NWCook CYT (formerly Spotlight Youth Theater) Presents Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.”

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Come feel the magic as Northwest Cook County’s Spotlight Youth Theater (now CYT) presents Aladdin Jr., Disney’s Broadway musical featuring everyone’s favorite blue-skinned Genie. Performances run October 27-November 5 at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St. Des Plaines.

This musical is particularly relevant to Spotlight Youth Theater as they rejoin Christian Youth Theater (CYT), the largest after-school theater arts training program in the nation. Affiliates across the country (now including CYT Chicago), offer classes in drama, music, dance, and technical theater. Spotlight started out as part of CYT 20 years ago. For the last 5 years, Spotlight has been operating as its own separate program, but recently decided to partner once again with CYT.

“Our name has changed since last season, but nothing about our mission or what we stand for has,” says Kim Renko, CYT Chicago’s Marketing Director. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to once again be affiliated with Christian Youth Theater (CYT) for our 21st season of quality children’s theater.”

With a theme of being open to new ideas and experiences, Aladdin Jr. is a great way to kick off CYT Northwest Cook’s 2017-2018 season.

“I love this company,” says Lindsey Branson, Aladdin’s director, who’s been involved in CYT/Spotlight since 2005. “It's really incredibly special. We have kids that are so talented and dedicated to the craft of theater, but equally passionate about creating a safe environment for everyone, where everyone is loved and accepted.”

Set in Agrabah, the story follows Aladdin, a “street rat” with big dreams, and Jasmine, the princess doomed to marry someone she doesn’t love. Enter the Genie and his magic carpet to stir things up a bit, discover new worlds, new possibilities, and the power of friendship.

“The best thing about CYT are the friends, lots and lots of friends. Friends in ways that most places can’t possibly compare to,” says Eli Oleson, who plays the Sultan, Jasmine’s father. “They don’t feel as genuine, or as open as they do at CYT. People here tend to make me feel more real, like when you walk in, they are genuinely happy to see you.”

Eli (who is 18) started with CYT when he was 9, and has done 23 shows, encompassing both the CYT and Spotlight eras. Two years ago, he “bribed” his twin brother Jacob to join … by giving him an Xbox.

“Since then, I haven’t regretted it!” says Jacob, who is starring in this show as the Genie. He enjoys working with his brother, however, “Every director we’ve worked with has yelled at ME for not being on stage at some point, when it is actually supposed to be HIM! It is fun to work together, though, especially getting up to shenanigans backstage.”

Directors do tend to have a lot on their hands when staging a CYT show. “One of the things I think is really special about CYT shows is the size of our cast,” says Branson. “To get 80+ kids to do anything together is a modern miracle. They are really performers who lead with their heart and do a great job.”

Aladdin will be no different. With its high energy musical numbers, this production rolls right along, literally non-stop, moving quickly from one huge song-and-dance number to the next. The harmonies are beautiful, and the dancing is fun and complex – something NWCook is known for.

“With the stage version, my team and I try to elevate that [Disney] magic,” says Branson. “These are not just characters, but also real people who have struggles, hopes, dreams, disappointments and breakthroughs. It's not just a story about a lamp ... it's really a story about seeking after freedom, and that looks different for each person in the show.”

Aladdin has everything: magic, heroes, villains, surprises, humor, moments of connection … it’s one of those rare shows that will be enjoyed by people of any age. 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 of the whole family.

Tickets are only $11-$14 presale, + $2 at the door (group, child, and senior prices available). Visit www.cytchicago.org and click on “Shows” or call 847-516-2298 to purchase tickets. The Prairie Lakes Theater seats only 300, so shows sell out very quickly.