Once a Nun, Now the Fabulous Sukanya Rocks in "Aladdin"

Just closing down for the evening of chat in my dining room with friends Sukanya Sarkar and her supportive husband Gagan Mehra, honoring Sukanya's amazing work as actress, singer, and dancer, an ensemble performer in the charming Disney production of "Aladdin" in Berkeley, now running through September 5. Everybody was wonderful in this show! Bring your kids, bring your grandkids, bring the weird cousin, the tiny tot, and your odd uncle. Be prepared to laugh and be charmed, surprised, and bedazzled. It's totally professional, features a live orchestra, an enchanting set, a magic carpet (embodied by the fabulously inventive Hannah Dworkin), an amazing parrot man (Iago, deliciously played by John Saski), jazzy colorful costumes, great choreography, and lavish pyrotechnics in a small theater that feels like home.

Aladdin …….. William Hodgson Jasmine ……. Jenna Davi
Genie ……….. Ted Barton
Jafar …………. Anthony Rollin-Mullens
Sultan……….. John Hale
Iago ………….. Dan Saski
Magic Carpet……… Hannah Dworkin
Razoul ………. Salvador Real
Ensemble: Emily Alvarado; Crysthian Avyar (First 3 Weekends); Michael Bulatao; J.P Gonzales; Betsy Picart; Salvador Real; Sukanya Sarkar; RJ Villanos (Last 2 Weekends); Chris Waters
Youth Ensemble:
Siena Bogatin …appears 8/8; 8/22; 9/3; 9/4; 9/5
Alex Franklin…appears 8/7; 8/12, 8/14; 8/15; 8/20; 8/21; 8/26; 8/27; 8/28/; 8/29
Jackie Grigsby…appears 8/8; 8/20; 8/21; 8/22; 9/3; 9/4; 9/5
Caroline Hall…appears 8/7; 8/12, 8/14; 8/15; 8/26; 8/27; 8/28/; 8/29
Rachel Kamil…appears 8/7; 8/12, 8/14; 8/15; 8/26; 8/27; 8/28/; 8/29
Averil Lough…appears 8/8; 8/20; 8/21; 8/22; 9/3; 9/4; 9/5
Caleb Meyers…appears 8/8; 8/20; 8/21; 8/22; 9/3; 9/4; 9/5
Emma Pond… appears 8/7; 8/12, 8/14; 8/15; 8/26; 8/27; 8/28/; 8/29
Laurel Rosenbaum…appears 8/8; 8/20; 8/21; 8/22; 9/3; 9/4; 9/5
Director: JENNIFER KING
Music Director: AMY DALTON
Choreographer: DANE PAUL ANDRES
Costume Design by JULIA KWITCHOFF
Lighting Design by SCOTT PHILLIPS
Scenic Design by NINA BALL
Sound Design by MATT COWELL
Props design by MEGAN LUSH
The West Coast Premiere of Disney’s Aladdin is based on the screenplay by Ron Clements with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and produced under license from Disney Musicals and MTI.

The story unfolds in the mythical Middle Eastern city of Agrabah, City of Enchantment, where Aladdin, a wily street urchin, falls for the beautiful Princess Jasmin. Winning her affection is out of the question given his low station in life and the fact that she already has so many rich and powerful suitors. With a little help from a wacky genie and a series of amazing twists and turns, Aladdin eventually wins Jasmine’s hand in marriage, proving that, in the end, the only thing that really matters when it comes to love is the wealth and power of your heart.

Running Time: 75 minutes (one intermission)
Single tickets: Adult – $33 / Senior (65 & up) – $30 / Child (up to 17) – $22 / Tot (5 & below) – $15

At the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts at 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley, off Ashby. Don't drive too fast, or you'll miss it.