RMS students to present Disney classic

Russellville Middle School students rehearse for their upcoming performance of Aladdin, Jr., which will take place on April 5-6.

Students involved with the Russellville Middle School Fine Arts department are gearing up for their spring production and it promises to be just as good as the group’s previous shows that have received rave reviews from local supporters.
On April 5 and 6, students in the RMS Drama and Show Choir will present Aladdin Jr., which is a play based on the classic Disney animated movie “Aladdin” about a loveable street-urchin and his monkey friend, a princess, a flying carpet, a magic genie and a whole host of other fun characters.
“This Disney classic is loved by children of all ages,” said Patrice Smith, who serves as the director and choreographer for the production. “We chose this show because we loved the idea of bringing the “Arabian night” to Russellville. Theatre can really transport an audience and this show most definitely does that.”
Smith said auditions for the production took place in January and students have been working on the show on and off since that time.
“Our spring semester is so hectic with the State Thespian Festival, performance assessment and All-State Show Choir and Chorus, so we have just had to work on the show a little at a time,” Smith said. “But we have been in full musical-mode for about three weeks now.”
Smith and music director Emily Rush have been rehearsing with the 60 students who will be featured in next week’s show to make sure each song and line delivered is their best.
“I’m constantly amazed at the talent and dedication of these middle school students,” Smith said. “They wow us every single day and I’m so proud to be their director.”
There will be many upbeat songs to keep the crowd of his family-friendly show going and Smith said the props and sets would be top-notch.
“The set for this show will really be special,” Smith said. “Heather Leyde, who interned with me for drama last semester from Troy University, came back to design and paint our set and it’s amazing.”
Smith said getting the production up and running has taken the work of many people, both on stage and behind the scenes.
“One thing that makes our program such a success is our ever-supportive administration and faculty,” Smith said. “We have faculty members helping us backstage, with ticket sales, technical support, organization and almost every facet of this show.
“[Principal Frankie] Hammock and [Assistant Principal Karen] Thorn are always helping and supporting us and our students. They love this just as much as the kids do.
“At RMS our students come first. This production is truly a team effort. Mrs. Rush and I feel so blessed to be part of such an amazing faculty and staff.”
The show will start at 6:30 p.m. both Thursday and Friday nights at the RHS Auditorium. Tickets will be $5 at the door and all proceeds go to support the RMS Fine Arts Department.