The musical "Aladdin," performed next month by Artistic Children's Theater, is a combination of the original story written centuries ago and the 1992 animated Walt Disney movie.
The play on Oct. 14, 15, 22 and 23 at St. James Academy's theater in Monkton, features songs made famous by the Disney movie, plus additional characters and plot twists.
There are 48 children in the play from age 6 to 17. They attend a total of seven schools.
The nonprofit theater group's founder and show's director, Chris Ginder, double-cast many of the lead roles to give more children a chance to shine on stage.
Nathan Heinlein, 12, and Kayvon Kaliush, 16, each play Aladdin for two shows.
"This show has more of the book in it, but people will recognize Disney songs," Nathan said. "We have a lot of good actors, so it's nice we share roles."
Ginder asked Kayvon's father, Reza, to play Aladdin's enemy, Jafar.
"I'm the mean guy here, but not in real life," said Reza Kaliush, who coaches junior varsity girls' soccer at Hereford High School. "I'm happy this play gives me time to spend with Kayvon, even if we're enemies on stage."
Another parent-child duo is Bob Betkey who also plays Jafar while his daughter, Logan, is a villager and a dancer.
Three girls take on the role of Jasmine, the Sultan's daughter Aladdin is determined to marry. They are: Bailey Heidelbach, 14, Abby Klink, 10, and Emily Mignini, 16.
This version of Aladdin features three genies and several children portray each one at separate performances. Emma Wallner and Anna Lime are the Genie of the Ring; Sarah Klink and Addie Holden are the Genie of the Jewels; and Morgan Dryer, Ryan Callahan, Ian Musciano and Veronica Brown are Genie of the Lamp.
When they are not playing lead roles, all children are still on stage as dancers or residents of the town.
The performances are: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14; 1 p.m. Oct. 15; 7 p.m. Oct. 22; and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 23.
Tickets are $10 for reserved seat or $8 for general admission. To purchase tickets, go to http://www.actwithact.net and click on tickets.
St. James Academy is located at 3100 Monkton Road, Monkton.