‘Aladdin’ enchants Pahranagat Valley

The magic of Disney’s “Aladdin” came to life in Pahranagat Valley on Feb. 28 and March 1, as students from third to sixth grade presented a crowd-pleasing performance in front of hundreds at Pahranagat Valley High School. 

The culmination of six months of hard work by students, staff and volunteers, the production was a resounding success, captivating audiences on both nights.

The show was made possible through a three-year grant from The Smith Center for the Performing Arts awarded to music teacher Kyla Linares. Pahranagat Valley was one of 15 schools in Nevada selected for the Disney Musicals in Schools pilot, which aims to build sustainable theater programs in under-resourced public elementary schools. 

The students’ dedication and talent did not go unnoticed. The cast was invited to perform a musical number from “Aladdin” at The Smith Center in Las Vegas on March 10, sharing the stage with seven other schools from across the state.

Linares praised the students’ commitment, as well as the support of their parents, emphasizing the vital role they play in the success of the musical theater program. “We expected a lot out of them, and they totally showed up every single week,” she shared.

The production emphasized not only the performing arts but also proper theater etiquette, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between artists and the audience.

The 40-minute show featured 10 musical numbers and a talented cast of 50 students. Kinleigh Poulson narrated the story as the Lamp Vendor, setting the stage for the adventure. Jayden Harless charmed the audience as Aladdin, alongside Lily Vea as Princess Jasmine. Grant Rowley brought the villainous Jafar to life, with James Rowley as his witty parrot sidekick Iago. Haleigh Castleton captivated as the Genie, and Wade Poulsen reigned supreme as the Sultan. A host of talented young actors filled the remaining roles.

The success of “Aladdin” was further amplified by its feature in the January issue of Ruralite, a community magazine published by Lincoln County Power District. The article highlighted the numerous benefits of performing arts in schools, including improvements in reading, literacy, problem-solving, public speaking and self-discipline.

With another successful production under the theater’s belt, the community eagerly anticipates next year’s performance, hoping that musical theater will continue to thrive in Pahranagat Valley for years to come.

Linares was supported by a talented leadership team, including her mother, Taunya Mortensen, as Music Director; Pete Castleton as Sound Technician; Shannon Higbee as Choreographer; Keri McVey as Stage Manager; Lindsey Wade as Production Manager; and Brittany Smallwood as Photographer. Volunteers Stevie Higbee and Erin Mouritsen also contributed their time and skills to the production.

Aladdin Cast

Lamp Vendor – Kinleigh Poulson 

Jasmine – Lily Vea 

Sultan – Wade Poulsen 

Jafar – Grant Rowley 

Iago – James Rowley 

Prince Abdullah – Stacen Laird 

Prince Hassim – Andy Charles 

Prince Malik – Parker Walch 

Cave Guardian – Kell Walch 

Aladdin – Jayden Harless 

Bread Vendor – Thayne Staley 

Fruit Vendor – Charlie Higbee 

Genie – Haleigh Castleton 

Avis – Jaynee Campbell & Emmy Melton 

Djinn – Ashtyn McVey, Jaynee Campbell, Cheyanne Walch, Emmy Melton, Allison Ruh, Bristol Mulliner 

Agrabahns – Talee Walch, Addi Strong, Cassidy Harless, Tyce Campbell, Ashton Crawford, Colbie Hansen 

Guards – Mateo Lerma, Trevor Knapp, Leyton Foremaster, Abigail Pearce 

Beggars/Skeletons – Ellie Charles, Jordan Stewart, Sophie Crawford, Emie Walch 

Entourage – Kathy Blake, Maci Harless, Millie Hatch, Donald Zander, Emma Howard, Adam Jones, Olivia Perez, Anozira Tsosie, Brantley Knapp, Cazlynn Laird, Noma Houston, Ellis Mouritsen