Kadena Airman stars in Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.”

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kasey Zickmund
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Pacific Okinawa Players is putting on Disney's "Aladdin Jr." and a Kadena Airman from the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron has one of the lead roles.

"At last absolute power is mine!!! Ha, ha, ha!" said Senior Airman Jamaal Solomon, 18th LRS, during a rehearsal as he prepares to play the dark Vizier Jafar in an upcoming performance of "Aladdin Jr."

Airman Solomon has been performing on stage since he was in middle school and is an active member of POPs - a community theater group here. He has also toured with Tops in Blue in 2005 and calls it the most rewarding and hardest work he has ever done. Airman Solomon hopes one day to be in a Broadway show in New York.

"I just love to perform," he said. "It's fun and exciting. It's rewarding to see the audience's faces when you are done."

POPs had 83 auditions for "Aladdin Jr.," a record for the organization, said Rebecca Kuhn, the show's producer. Airman Solomon and 38 youth from around the island have been practicing since early August and rehearsing four to five days a week to make the show a success.

"A lot of progress has been made," said Kiana Bell, a Kadena High School student, playing the role of Jasmine. "I think we are going to have a great performance."

The cast is mostly teens and children except for Airman Solomon, but the play would not be successful if it weren't for parents and volunteers who helped with the set, costumes, choreography, music, lights, and direction, said Stephanie Jones, the director.

"Everyone has been working hard and it's going to be a great show," said Airman Solomon.

"Aladdin Jr." kicks off Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Camp Foster Performing Arts Auditorium. Additional performances are Sept. 29 and Oct. 4, 5, and 6 at 7:30 p.m. POPs will also offer matinee performances Sept. 29 and Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 each and are on sale now at Kadena ITT or at the theatre box office one hour prior to show time.