Magic ride with 'Aladdin, Jr.'

Wild Horse Children's Theater invites children of all ages to visit Agraba, City of Enchantment, during performances of "Disney's Aladdin, Jr." opening Friday at Children's Museum of Northern Nevada.

The performance, which features the talent of 85 children on stage and many more working magic behind the scenes, is a musical that features everyone's favorite characters, from Aladdin and Jasmine to the Genie, played by theater alumni Kenni Kinsey in blue face, said Carol Scott, executive director and founder.

"When a role requires greater maturity and some ad libbing, we often call on the talents of those children who grew up and grew out, such as Kenni, who is now in college," Scott said. "The Disney junior programs are designed to keep the little ones engaged and offer a great theater experience for anyone of any age."

Directed by Pat Josten, "Aladdin, Jr." is an hour and 15 minutes of Academy award-winning music, featuring songs such as "A Whole New World," and "Friend Like Me," magic and mayhem, complete with magic flying carpets, strobe lights and puppets.

Wild Horse started four years ago as a non-profit, 501c3 to "create extraordinary theater experiences by children - for children, that educate, challenge, and inspire young people," according to its mission statement.

Those onstage range from 5 to 16 years, with young adults taking on the role of technical or stage hands. By the time someone has gone through that many years of experience and training, they have a solid understanding of what theater is about, Scott said, adding that each production usually includes 100 or more children.

"Although we are a children's theater, we have professional staff and hold the children to a professional standard," Scott said, adding that all the littlest children and lead roles are double cast, to alleviate pressure. "They always meet the bar."

She added that with the past production of "Beauty & The Beast," audience members were wondering how they had got the children to lip sinc so well.

"They couldn't believe the children were actually singing live," she said. "For Aladdin, we have some of the children working as puppeteers.

"It does take a village and our volunteers and parents have stepped up to do whatever's needed."

In addition to the three performances it gives each year, Wild Horse offers Summer on Broadway, a performing arts camp, as well as ongoing workshops and classes.

Performances of "Aladdin, Jr." take place at 7 p.m. Fridays, May 7, 14 and 21; 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays, May 8 and 15; 4 p.m. May 22; and 4 p.m. Sundays, May 9 and 16.

Tickets cost $10 for general admission, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for children 12 and younger. Children younger than 3 are free when accompanied by an adult and do not occupy a seat. Early ticket purchase is recommended and can be done online at wildhorsetheater.com or by calling 775-887-0438.

The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada is located at 813 N. Carson St. (Highway 395).

For more information about Wild Horse Theater productions and programs, call 775-887-0438 or e-mail pat@wildhorsetheater.com