Disney’s Aladdin Jr. opens Thursday at DHS

Aladdin, played by Brian Tripp, reacts to Genie, played by Tyler Ward, in Monday’s dress rehearsal at DHS. Aladdin Jr. opens Thursday at 7 p.m. (WAW | Stewart Gwin)

Prepare to be transported to the land of Agrabah this weekend as the Tiger Arts Guild (TAG) at Demopolis High School presents Disney’s Aladdin Jr.

“The beautiful colors and costumes, the uplifting music, we really just hope that patrons are able to come in and be transported to the world of Agrabah,” said director Jody Tartt. “The show is visually stunning, and ultimately my goal is for it to be an escape for those who come to see it.”

Tartt, who has led the theater program at DHS for 16 years, was quick to point out those who have helped make the show a success.

“My goal has always been to involve not only the entire arts department, but also other classes from campus, and this has been the perfect show for that,” Tartt said. “My theater classes of course play a role, but for this show we are also fortunate to have Madaline Jacobs directing the musical portion, and Charles Jones and his industrial maintenance students help us in assembling the set.”

From left, Genie (Tyler Ward), Aladdin (Brian Tripp), and Jasmine (Allison Polk). (WAW | Stewart Gwin)

Tartt also was able to once again partner with visual artist Garland Farwell, marking the 10th year the duo has collaborated on various projects

“Garland is always so gracious to give his time to this program and this school, and once again I have been blown away by his art and the intricacies in this set,” said Tartt.

For the set design, Tartt’s Theater Design class was tasked with researching Arabian architecture and art. A collage was then created and Farwell used that research, coupled with his real world experiences in the Middle East, to design the Aladdin set.

“The really cool part about working with Garland is that he brings his ideas, his designs, and our students tap into that. He directs them, gives them tips of the trade, and so what you see at the end of the day is a collaborative project between our students and Garland,” Tartt said. “Every time we collaborate on a project, his work far exceeds my expectations.”

More than 35 DHS students make up the cast and crew of Aladdin Jr., and for Tartt, that’s a good thing.

“I want to get as many students and teachers as possible involved,” she said.

Aladdin Jr. opens Thursday at the DHS Theater and runs through Saturday at 7 p.m. nightly. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students.