Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Students at St. Michael School in Lincoln showcased their talents in the performing arts by performing the musical "Aladdin" on April 19. The event marked the school's first time presenting a musical, providing an opportunity for students in grades 5-7 to shine on stage.

Music teacher Sabrina Kirkwood expressed her pride in the students' hard work and dedication, stating, "I am so proud of the hard work and dedication of our drama club students through this process." She also shared her excitement for future endeavors, saying, "They put on a fantastic show, and I can’t wait to see what we can do next year!"

The musical featured Alivia Farber in the role of Princess Jasmine and Sam Otte as Aladdin. William Thomas portrayed the villainous Jafar, with Nicholas Ashburn bringing the fast-talking Genie to life. Otte, who played Aladdin, explained his motivation for participating, saying, "I chose to do the musical because I wanted to try new things and be adventurous."

The production received support from various faculty members, with Kirkwood and Beth Anne Viessman directing the show. Amanda Bell assisted with set design, while John Katzmarek handled lighting and sound production. Ashburn, who played the Genie, appreciated the collaborative effort, stating, "I enjoyed how many jobs there were for students to participate in to bring everyone together to complete the finished product."

The musical "Aladdin" provided a platform for students to showcase their talents and creativity, highlighting the diverse skills present at St. Michael School.