When DTC cast its 11th DTC Kids show, Disney’s Aladdin JR, in January of 2020, who knew it would take three years to actually see this Disney classic performed onstage in Damascus. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the show was suspended and then later cancelled. Attempts to resume the production in 2021 and 2022 would also be dashed.
Artistic Director and choreographer Megan McNellage said “I am so proud of this cast, the little show that could! It has been especially fun seeing the returning cast members realize that they are the ‘big kids’ now. They have grown so much since rehearsals started in 2020; they have gone from being the younger cast mates to now being the older role models. And although we miss our actors who have graduated out of the DTC Kids program, their influence is still strongly felt. After all, they were the original role models to the current cast! I cannot get over the enthusiasm and determination that this cast brings to each and every rehearsal, we are truly in for a magical show!”
We return with a cast of 22, including our originally cast Aladdin and Genie, Nick Ramirez, and Ava Silberman. These two and six others in the original cast came back to audition for the show.
Two of our 2020 cast members are now in college and are back to stage manage and work stage crew.
Meet a few of our actors:
Sydney Alderton (Jasmine)
Sydney is a junior who plans to major in music or musical theatre. She is a member of her high school choir, and a member of the Montgomery County Youth Chorus. Among her favorite roles are Pugsley in The Addams Family, and Ariel/Jetson in the The Little Mermaid. This summer she will attend a two-week musical theater camp with the Young Artists of America!
Nick Ramirez (Aladdin)
Aladdin JR is Nick’s 15th show! His first role was Simba in DTC Kids’ The Lion King JR. Some other favorite roles include Gomez in The Addams Family, Rooster in Annie JR, and Les in Newsies. He would like to double major in psychology and fine arts in the future. He is a member of his school’s chorus and this summer he will be a camp counselor at Spotlight Musical Theater!
Ava Silberman (Genie)
Ava is a junior, and her future plans include pursuing a career in musical theatre. She has been seen throughout the area in such roles as Fantine in Les Misérables, Ursula in The Little Mermaid, Ilsa in Spring Awakening, and Miss Hannigan in DTC Kids’ Annie JR. She has studied dance and voice and currently coaches with Deborah Sternberg. She began performing at the age of 8 or 9 and has performed with DTC many times.
Elise Broadwater (Jafar)
Elise can’t imagine her life without being involved in the arts! A high school junior, Elise has been a member of DTC for many years. Some of her favorite roles include Imogene in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Mae in Bye Bye Birdie, and of course Jafar! She plays piano, guitar, bass guitar, and mandolin. She also loves photography.
Don’t miss the DTC Kids’ show Aladdin JR!
Performances May 19 & 20 @ 7:30 pm, May 20 @ 10:00 am and May 21 @ 2:00 pm, all performances at Damascus United Methodist Church, 9700 New Church St., Damascus.
Tickets are available for purchase at the door.