Aladdin

It's always a miracle when a musical comes together. This one is especially miraculous figuring the disastrous condition the show was in during our two dress rehearsals. But there is something about the stress and excitement of putting on the actual show that seems to pull everything together.  On Tuesday I thought this would probably  be the worse show I had ever been involved in, by the closing number on opening night, Thursday, it had turned into a show I was proud to be a part of.

Ruth is doing great in her part and gets better and better each night.  She is calm, confident and commanding on the stage.  When we did The Music Man together four years ago she was terrified, clinging to my hand and skirts every time we went on stage.  She has come such a long way, and it is all a result of her determination to face her fears.  I couldn't be more proud.

While Ruth is on the stage, I spend my evening sitting with the chorus giving them their cues to get on and off the stage.  There are almost 90 kids in the choir and we get them on the stage and singing within 10 seconds.  I've had several parents tell me that their kids are having a great time, and our mic guy said that this is one of the most organized kids shows he has ever worked on.

Here are some pictures of the show.  Next week I'll put up some video highlights as well.  We will also be getting a DVD of the show which I'll make copies of for the grandparents. We have one more show on Monday night.

Ruth is scolding Jasmine for running away.

Here Ruth is forcing Jasmine into a loveless marriage.

Ruth calls Aladdin a "Raaaaaaagamuffin!"

Plates full of jewels cause Ruth to have a change of heart towards Aladdin.

Ruth telling off her husband, the sultan.

One of the gags of the show was that the sultan was so small, Ruth towered over him.

Ruth posing for pictures at the end of the show.