.com.