Julie McCombs
Anna Grace Waldrop is in the ensemble of "Aladdin Jr."
Julie McCombs
Neel Patrick Edwards plays the Genie.
Julie McCombs
Jacob Parker plays the villainous Jafar. Robin Conner is a narrator.
Julie McCombs
On the cover is Joe Blaso as Aladdin. The Greer Children’s Theatre brings audiences to the mysterious Arabian city of Agrabah, where beautiful costumes, luxurious sets, and big musical numbers will dazzle them.
For GreerToday.com
Greer Children’s Theatre’s “Aladdin Jr.” transports audiences to the mysterious Arabian city of Agrabah, where beautiful costumes, luxurious sets, and big musical numbers will dazzle them.
The cast, all 18-years old or younger, have been working to bring this play to life.
Neel Patrick Edwards, who plays the loveable and hilarious Genie, said, “This week is my favorite week because it means we’re getting everything ready. It means we have a show.”
Director Chelsea Rudisill has a soft spot for this play. “I’ve always loved ‘Aladdin,’ the movie,” she said. “‘Friend Like Me’ is one of my all-time favorite musical numbers. And I love the story that you don’t have to be anything but yourself. When people love you, they love you for you, and that’s all you need.”
Jacob Parker, who plays the villainous Jafar, recognizes this show as a kid’s dream come true. “All the new stuff, the songs and the choreography, is stuff we’ve all seen as a kid in the movie, and we finally get to experience it.”
Parker also said he feels right at home as the evil vizier. “My character is somewhat serious, but also goofy at the same time, which is more my style.”
Joe Blaso, who plays the titular hero, is grateful for the opportunity GCT has given him. “It’s been a great learning experience, and I love meeting all these new people.”
The rehearsal process has not been without its challenges. Rudisill noted the difficulties of working around the Cannon Centre’s natural limitations. “It’s been an intellectual exercise in how to make things move easily and have smooth transitions, even when you don’t have wing space or curtains,” Rudisill said.
Meanwhile, the cast and crew are bursting with nerves and with excitement as they look forward to opening night. Blaso can’t wait to see “the new energy that we’re going to get here. It’s going to be great.”
Edwards hopes for a sold out show. “I really hope we get sold out. I’m excited to see what people think about our show. I’m excited to be excited.”
“Aladdin Jr.” will perform at the Cannon Centre Feb. 27-March 1 and March 6-8. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and $7 for children under five years old.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 >>