November 26, 2017
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HAWK Theatre in Lucknow has welcomed several new young people to its newest production, "Disney's Aladdin Kids," with four of them in lead roles. The show is set to open Friday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m., at the Lucknow Town Hall Theatre.
One of those new faces is Reed Helm of Lucknow who plays the starring role as Aladdin.
The 12-year-old, Grade 7 student at Brookside Public School said he wanted to try something new so he auditioned for the part and got it. "I've done some school plays and musicals," he said. "This is pretty cool; I get to do a lot of acting and singing." When not rehearsing or at school, Reed plays hockey and lacrosse and other sports.
Becca Lamont, 14, of Teeswater has the other leading role as Jasmine.
The Grade 9 student has performed in musicals with Studio 410 in Teeswater. She auditioned for the role of Jasmine and was very excited to get the part. "It feels pretty good," she said. "There are a lot of emotions that Jasmine has to deal with; she's complex." In her spare time, Becca takes singing lessons and plays guitar.
James Speer, 9, of Wingham plays Jasmine's father, the Sultan.
The Grade 4 student at Maitland River Elementary School in Wingham, has been in plays with Studio 410 in Teeswater but never as a main character so this is pretty exciting, he said. "I'm enjoying it. I've memorized my lines so it's good." When not rehearsing or in school, James takes music lessons, plays hockey and enjoys winter activities.
Maddox Burgess, 11, of Ripley is the Head Guard.
The Grade 6 student at Ripley-Huron Community School wanted to try acting so he auditioned for the part and got it. "I like being somebody different," he said. "This is a lot of fun. I'm interested in acting and I'd like to do this again." In his spare time, Maddox enjoys hockey and lacrosse.
Rounding out the major roles are veteran HAWK Theatre actors:
Also in the show are Lachlan Chow, Faith Conley, Elle Schumacker, Jaden Symes, Dannee Marsh, Charleigh Marsh, Mikaela Sutton, Quinlyn Stanley, and newcomers Alayna Middelkamp, Abbey Nixon, Emerson Priboj, Teagan Priboj, Sabrina Ruetz and Sarah Windsor.
Director Mackenzie Carruthers is joined by assistant director Victoria Nixon (who is also stage manager).
This is Nixon's first time as an assistant director; last year, she did make-up for "The Wizard of Oz." "I have a lot of experience with theatre, so I jumped right in to help out."
A resident of Ripley, she studied theatre arts, including singing and dancing, at Eastwood in Kitchener. "I think this is wonderful. From Day 1 until now, it's great to see how the children have progressed, learning their lines and singing the songs. It's great."
Carruthers said it's been a challenging show, with a cast of 24 young people, 10 of whom are new to HAWK Theatre, and a lot of singing. However, she is thrilled with the result.
The marvellous costumes in the show were created by Marilyn Scott and Deb Marion.
While the story of "Aladdin" is familiar, this production is a grand performance of romance and adventure, based on the iconic animated film, with an Academy-award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.
When the street urchin, Aladdin, vies for the attention of the beautiful princess, Jasmine, he uses a Genie's magic power to become a prince in order to marry her. All the wonderful characters are here in this musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem and the power of love.
The show runs Dec. 1-2 and Dec. 8-9 at 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each for adults, and $5 each for children, age 12 and under; available at Everlastings Flowers and Gifts in Lucknow, or by calling Donald at 519-528-3019 or by E-mail at hawktheatrelucknow@gmail.com. You can also find HAWK Theatre on Facebook.
An elevator is available at the theatre, for those with mobility concerns.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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