'Aladdin' Takes the Stage at Adams Memorial
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| Tyler Carpenter, as Iago, performs in the "Arabian Nights" sequence.
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This weekend, 35 Adams Memorial Middle School students will put on a production of Disney's "Aladdin Jr.," a fresh take on the old tale. Complete with performances of the classic songs "Arabian Nights," "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me," the musical features lavish costumes, elaborate sets and choreographed dance pieces.
"We're the only school in Berkshire County with a Broadway-style middle school production," said Mary Ann Caproni, the show's director and seventh-grade language arts teacher. "It takes a lot of work and these kids are just totally dedicated."
The group - which boasts not only actors but also lighting and audio technicians - has been rehearsing together since December. At the final rehearsal on Wednesday afternoon, many of the show's stars said they were excited for the premier this Thursday morning for C.T. Plunkett Elementary School pupils.
"I'm nervous for two reasons. I'm a lead part and I'm going to have to wear see-through pants," said Megan DeLuca, 12, who plays Genie. "Plus, a lot of my cousins from Plunkett are coming."
Dominick Demeo, 11, said he had a sure-fire way to make sure he's prepared for his first performance as the Sultan.
"Tonight, I'm going to practice my lines over and over and hope I don't forget them," said the sixth-grader.
During Wednesday's "find it and fix it" rehearsal, Caproni and the cast and crew worked out last-minute microphone problems and staging kinks as several actors tried on costumes and rehearsed the production's major musical scenes.
"I'm most excited and most nervous about singing 'A Whole New World,'" said Cassidy Matthew, 13, who portrays Jasmine, the Sultan's daughter and Aladdin's true love. "My voice cracked a couple of times and I don't want it to happen again."
At least one actor, though, isn't experiencing any preperformance jitters.
"I love being on stage in front of all those people. I like making people laugh," said Zachary Bantle, who plays the title role.
<L2>"I love playing Aladdin and I think the show is just going to get progressively better when we keep doing shows. I'm not nervous," he continued.
This is the ninth year that the middle school has put on a musical, all of them directed by Caproni. Using Music Theatre International's "Junior" series (which adapts theater productions for younger performers), Caproni has staged and choreographed most of the shows and taught the vocals herself.
"The show has really come together in the last few days," she said.
The public performances will take place on Friday, Feb. 8, and Saturday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Tickets are available in advance from cast members or by calling the school at 413-743-0554. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for children. All tickets at the door are $7.
"I can't wait for the adrenaline. You know that feeling right before you get on the stage before a show? I love that," said Bantle.
