WHEN Mount Carmel School’s Theatre Club presents its production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2, it will continue a long tradition of bringing Disney magic to the stage and to the island. In its 27 year history, the Club has told numerous stories from the Disney catalogue, including classics like Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid Jr., The Lion King Jr., and Mulan Jr. Continuing that tradition with yet another Disney show fittingly coincides with Disney’s year-long 100th anniversary this year.

“Ever since Walt and Roy Disney launched the Disney group of companies in 1923, storytelling has always been at the heart of everything Disney does, whether in animation, movies, Broadway musicals, or even their theme parks,” said Theatre Club founder, show co-producer, and Northern Marianas College president, Galvin Deleon Guerrero. He added, “So it only makes sense that a club like ours that loves to tell stories on stage and in film would return, time and time again, to Disney for material and inspiration.”

When the show’s director, junior and Theatre Club veteran Malina Rose B. Tenorio, was given the opportunity to direct, she did not hesitate in choosing another Disney story. However, her love for the story reflects yet another generation of Disney fans that have grown up, not with the animated classics but with their live action remakes. As she put it, “I actually fell in love with Aladdin when I saw the 2019 movie starring Will Smith.” “In fact,” she added, “I didn’t watch the 1992 animated version until I started directing this show and wanted to learn more about its origins, which only made me love the story even more!”

For show co-producer, Theatre Club adviser and AlumKnight, and school teacher, Zeno Deleon Guerrero Jr, telling another Disney story is familiar yet exciting. As a student member of the club, he was involved in several Disney shows. He said, “While it is slightly different as a teacher and adviser to put on a show like this, the magic is still there.” He added, “It’s especially inspiring to see a whole new generation of younger cast and crew members learn to understand and appreciate the art of telling Disney stories on stage.”

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman, Time Rice, and Chad Beguelin, and book by Chad Beguelin. Based on the Disney film written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliot & Terry Rossio and directed & produced by Ron Clements & John Musker. The Mount Carmel School Theatre Club production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. will be presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (mtishows.com).

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. will be presented on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2, at the school’s historic stage with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $15 for limited premium seats, $10 for preferred seats, and $5 for general admission, and may be purchased at the Mount Carmel School Business Office. For more information, call (670) 234-6184 or visit www.facebook.com/mtcarmelcnmi/.