The cast of the Qualters Drama production of ‘Aladdin Kids.” (Photo courtesy Mansfield Public Schools) 
Vaibhav Daruri as Aladdin and Samantha Cannon as Jasmine, in ‘Aladdin Kids.’ (Photo courtesy Mansfield Public Schools) Wyatt Katon as the Genie in ‘Aladdin Kids.’ (Photo courtesy Mansfield Public Schools)
MANSFIELD — Superintendent Teresa Murphy and Principal David McGovern are pleased to invite the Mansfield Public School community to a virtual presentation by students in the Qualters Middle School Drama Club this week.
WHEN:
Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19, with shows beginning at 7 p.m.
WHERE:
The shows will be presented virtually. To reserve a free ticket, click here.
WHAT:
This year’s QMS Drama musical is “Aladdin Kids.” A cast of 16 QMS students have worked hard to learn their lines despite rehearsals all being held remotely. Students recorded their parts individually and sent them to co-director and Qualters theater teacher Jessica Strunin, who worked to combine them into one cohesive production.
Through the use of green screens and special editing techniques, actors will appear as though they are side-by-side in some scenes and in different locations.
Many of the props and costumes were provided by the students with materials they had on hand at their own homes.
“Our students really rose to the challenge and put together an amazing show despite being apart for most of the process,” Strunin said. “This was a huge undertaking. We went into the process with realistic expectations, but everyone blew us away with the finished product. These kids are rock stars, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
“‘Aladdin Kids” is based on the 1992 Disney film, “Aladdin,” and is presented by Music Theatre International. Streaming is presented by special arrangement with MTI.
Cast members include:
Vaibhav Daruri – Aladdin
Wyatt Katon – Genie
Daniel Fleming – Lamp Vendor/Narrator
Samantha Cannon – Jasmine
Ryan Gillogly – Jafar
Tyler Iovino – Sultan
Lily Roche – Iago
Andrew DeGirolamo – Agrabahn, Prince Abdullah, Skeleton 1
Nate Graham – Agrabahn, Prince Hassim, Skeleton 2
Jeffrey Troilo – Agrabahn, Prince Malik, Skelton 3
Victoria Nalbandian – Agrabahn, Cave Guard, Ali’s Entourage
Anna Graham – Agrabahn, Bread Vendor, Ali’s Entourage
Tessa Johnson – Agrabahn, Fruit Vendor, Ali’s Entourage
Jacob Boschen – Agrahban, Beggar, Guard 1
Sankar Babu – Agrahban, Beggar, Guard 2,4
Gwynne Parre – Agrahban, Beggar, Guard 3
The play is directed by Strunin and fellow Qualters theater teacher Patrick McCrossan, with McCrossan also serving as vocal director.
The cast and crew of the production would like to give special thanks to the following for their support of the show:
Superintendent Murphy, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Michael Connolly, Qualters Principal David McGovern and Assistant Principals Kevin Hoffman and Mary Cotillo, Director of Facilities Matthew Jacques, Mansfield Buildings and Grounds, QMS PAC, the Mansfield School Committee, Performing Arts Department Chair Matthew McGuire, Susan Hazel, Frances Spivak, Laura Presentato, the Qualters Middle School staff, the QMS custodial staff, and all the parents and guardians who helped support the cast throughout the project.
“We encourage all Mansfield School families and the greater Mansfield community to sign up to view one of these productions to see for themselves just how hard each of the QMS Drama students worked to create this fantastic show,” Superintendent Murphy said.
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