Cast of Fox Valley Rep's ALADDIN JR. Helps Make Magic with Make-A-Wish Illinois

Director and choreographer Kyle Donahue of Fox Valley Repertory and the Youth Ensemble bring Disney's Aladdin Jr. to the Fox Valley Area. Under the musical direction of Debra Stombres, the FVR Youth Ensemble brings this all-time Disney classic of magic, splendor and true love to life on the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage August 1-10, 2014 (4051 East Main Street, St. St. Charles).

As part of Fox Valley Rep's "FVR Give$ Back" program, the cast of Disney's Aladdin Jr. partnered with Make-A-Wish Illinois to help grant the wishes of children in Illinois. A portion of the proceeds from Disney's Aladdin Jr. ticket sales collected on July 14th went to the foundation for a total of $142.50.

Ashley Nichele, the Development Manager of Community Events at Make-A-Wish Illinois said, "We were extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Fox Valley Rep. Through their efforts, we will be able we will be able to provide hope, strength and joy to event more children with life-threatening medical conditions."

In addition to the money raised, local Make-A-Wish families have been given complementary tickets to see the show on August 2nd.

In the faraway Arabian city of Agrabah, a young street urchin named Aladdin meets the beautiful and feisty Princess Jasmine. Knowing Jasmine would never fall in love with a commoner, Aladdin finds a mysterious lamp and awakens an enchanting genie who grants him three wishes. Audiences will be captivated as they watch Aladdin set off on an incredible journey of magic and mayhem. The FVR Youth Ensemble will feature the hit songs "Arabian Nights," "Friend Like Me," and the Oscar-winning hit "A Whole New World".

The cast members include: Batavia: Sophie Chahmirzadi; Elburn: Isabella Caballero and Amanda Eckstrom; Geneva: Diego Cardenas, Cassie Ernst, Jenna Kaba and Katie O'Brien; Hanover Park: Haley Troyan; Lombard: Maura Mueller; Montgomery: Lexii Gravis; St. Charles: Lilliana Andujar, Kristen Bennett, Christine Chlapeka, Emily Johnson, Kira Nutter, Marie Nunn, Mitchell Strickland, Daniella Taylor, Caeli Wu; Sugar Grove: Taylor Moss.

Disney's Aladdin Jr. will be presented on Fridays, August 1 and 8 at 7:00pm; Saturdays, August 2 and 9 at 10:30am; and Sunday, August 10 at 2:00pm on the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Pheasant Run Resort Box Office at 630-584-6342 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. This program is sponsored by Delnor Express Care, Kane County Chronicle, and is partially supported by the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation and Illinois Arts Council.

Disney's Aladdin Jr. features lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, music by Alan Menken and book by Jim Luigs and is based on the Arab folktale of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp from One Thousand and One Nights. Directed and produced by Ron Clements and John Musker, Disney's Aladdin was released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1992.

The Fox Valley Repertory Youth Ensemble is an exclusive audition-only program for the best and brightest young talent. Students are responsible for memorizing lines, music and choreography, and learning the craft of theater through the process of preparing for live performances.

For performance information on Disney's Aladdin Jr. and upcoming youth opportunities, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org/education or call 630-364-0550. Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL.

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