IN Tuesday, December 10, the lawns of the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts (PSCCA) at the University of the West Indies, Mona set the stage for the launch of the Jamaica Junior Theatre’s (JJT’s) 2014 production Aladdin!.

In keeping with the setting of the play, the lawns were decorated with ornaments to create an Arabic ambience. Patrons were welcomed to the event by Damian Shaw, a product of the JJT. Patrons were then treated to an exclusive preview of the production by the cast.

With two chorus numbers: One Jump, led by Andrew Bailey, who plays Aladdin, and The Strongest Suit, led by Ashley Thurlow who plays the show’s villain, The Razia Sultana.

This is the second time JJT will be staging Aladdin!; the first staging was back in 1992. The 2014 production is a modern twist on the well-known story. Scriptwriters Jodi Ho Lung and Samantha Chin Yee have included a female villain, and a Genie with a little Jamaican flavour. Joining the scriptwriters on the production team are Peter Haley, director; Ana Strachan, musical director; and Tony Wilson, choreographer.

The play follows the traditional storyline of Aladdin whilst providing twists and turns, taking the audience on a musical adventure.Thus appealing to all social groups Aladdin being a play that could transfer through all generations. For all performing arts lovers or persons who just love a great storyline this would be a good play for both family and friends.

The story focuses on an impoverished street rat Aladdin, played by Andrew Bailey. All Aladdin ever wanted to do was to live wealthy. Aladdin, in a twist of fate, is transformed into a prince, and befriends Princess Jasmine, played by both Justine Rookwood and Amoy Montague. Together they tackle the demand of their family, friends and the evil ring holder Shahrivar, played by Ricardo Barrett, as he plots to take over the city. Aladdin now realises that he is the only one who can save the day.

It is hoped that Aladdin!, like previous JJT productions, will garner the support of the Jamaican public as a way to contribute to charitable causes. In the tradition of JJT, profits from the 2014 productions will go to a Jamaican children’s charity. This year’s beneficiary is the Christina Bennett Scholarship Fund, an award which will be made to one or more deserving JJT participants annually.

Francine McDonald-Vasselle of Children First, beneficiaries of the 2013 JJT production, was on hand at the launch of Aladdin! “Children First is extremely grateful to JJT for their donation this year,” said Mcdonald-Vaselle. “It was the start we needed to better position our organisation, which was facing closure.”

Children First is a non-government organisation based in Spanish Town and dedicated to the support and upliftment of vulnerable children. Earlier this year, JJT donated proceeds from Alice The Musical to the organisation to assist with its remedial education programme (REP). The Children First REP has helped hundreds of young people become literate and able to reintegrate into the formal education system.

The play will run from January 2014 with 29 shows at the PSCCA.