On Stage: Four Natomas Teens Shine in Musical

From left to right, Jenna Karoly as Iago, Arianna Ruvalcaba as Jafar, Devin DeGeyter as Aladdin and Sarah Green as the Genie.

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Disney’s “Aladdin, Jr.” now playing at the Davis Musical Theatre Co. features four teens who all live and go to school in Natomas.

Aladdin is played by the Performing and Fine Arts Academy sophomore Devin DeGeyter. DeGeyter played Fat Sam in “Bugsy Malone, Jr.” and Mayor Shin in “Music Man” while attending PFAA. He also played Archie in “13, a New Musical” at Woodland Opera house as well as several featured roles in productions at Davis Musical Theatre Co. and River City Theatre Co.

Arianna Ruvalcaba, also a sophomore at PFAA, is playing the evil Jafar, adviser to the Sultan. Ruvalcaba was recently seen in “Cats” on the main stage at Davis Musical Theatre Co. and has had many featured roles in the Young Performers Theater.

Maggie Alvarez, freshmen at PFAA, is one of the narrators for “Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.” Alvarez has had many roles in productions at PFAA including Mrs. Paroo in “Music Man” and “Mazie” in “Seussical, Jr.”

Bethany Huff is 13 and home schooled in Natomas. She has been in many productions in the Sacramento area including many at Davis Musical Theatre Co. where she played blue fairy in “Pinocchio.” Huff is playing one of the Guards who are determined to capture Aladdin.

This group of teens has been driving together from Natomas to Davis for the last several weeks rehearsing for the production based on the animated movie. The performance features Aladdin, Jasmine and Genie on a journey to a whole new world.

Davis Musical Theatre Co. co-producer and co-founder Jan Issacson is both director and choreographer. Davis teen Utsav Bhargava is the musical director.

“Aladdin, Jr.” show features an orchestra to play along with the Academy Award-winning songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, like favorites “A Whole New World” and “A Friend Like Me.” The cast is entirely made up of young actors from ages 7-18 from Davis, Dixon, Woodland, Vacaville and Sacramento.

Remaining performances include Friday, August 2 at 7:15 p.m. , Saturday, August 3 at 2:15 p.m. and 7:15pm, Sunday, August 4 at 2:15 p.m. All performances take place at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center at 607 Pena Drive in Davis.

Tickets cost $8 per person (plus a $2 facility fee). To reserve seats visit www.dmtc.org.