St Joseph’s College, Echuca students created a whole new world for their production of Aladdin Jr, showcasing their talent on Thursday, August 21 and Friday, August 22. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Audiences were transported to Agrabah for the St Joseph’s College, Echuca production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr.
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Excitement was high for the school’s first production since before COVID-19, with performances on Thursday, August 21 and Friday, August 22.
The College Hall stage was set; draped in textiles, decorated with Turkish mosaic lamps and backdropped with vistas straight from the Arabian Peninsula.
Performers warmed up their muscles and their vocal cords at a full dress rehearsal on Thursday afternoon.
With an audience of adoring students from St Mary’s Primary School, Echuca and Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School, it was the perfect introduction before opening night.
Aladdin, played by Bodhi Griffiths, and Jasmine, played by Poppy Ferguson, grace the stage at the full dress rehearsal.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
For Bodhi Griffiths, who played titular character Aladdin, his first steps in the world of performing were enjoyable.
“It’s very unique because I’ve never performed before, and I’ve never done anything like this,” he said.
“It was really fun to just get involved, do something different, perform for people and just make new friends.
“It’s been a little uncomfortable because I’m not used to it.
“I think of it as ... (when) I’m on a basketball court, I’m performing for people; I’m doing the same thing up here, just in a different way.”
Bodhi and Poppy both stepped into the musical theatre world for the first time for the production.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Aladdin’s love interest, Princess Jasmine, was played by Poppy Ferguson.
Similarly, this production was Poppy’s maiden magic carpet ride.
“When I got the role, I was really excited, and I was really surprised that I got it because I had just joined a choir in March last year,” she said.
“I really love the atmosphere with the people and (have) made a lot of new friends.
“Working as a team with everyone, it’s just really fun together.”
The Aladdin Jr full cast and crew.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
For much of the cast and crew, it felt like a whole new world putting together a production for the first time.
Poppy has felt supported by the St Joseph’s staff, including director Helen Fontana, choreographer Brook Ward, and crew Beth Davey, Kyle Nichols, Bec Hof, Caitlin Danher and Julie-Ann Watson.
“All the teachers have been really reassuring, and it’s great that I’ve had people around me to encourage me to shine,” she said.
“I haven’t been nervous, I’ve been excited.
“It’s amazing to see it finally come together.”
The beloved Genie was played by Year 12 student Yarran Jones.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
St Joseph’s College would like to acknowledge the Campaspe Shire Council, the Campaspe Youth Action Group, the Federal Government and the Victorian Government for supporting this event through the Campaspe Recovery Hub.
“The Campaspe Recovery Hub was generously funded by the state of Victoria through Emergency Recovery Victoria’s Recovery Hubs Program in response to the October 2022 flood event which impacted Victorian communities in the Shire of Campaspe,” the college said.
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