By Lyndon Taylor
Momentum Collective Inc.’s inaugural children’s production opens with a staging of Aladdin Jr., for two nights only, November 16 and 17, at the Lee Center in Alexandra, VA. The production is a culmination of the relationships the arts-focused nonprofit has developed over the years with various stakeholders who are passionate about the performing arts and youth development. One such community partner is Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). A diverse cast has been assembled, with nearly half being students who currently attend Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School in Alexandria. Two of those students are Armarni Thompson, who plays Jasmine, and Leonard Charles who plays Genie. The students from Jefferson-Houston School are part of the ACPS Link Club (a program funded through the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant). Momentum Collective Inc. has been providing afterschool arts enrichment programming at 4 Link Club sites across the city, including at Jefferson-Houston School, in a coordinated effort with the school system to address gaps that inhibit academic success. Of note, the Link Club at Jefferson-Houston School is run in conjunction with the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA), with whom Momentum Collective Inc., has also had a longstanding partnership.
Get your tickets NOW for Aladdin Jr. online at www.momentumcinc.org. For more information about the production visit www.productions.momentumcinc.org
