BWW Reviews: Magic Really Exists in HJT'S ALADDIN

Ever since I attended my first production at the wonderful Harwich Junior Theater a few months ago, I have consistently been amazed by what has appeared on that stage then and thereafter. The shows never disappoint, and I never cease to be impressed by how talented the involved actors of all ages prove themselves to be. Stumbling upon this theater and its magnificent productions has really given that extra spark that not all theatergoers and reviewers alike may receive when attending live productions, and it is always an unequivocal pleasure to find this out for oneself. So saying, HJT's current children's production of Aladdin is yet another beauty of a show that will have audiences of all ages captivated by the tale of Aladdin and his quest to become someone great. Even though most of actors involved in the production are "small," there is nothing of that nature in this extremely well done and entertaining retelling of the Aladdin audiences may not know much about.

As part of the group's sixty-forth season, HJT, Producing Artistic Director Nina K. Schuessler and director Megan Amorese bring to a Cape Cod audience this treat for which nothing but good things can be said. I have yet to see a children's production this summer, but this one truly surprised me. As was mentioned in my review of HJT's The Music Man a few weeks ago, there is something rather special about the way in which children (before I alluded to them in the general ensemble) present themselves with the confidence and know-how of actors who have been on stage their entire lives. Watching Aladdin, I was incredibly impressed by how mature each actor was upon that stage, clearly portraying the great assurance and understanding each had of his or her character, and playing their roles with such grace and enthusiasm. I was thinking the entire time that I couldn't fathom going on stage with such confidence at that age, but somehow these children (and the adults, of course, but the children really deserve extra credit!) were able to pull it off almost effortlessly to I think the point of surprising each person in that audience. There is something so inspiring about watching people so young possess such a beaming stage presence, and I say this having seen adult productions with much less pizzazz and "umph" these young actors were able to tell the story of Aladdin with.

Just to give a little synopsis about Aladdin, as it differs a bit from the Disney version we all know and love, James P. Byrne's adaptation tells the tale of a rather mischievous boy who has no real dream or purpose to his life - that is, until he meets a man who claims to be an unknown brother of his deceased father and goes by the name of the African Magician. This man sends a fifteen year old Aladdin on an adventure that has him going deep into the desert to find a magical lamp that, unbeknownst to our hero, will grant magical wishes to whomsoever holds it in his possession. When his "uncle's" plans are foiled because of Aladdin's obstinate nature, he is soon trapped in the hidden desert alcove with a lamp he soon learns how to use to his benefit; this includes winning the heart and hand (in marriage) of the Sultan's beautiful daughter with the belief that he is an illustrious prince. Of course, what would a good story be without a villain (or two) attempting to butt in and ruin the plans that otherwise would have worked oh so well?

What is interesting about this version of Aladdin is that the audience does not necessarily cheer for any one specific character. For example (and this may have been an acting choice on young Aladdin's behalf), the title character is not necessarily seen as the hero of the story, nor are the so called villains viewed as the ones thwarting the hero's strenuous efforts to do good onto others. Aladdin is deceived and made to carry out the will of the African Magician, but the fact that his belligerence originally caused his father to grieve so deeply that he died upon his son's disappearance does not shed the most luminous light on this young man. So saying, the man whose son was meant to marry the Sultan's daughter and is now cheated of the chance to have this happen is not necessarily wrong in trying to stop this stranger from preventing what was originally ordained. For a children's show, I think the light in which Director Amorese portrays this story is rather awesome and insightful, making this production something to think about as well as something by which to be entertained.

Now, before I mention the actors involved, I would like to give much credit to Choreographer Michele Zapple and Costume Designer Kristin Stewart, as their presence and influence were prevalent even from the wings. As I mentioned before, the way in which these children presented themselves was amazing, and this grace has as much to do with the choreographer as it does the talent these actors possess. The choreography in this production, mixed with a very good choice of music (composed specificaly for this production by J. Hagenbuckle), really worked to make parts of this production almost eerie at times, but in a way that was not just filler or there to entertain; the movement really went well with the telling of this story, and complemented what was happening, and also what was to come. Now, the costumes were simply stupendous. Having done The Music Man such a short time ago (I mention that because the costumes used in that show were so elaborate), it is amazing that such a perfect and fitting array of costumes just seem to appear for every production! They were sparkling, shimmering and overall very impressive; there are some adult productions that cannot boast such a wardrobe, so kudos to the Costume Designer for making this such a visually beautiful show!

What would a show be without its actors, and these kids must be given the most praise that can possible be offered their way! From Aladdin, Princess Badroulbador and all the leads, to the Storytellers and all others involved, everyone in this production really put their all into making this a fun time for all. There was so much enthusiasm and none of that "I was forced to be in this production" sort of thing going on. These young actors genuinely want to be on that stage, and the passion for theater that exudes from them during Aladdin is extremely evident. As I said before, they all present themselves with an air of having done this sort of thing for years and years prior, and even if one particular actor does not have much experience on stage, it is anyone's guess as to who that person is. They are truly impressive people (many of which are HJT students, which goes to show how awesome this theater truly is), and HJT is fortunate to have such a talented bunch grace its stage for the next few weeks.

In closing, the show is amazing and will be enjoyed by children, adults, families, relatives and theater reviewers alike. So, if you are in the Harwich/Dennis area, please go and support these guys! Aladdin opened on July 17th and will continue performances thru August 1st. Performances are held at Hariwch Junior Theater, located at 105 Division Street in West Harwich. The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00. Ticket prices range from $15-$25, and may be purchased either in person, by visiting http://www.hjtcapecod.org/tickets/ or by calling the box office at (508).432.2002, ext. 4.

Enjoy the show!

Photo Credit: Nicole Blodgett

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