Theater Review: 'Aladdin, Jr.' at Beman Middle School

Review by Naugatuck Patch Contributor Nancy Sasso Janis

Beman Middle School is presenting a colorful production of the beloved “Disney Aladdin, Jr.” on the stage of their beautiful auditorium through March 1.

The condensed stage version of Disney’s animated film features the music of Alan Menken, with lyrics by the late Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The book for the Jr. version was adapted by Jim Luigs, who also provided additional lyrics. The music was adapted and arranged for the young performers by Bryan Louiselle.

The middle school students, 150 strong, are directed by Kaylin Tulley, although she insisted during her curtain speech that the adults are just backstage “putting out fires” for this student-run performance.

The synopsis in the program condenses Aladdin’s story, ending with “Along the way, Aladdin learns valuable lessons about honesty, friendship, and believing in himself.”

Tulley indicates in her director’s note that she is extremely proud of all of the students who have constantly exceeded her expectations. “The amount of sheer creative collaboration that they have shared with each other is inspiring.” The process of bringing this show to the stage has been “a journey full of laughs, learning, and a few last minute changes. But that’s show biz, right?” Kudos to this director for providing such valuable experiences for the middle school students. The club has doubled the number of students involved this year to the impressive 150 young people working onstage and behind the scenes.

Many of the eighth graders started the Beman Drama Club with Tulley three years ago, and “it is largely because of them that the club has evolved and grown into the student-led awesomeness that it is now.” Needless to say, Tulley will be sad when they move on to high school next year.

Many of the principal roles in the show have been double cast, with two performers sharing the roles. I have confirmed with the director that I am crediting the students that went on for opening night.

Eighth grade student Kade Yandell has great stage presence in the title role that he shares with seventh grader Aryanna Latina. Gage Voccola plays Babkak, Dina G. Hunter portrays Omar and Lillian Ramia plays Kassim. The three eighth grade students compose a great trio of Aladdin’s buddies and will appear in all performances.

Adele Slayton, a seventh grade student, sings beautifully in the role of Princess Jasmine and does very well with the strength of her character. Slayton thanks all of the adults in her program bio, calling Tulley “the funniest director ever.” She shares the role with eighth grader Isabella Nolan.

Robert Schulenburg, a tall seventh grade student, gives a strong performance in the role of the evil Jafar, a role he shares with eighth grader Zoey Johnson. Schulenburg must have been great as Lord Farquaade in “Shrek, Jr.” As his sidekick Iago, sixth grader Autumn Mierzejewski is a parrot that is in constant motion and simply adorable. Surprisingly, this is her first official acting role. She shares the role with eighth grader Emily Forno.

As the princess’ devoted friends, Daniella Mastrocola and Molly Middleton share the part of Isir, Erioluwa Shokunbi and Savannah Grant share Manal and Addison Litke and Angelica Fernandez share Rajah.

Kendall Dennis is a delight in the role of Genie, the role she shares with Maxx Ortiz. Dennis’ performance brought out all of the comedy in the role.

Supporting roles include seventh grader Seren Soley as Sultan, Eleanor Ozga as Razoul, Cameron Parker and Susana Bautista as guards, Donavin Pickard as the spooky voice in the Cave of Wonders, Maya Dancey as the apple vendor, Paige Tredwell as Prince Abdullah, and Madeline Corbin and Skylar Tallerdy as Prince Abdullah’s Attendants.

There is a host of talented students in the Agrahahn Chorus and the Entourage Chorus and when all of them enter for a big production number, they fill the stage and spill out onto the risers set up at the front of the house. The choreography was designed by a small committee, with Lucy Yahwak as choreography captain, and all the students rose to the challenge.

Shout outs to the busy stage managers Hannah Line, Jessica Street, Amiyah Bonilla-Rodrigeuz and Sophia LaRue, as well as Set Manager Emily Makula, Props Manager Athena Cope, Costume Manager Jaeda Slade, and Makeup Manager Nahla Santavenere.

The sound and lighting design is credited to Simone Hightower and the surprisingly big stage design was done by the director. Steve Hunter, the “ultimate Drama Dad,” built the set. The multitude of costumes is the work of Judy Kalinowski, with makeup and (impressive) special effects by Dylan Burger. There is some lovely media to flesh out the set, managed by Michael Vartulli and worked by students. There were a few technical hiccups on opening night, but it simply added to the charm of the show.

As usual, the parents and guardians are credited with making the show possible by sharing their young performers. Kudos to all of the adults that brought this show to life.

Upcoming events include “Disney’s High School Musical: On Stage!” at the Middletown High School auditorium in May.

The opening night performance was nearly sold out and the audience was filled with supportive family and friends (and me.) Be forewarned that there are some loud noises and the use of a fog machine. The actors effectively use the aisles of the beautiful auditorium throughout the two acts that run a comfortable 90 minutes. Remaining performances are Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. and March 1 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the newspaper.

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