It's been nearly 10 years since the last theatrical musical production at Union Grove Elementary School. When the cast and crew for Disney's Aladdin Jr. took the stage this past weekend, April 19-20, they knew it had been awhile and they were IMPRESSIVE. It was high energy for the entire one hour and fifteen minute performance as the Aladdin Jr. Cast and Crew performed three separate sold out shows to crowds in the Stevenson Gymnasium. The fifty-two member cast practiced several months to get ready for the production which featured popular hit songs from the movie such as "A Whole New World,” “Arabian Nights,” “Prince Ali,” and a “Friend Like Me.” An amazing set design and costumes were also a part of the spectacular performance. Throughout the planning stages and rehearsal process the cast and crew had many laughs, a lot of fun and some behind the scene bloopers which made it an even more memorable experience.
A very special thank you to the directors, M.J. Cooper (Director), Jen Bauer (Music Director), Melissa Nehm (Assistant Director) and set designer, Ellie Moore, for leading the cast and crew and helping them prepare for the shows. Also, thank you to all of the cast and crew members families’ who provided assistance leading up to the show, all of the volunteers, and spectators who attended the performances this weekend making it a huge success! It was an amazing opportunity for our students, staff, school and the Greater Union Grove community to come together and enjoy something very special!!!
The 2024 Aladdin Jr. cast, crew and directing team will always be remembered as the group who "put forth an amazing amount of extra effort" to revive spring musical and theatrical productions at UGES. What an awesome team! We appreciate all of you! Hope you all had a great time, made many friendships and we hope to see some of you continue your journey to become aspiring actors, actresses, musicians and crew members in the years to come as you enter into your high school years and beyond. DREAM BIG!
Introducing The 2024 Spring Musical, Aladdin Jr., Cast and Crew One Final Time:
Cast: Olivia Bleeker (Genie), Nicholas Hollister (Aladdin), Beni Buscemi (Babkak & Spooky Voice), Aubrey Bauer (Omar), Ryleigh Ehlen (Kassim), Lauren Schneider (Jasmine), Benjamin Thomason (Sultan), Jayden Gronholm (Jafar), Maggie Swartz (Iago), Addie LaForge (Shop Owner), Gabriella Lauf (Razoul), Andi Boeder (Guard), Evangeline McClure (Guard), Oscar Williams (Beggar), Kendal Daul (Beggar), Lyla Kenyon (Beggar), Alise Kaisserlian (Beggar), Finley Prochaska (Apple Vendor), Haddie Hollister (Fortune Teller), Logyn Maki (Attendant), Claire Tornow (Attendant), Declan Verbeten (Prince Abdullah), Sophia Steinhoff (Isir), Lillie Vaughn (Manal), Addisyn Huenink (Rajah), Layla Hope (Cave of Wonders)
Agrabahns/Ensemble/Entourage: Charlotte Hirth, Danica Lancaster, Addison Peachey, Ava Klingenmeyer, Ailey Ninneman, Josephine McClure, Olivia Bates, Peyton Johnson, McKenzie Larsen, Mikaela Brenner, Charlotte Kuiper, Ryan Koerber
Crew: Lucy Carroll, Lilia Wier, Michael Puckett, Emmy Schuerman, Jessica Spring, Jackson France, Lizzie Bailey, Bella Rivera-Martinez, Ella Kasprowicz, Lucy Sheahan, Savannah Peachey, Cory Johnson, Bailey Reich, Vanessa Murguia
Be sure to check out the UGES Website “Live Feed” and Facebook beginning Monday for additional photos from the Aladdin Jr. performance.