Community members of all ages are invited to attend Hammond Junior High Magnet School’s first musical production, “Aladdin.”
The show will be held in the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts from 7 until 8 p.m. on April 16. The cost of general admission is $5.
“They’re doing this because they know that the arts enrich lives,” said Artie Felom Gautier, fine and performing arts specialist. “The majority of these children have never performed in a community theater before. They’ve done school programs all their lives, but this is a unique experience for them to be in this fabulous Columbia Theatre.”
Norene Tucker, head of the performing arts department and performing arts instructor, serves as the play director. The cast consists of students from Tucker’s music classes who volunteered to perform. The play will be performed using traditional interpretation of the original Disney film.
“The entire school is so excited about the production and proud that we are doing this,” said Tucker. “It’s the first time that they have participated in something of this nature so I am proud to be able to do this at this school at this time in their history. They are absolutely wonderful kids.”
The opportunity to perform in the downtown venue will provide the young actors with useful and unique theatrical experience.  
“The Columbia offers the largest stage in the area and the lighting, sound system and special effects that really add to a show and give the students a real feel for theatre,” said Tucker.
The story focuses on Aladdin, a street-urchin, who accidentally meets and quickly falls in love with Jasmine, a princess destined to marry a prince. Jafar, the sultan’s evil advisor, continually obstructs the improbable romance with a scheme to rule the land. A Genie, a magic lamp, three wishes and many colorful characters spice up the story.  
“We’ve worked very hard. We’ve had weekend practices, after school practices and during school practices,” said Kaysha Joseph, an 8th grade student who will perform in the role of Princess Jasmine. “It’s a fun role to play and having a main part really helps me develop my feelings towards acting. It’s just a great experience to have.”
Tickets can be purchased from the Columbia Theatre Box Office from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., or one hour before the show. For more information regarding future Columbia Theatre performances, visit columbiatheatre.org.