Sugar Grove student to perform as 'Genie' in the upcoming production of "Aladdin Jr.!"

The first time I saw Ben Rogers perform was during the Spotlight Youth Theater- Aurora’s production of “Beauty and The Beast”. He played the role of Lumiere, a candelabra, and literally lit up the stage with his performance! I have had the privilege of watching him perform ever since.
Ben’s roles have included Potiphar in “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, Fagan in “Oliver!”, Sher Khan in “Jungle Book”, Captain Hook in “Peter Pan”, and many, many more. He has said that his favorite roles have been Fagan in Oliver! and Captain Hook in Peter Pan. I still remember watching him in Oliver as he brought to life the character of Fagan, a very anxious and jumpy man who had long greasy hair and was constantly biting his fingernails out of nervousness. Every time Ben steps on stage he is ready to paint a vivid tale for his audience through the characters that he plays.

Ever since Ben was little he has had a knack for story telling. He remembers when he was little he would think up stories in his mind that he would share. He would share them with two of his favorite people in the world- his Grandma Jo and Grandma Patsy. It only seems fitting that he would now tell stories to so many others through the roles that he plays on stage.

Over the next two weekends, Ben will portray one of the main characters, The Genie, in the upcoming performance of Aladdin, Jr.! After the many wonderful roles that Ben has brought to life, this role will be the culmination of his performances with Spotlight Youth Theater as he turns 19 and graduates out of the Spotlight program.

Watch as he, The Genie, works his magic and weaves a tale of adventure, love, and true friendship in Agrabah, The City of Enchantment, where every beggar has a story and every camel has a tail! Filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides, audiences’ spirits will soar with excitement. Most of all, the tuneful, Academy award-winning score with songs including “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me” will certainly make this musical a favorite for many years to come!

Theater:

Batavia HS Fine Arts Centre - 1201 Main Street (enter off Wilson), Batavia, IL

Performances are as follows:

School day shows:
Thursday, February 12th - 9:30 am
Thursday, February 12th - 11:45 am
Friday, February 13th - 9:30 am
Friday, February 13th - 11:45 am

Evening and Weekend shows:
Friday, February 13th - 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 14th - 2:00 pm ***
Saturday, February 14th - 6:00 pm
Sunday, February 15th - 3:00 pm
Saturday, February 21st - 2:00 pm
Saturday, February 21st - 6:00 pm
Sunday, February 22nd - 3:00 pm
***Family Day Pricing

Online Tickets are as follows:
Adults- $12
Students (2-17)- $10
Seniors (62 and up)- $10
You may purchase your tickets up to three hours in advance of each performance.

Online discounts are available for Valentine’s Day:
2pm- all tickets are $10
6pm- enter AuroraLove to receive $2 off from each ticket

Tickets purchased at the door are as follows:
Adults- $14
Students (2-17)- $12
Seniors- $12