MADISON – The audience will experience ‘a whole new world’ when Columbia Elementary School Drama Club presents “Aladdin Jr.!”

Columbia will perform “Aladdin Jr.!” at Bob Jones High School in Zompa Auditorium. Show times will be Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 21 at 2 and 7 p.m.

In selecting “Aladdin Jr.!,” organizers at Columbia liked the differences between the stage show and animated movie. The musical has “a lot more emphasis on friendship and less on romance, so many funny characters, and, of course, fantastic music. But, what we liked the most, was the message of ‘It’s what is inside that counts!’” parent volunteer Katie Chatam.

“We encourage people to support these amazing and talented students. They have worked so hard this year to create an amazing show. It’s hard to believe this entire cast is in elementary school,” parent volunteer Britney Deutshendorf.

The production staff for “Aladdin Jr.!” includes Deutschendorf and Dana Herwig, Directors; Katie Chatam, Producer; Rachel Schrandt, Rehearsal Manager; and Teacher Sponsors Chris Conrad and Molly Hayne. “Al Gilbert runs sound, and he is invaluable,” Chatam said.

“Mary Davis and Jesse Tilton are theatre teachers at Bob Jones, and we are thankful that they willingly share their expertise, advice and (auditorium) space with us,” Deutshendorf said.

Choreographed music routines include “’Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim,’ a funny dance number with Aladdin and his friends trying make an earnest living by performing in the marketplace; ‘Prince Ali,’ a large group number that showcases the whole cast in a celebration at the palace; ‘High Adventure,’ an upbeat, witty song that rallies the people of Agrabah to help save Aladdin; and, of course, ‘A Whole New World,’ where the cast’s sweet voices take us on a magic carpet ride,” Chatam said.

The 49 cast members are in grades 3-5. “We are an ensemble and a family — no role is more important than any other. We also have 70 students in grades K-5 in our chorus, which performs in the opening and finale,” Deutshendorf said.

Sponsors for “Aladdin Jr.!” are Cintel Inc.; Anglin Reichmann Armstrong P.C.; Alabama Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics; Chick-fil-A Madison; and JBeeH Photography.

“We love being able to share musical theatre with the community. We are thrilled to be at Bob Jones (Zompa Auditorium) and have a large audience again,” Chatam said. “Last year, due to many factors, we performed in the Columbia cafeteria and had to limit the size of the audience.”

Deutshendorf believes people of all ages will enjoy “Aladdin Jr!” “There is truly something for everyone — from beautiful costumes and sets to hilarious dialogue and great choreography,” Deutshendorf said. “This story about friendship will have you dancing in your seat, laughing and maybe even shedding a tear or two.”

Tickets cost $10 for adults. Tickets for youth from three to 18 years old cost $5. Two-year-olds and younger are free, if the child sits in a parent’s lap.

For tickets, visit showtix4u.com/event-details/69914. Guests cannot buy tickets at the event.

For more information about Columbia Drama Club, visit Facebook/CESDramaClub.