Young Jamaican talent on the flying carpet

Looking for a great show in Jamaica in the New Year? Then, look no further…

When our son was young (up until he went away to boarding school) one of my greatest pleasures was to take him to the cinema – and to the theater. Knee-deep in popcorn, we saw a range of great children’s movies, and our son still loves animated film. AND we saw most of the productions of the Jamaica Junior Theatre (JJT) at the Phillip Sherlock Centre, in the middle of the university campus. It was time well spent. The JJT productions were of very high quality. Its production of “The Lion King” was so beautifully produced and performed that members of the Broadway production team went to see it and were very impressed. I also remember an excellent production of the 1988 South African musical “Sarafina!” – and many more.

Amazingly, this is the JJT’s 52nd production. Its longevity speaks volumes. So, if you are in Jamaica in January, come and see our highly talented Jamaican young people in what will be another fine production. And it is in a good cause, too. Here’s their press release, and for more information contact Suzanne Stanley – details below…

On Tuesday, December 10, the lawns of the Phillip 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!

Guests to the launch milled around on the lawns of the PSCCA as they waited for the programme to begin. The venue was adorned with rugs, urns, and exotic fabrics giving an Arabian feel in keeping with the setting of Aladdin! Damian Shaw, a Jamaica Junior Theatre Alumnus, hosted the evening’s events, which kicked off just after 6pm. Shaw welcomed guests to the ‘city of Assam,’ the fictional kingdom in which Aladdin! is set.  “We look forward to seeing you all come January when Aladdin! begins its 7 week run at PSCCA,” said Danielle Stiebel, the show’s producer: “Tonight is just a taste of what Aladdin! has to offer, but you will have to come out in January to see the flying carpet!” The cast of Aladdin! then treated media representatives, special guests, friends and family of the cast and production team to an exclusive preview of the show, with two chorus numbers – One Jump, led by Andrew Bailey who plays Aladdin, and The Strongest Suit, led by Ashley Thurlow who plays 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. Script writers Jodi Ho Lung and Samantha Chin Yee have included a Genie with a little Jamaican flavour. Joining the script writers on the production team are Peter Haley, Director, Ana Strachan, Musical Director and Tony Wilson, Choreographer.

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-governmental organisation based in Spanish Town 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.

Founded in 1983 by Douglas Bennett, JJT is the youth arm of the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company (JMTC). JJT is a non-profit organization dedicated to charity and the development of youth in the Performing Arts in Jamaica. It is the only youth organization of its kind in Jamaica, having had 51 productions; between full musical productions (30) and smaller concert series. The JJT has produced musical Broadway notables such as “Beauty & the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Cats,” as well as originally scripted musicals such as “FAME: The Next Generation,” “Hercules,” and “Alice – The Musical.”  Described as life-changing by past cast members, the junior theatre programmes have motivated many young people along the path of self-discovery. Aladdin! is JJT’s 52^ndproduction.

Aladdin! will open on January 10, 2014 at the Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Scenes from the launch of Aladdin! below…

JJT member Andrew Grant, who plays the Genie in the production. (Photo: JJT)

Friends… at the launch of “Aladdin!” (Photo: JJT)

The production team at the launch of “Aladdin!” (Photo: JJT)

Cast members hanging out at the launch. (Photo: JJT)

A chorus number performed by JJT members at the launch of “Aladdin!” (Photo: JJT)

Suzanne Stanleye| media@jamaicamusicaltheatre.com t| (876) 470-7580

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