Dress Rehearsal Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A classic Disney story that we’ve enjoyed in almost every form – from comics, books, cartoons, live action movies, theater productions to video games, is the magical tale of Aladdin. The story of an ordinary thief who changes his fate and woos the Princess Jasmine we all know and love.

Witness the same magic, live on stage, with a musical performance presented by the children of Union Christian Public School and Union Christian Matriculation Higher Secondary School under the direction of Chennai-based director and actor Michael Muthu. “We decided on Aladdin because the kids liked it, and started rehearsals a few months ago. It’s a huge production with over 100 people involved, including all the actors, singers and crew,” says Michael.

He says the biggest challenge was that everyone involved was new to the process, noting that it was the first time for many of the artists on stage as well as the teachers who are part of the troupe.

The crew was divided into 21 different departments such as sets, lights, props, music, costumes, projection, and more to make it easier to manage the production without becoming overwhelmed. “I consider it to be one of the most difficult plays I have directed so far, also because of the technical aspects. I had to put a genie in a lamp and there were a lot of special effects involved,” he says. Will we get to see an actual magic carpet fly on stage? only time will tell.

Dress Rehearsal Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

For this journey through the Arabian Nights, Michael collaborated with choir master, Ebenezer Arunkumar for the Disney tunes and dance guru John Brito for the choreography. “Dancers, singers and actors all practiced separately initially. Two weeks ago, we started putting them all together and the production has come up with all these elements,” says Michael. “We’ll immediately attack the character and try to develop it and make sure the actor delivers what the character asks for.”

The play is set in nine different locations and there are many elements on set that go in and out during the course of the play. “I have a big backstage, and we all have to work like a well-oiled machine to keep the production running smoothly,” he says.

“I consider art to be a kind of barometer of the state of society, because if a society is progressive and doing well, that’s when they engage in art. It plays a huge role in determining the status of a community, but it also helps students gain confidence and learn new skills,” Michael concluded.

Aladdin will be performed live at The Museum Theatre, Egmore on 26, 27 and 28 October at 7pm. Tickets are available starting at ₹300. For more details contact 9789291513 / 9789291683.