Aladdin Jr. takes flight in Carson City

Don’t be surprised if you saw something unusual flying around Carson City recently. It’s not a bird or a plane or even Superman.

It’s a magic carpet.

Wild Horse Children’s Theater was preparing for the Friday opening of Aladdin Jr., the stage musical based on the hit Disney film, and Flying by Foy is in town to get the production off its feet.

Literally.

The Las Vegas-based theatrical flying service is here for two days training four people how to operate the equipment needed to lift Aladdin, Jasmine and a human magic carpet into the sky.

The production is made possible by the theater group’s fundraiser, We Believe We Can Fly, which raised enough money for the flying service as well as replacement of an aging spotlight, and by the expansive Bob Boldrick Theater.

“We needed a larger venue,” than the Brewery Arts Center, where Wild Horse is a resident theater company, said Carol Scott, executive director. “Starting last year we’re doing one production a year at the Community Center.”

Last year the group staged Beauty and the Beast Jr. there.

Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast are two of the two dozen or so junior versions of Broadway musicals cut down to size to better fit a children’s or community theater staging.

The 90-minute Aladdin Jr. follows the street urchin Aladdin as he uses Genie’s magic powers to become a prince and woo the princess Jasmine.

It’s based on the animated film and has an Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

The one-act, seven-scene junior version features the major characters, including Jafar, The Sultan and, of course, the Magic Carpet, as well as the most memorable songs such as “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.”

The Wild Horse production uses two casts and crews of about 85 children.

“We typically audition between 80 and 100 kids for each show,” said Scott. “We don’t turn anyone away.”

Wild Horse, celebrating its 10th anniversary next year, puts on three productions annually as well as a two-week summer camp for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade.

“One of the things we strive for is not just putting on a show but teaching theater etiquette. It’s one of the things I am most proud of,” said Scott. “I see them making their entrances, acting as they’re walking off the stage, staying in character even when they’re not the leads.”

Wild Horse will be performing Elf Jr. in December and Annie Kids in March 2017, both at the BAC, and The Secret Garden in June 2017 at the Carson City Community Center.

The production team includes Scott, Pat Josten, executive producer, Robin Kayo-Brong, choreographer, and Alan Catron, musical director.

Show dates for Aladdin Jr. are July 1, 2, 8, and 9 at 7 p.m. and July 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 2 p.m. at the Bob Boldrick Theater, Carson City Community Center, 850 E. William St.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors/students, $8 for ages 12 and under, and children 3 and under are free.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 887-0438 or online at www.showtix4u.com/boxoffice.php?submit=Search+for+Events&begin=1542968¤t_client=090312090329265.