Chico Performances
University Public Events
California State University, Chico
www.chicoperformances.com
Fact Sheet:
FOR PREVIEWS AND REVIEWS
Aladdin JR. Brings A Whole New World to Laxson Auditorium
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Showcasing the talents of 62 local kids from around the North State, Storyteller, formerly known
as Playhouse Youth Theatre, and Chico Performances bring the classic Disney fairy tale, Aladdin
Jr., to life at Laxson Auditorium.
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Evening performance is Wednesday, May 7th at 7:30 p.m.
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Tickets to the evening musical are $15 adult, $13 senior, $8 child/student and available for
purchase online at http://www.chicoperformances.com or by calling the University Box Office
at 898-6333. Performances are at Laxson Auditorium at California State University, Chico.
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This “JR.” version of the original Disney production features well-known songs including
“Arabian Nights,” “A Whole New World,” and “Friend Like Me.”
Additional Information:
Everyone’s favorite adventure in the city of Agrabah comes to life with the help of local talents from
around the North State. Aladdin along with his friends Jasmine, Genie, Sultan, and evil Jafar are bringing
their magic and mayhem into Laxson Auditorium this May.
Storyteller and Chico Performances have cast local children to bring the classic fairy tale, Aladdin JR., to
life on the Laxson Auditorium stage. Showcasing 62 kids, ages 7- 16, from around the North State, this
musical will feature popular songs from the Disney production of Aladdin as well as songs from the hit
Broadway production.
This shortened, “Jr.” version of the story features the fearless young street urchin, Aladdin, and his
quest to marry the beautiful Princess Jasmine. But in order to marry her, he needs a little help from his
friend, Genie, to turn him into a Prince fit for the Princess. Meanwhile, malicious Jafar and his conniving
parrot, Iago, plan to expose Aladdin and force Jasmine to marry Jafar instead, in a scheme to inherit the
rights and powers of the Sultan of Agrabah.
“I’m excited about the unique casting and special surprises in this performance,” said Lisa Schmidt,
director of Aladdin Jr. and founder of Storyteller, formerly known as Playhouse Youth Theatre.
Leading the adventure are a few returning Playhouse performers and a few new faces. Playing the part
of Aladdin is twelve- year-old Spencer Gosselin from Chico Junior High School. Ten-year -old Katherine
LeRoux from Rosedale Elementary School will play Aladdin’s leading lady, Jasmine. And don’t forget the
playful Genie, who is played by Zoe Karch from Chico Junior High School. Last, but not least, the evil
Jafar will be played by sixteen-year-old Nicholas Hoover from Inspire School of Arts and Sciences. Every
child plays an important role in making this performance a huge success while entertaining audiences of
all ages.
Garrett Miller, Aladdin Jr.’s co-director, stated that the set, designed by Dave Beasly, showcases the
mystical city of Agrabah like a “fantasy pop-up book.” This will be Miller’s first year co-directing with Lisa
Schmidt.
Featured in this junior version are classic songs from the hit Broadway musical show, “Arabian Nights,”
“A Whole New World,” and “Friend Like Me.”
Entering its fifth year on the Laxson stage, Storyteller is sure to put on quite a performance. Having
worked with different youth theater groups over the last ten years, Schmidt is no stranger to directing
the North State’s brilliant young actors. And after a few years of working with various companies she
decided to branch out on her own, offering year round performance classes to kids ages 4-17 as a way to
keep them busy after school while building self-esteem and learning to work within a group.
Media Opportunities: FOR MEDIA USE ONLY/NOT FOR PUBLICATION
Media is invited to the below events to obtain photos and/or video:
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Wednesday, April 30, 5:15 p.m. at Enloe Rehabilitation Center, 340 W. East Ave.
To obtain photo, video or interviews, the media is invited to attend either of these filed trip
performances.
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Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. Sneak Peek Performance at Chico Pioneer Day Parade, Downtown
Chico
To obtain photo, video or interviews, the media is invited to attend either of these filed trip
performances.
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Wednesday, May 7, 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Field Trip Performances at Laxson Auditorium
To obtain photo, video or interviews, the media is invited to attend either of these filed trip
performances.
For more information on field trip performances, marketing, photos, video, interviews or ticket
availability, contact Daran Goodsell or Amanda Lennon at 898-6785 or cpmarketing@csuchico.edu.
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