Aladdin Jr.

Milo's elementary school has an amazing theatre program and every year they put on a Spring musical production.  Over the years we have done Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, Alice & Wonderland, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, The Aristocats and Mulan.  This year's show was Aladdin.  Milo was cast as the lead and we are very proud the work he did on his performance.  Over the years it has been my honor to work alongside our talented Drama Director, Jan Plank.  We have now done 8 shows together, with my contribution being the sets and props.  Sadly, Jan is retiring and this was her last show.  But we feel pretty confident that we gave her a fabulous send-off.

The set: Agrabah.  Photo by Sari Edber.

The show is the biggest event at the school each year with approximately 70% of the student body participating.  As a set decorator by trade, it has always been a true joy for me to give these kids a set worthy of their hard work.  I was able to borrow a lot of the dressing from MasterChef and my crew helped me make these marketplace kiosks.  They needed to be small because there were to be so many children on stage.  The actors also carried props that coordinated with this environment; baskets of bread, vases with flowers and mini bolts of fabric.

Aladdin, performed by Audrey Schmitt.  Photo by Sari Edber

The costumes were all done by Jan Plank.  We were able to reuse a lot of the props from past shows, like these silver platters that were also a part of Beauty and the Beast.

The kids shone on stage.  Jasmine's attendants stole the show! Photo by Sari Edber.

Jasmine was portrayed by Anna Yung. Photo by Sari Edber.

These Spring Productions always have me in tears.  This show was even more emotional because it was many of these kids' last shows (as they move onto Middle School), Milo and Anna (Jasmine) were babies together and because of Jan's retirement. 

Jasmine and The Genie right before their last Elementary performance. Photo by Sari Edber.

Anna and Audrey will both be attending a Theatrical Middle School in the fall.  We are really going to miss these shining stars.

The narrators tells the story of Jafar's evil plot. Photo by Sari Edber.

Riding the Magic Carpet and escaping the Cave of Wonders. Photo by Sari Edber.

Aladdin and Jasmine as they fly around the world on the Magic Carpet. Photo by Sari Edber.

One of the teacher's husband is a special effects guy (oh, the perks of living in Los Angeles).  He made an incredible remote controlled carpet that Milo and Anna could ride around on as they sang, "A Whole New World".  There were very few dry eyes in the house.

The costumes, make-up and hair helped the kids embrace their characters. Photo by Sari Edber

Milo getting used to carrying his processional prop for the Prince Ali number.

I was Jan's Genie for this show.  She would ask me for something and I would say, "Your wish is my command!"  I gave her a lot more than three wishes.  One day she mentioned that she was thinking about having Aladdin carry a parasol, as he made his entrance as Prince Ali.  Thankfully, I happened to have the makings of something fun and fabulous in my garage.  I whipped this up and brought it to her the next day.

The wedding of Jasmine and Prince Ali. Photo by Sari Edber.

The wedding Chuppah. I need to find another purpose for this, soon.

Palace stools.

We re-purposed the stools the Elders used in Mulan, last year.  I added some tassels and trim to them and found the most gorgeous cushions that were the perfect size, from Target.  These are inspiring me to put up a Moroccan tent in our backyard and open a tea house.

Fans for attendants, inspired by Mary Blair.

Genie Lamps (Genie not included) that were sold at Concessions.

Headbands, earrings and pendants fit for a Princess... all sold at Concessions.

It was a very successful weekend.  We sold out both shows!  Thankfully, I was able to keep it together more than I thought I would.  It is still pretty hard to imagine that I will not be doing another show with Jan.  She is magical in every way.  Thankfully, she is a dear friend that I will make sure to keep in my life as she marches off to retirement.

Jan, words cannot begin to describe how much you mean to our family.  You have given them the love of theatre and you have shown them that they can achieve anything, as long as they believe in themselves and work hard.  They will carry all of this with them for the rest of their lives.  WE LOVE YOU!

Kate Martung (Musical Director) and Jan Plank.