Amy Hernandez – is a 5th grader at Jefferson Houston Prek-8 School who likes boxing, wrestling, building Legos, and dancing. She loves her role in Aladdin Jr. because her performance allows her to dress up in costumes and dance to great music. Amy is interested in joining the wresting team and dreams of one day being a part of the UFC and to be an actress. Aladdin Jr. is her first professional musical production.
Andrew Veney – is a 5th grader at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School. This is his first real musical but he previously did two years of dance including ballet, tap, musical theater and hip hop. He also enjoys playing basketball, learning how to do flips, and playing Roblox with his friends. He says the best part of participating in the musical has been the chance to perform on a real stage and be dramatic.
Antonio Ellison – is 10 years old and in the 5th grade at Jefferson Houston Prek-8 School. While Aladdin Jr. is his first musical production, Antonio is not new to the stage. He has participated in the Night of Stars and other school-based events with LINK Club and Momentum Collective. Antonio also enjoys playing soccer and expanding his artistic skills. His favorite part about performing is networking and making new friends.
Armarni Thompson – is a 13 year old principal’s honor student at Jefferson-Houston IB School in Alexandria, Va. She has been singing since she was three years old and participated church choir and youth ministry and other community events. Armarni has participated in the youth summer drama camp and personal vocal lessons. She is a member of New Era Ensemble at Shiloh Baptist Church where has been a member since she 2015. Other than being a songstress, Armarni is also a talented violinist. Armarni has always had a strong interest in singing and performing. Outside of performing, Armarni enjoys movies, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Ava Cordero – is 9 years old and is in 3rd Grade at Charles Barrett Elementary School. She has a passion for the arts and loves being in front of the camera. This is her second musical, last year she performed in the Jungle Book. Ava also likes to play soccer, basketball, and sing. A fun fact about Ava is she has a twin sister, Ella!
Cana Zemariam – is a bundle of energy and joy, in a pint size package. She is a 4th grader at Jefferson Houston School, who loves to try new things. She also loves to dance and recently took her first ballet class. Cana has had a lot of fun making new friends, learning new skills, and participating in Aladdin Jr. She is a natural on stage and has perfected the art of “taking a bow”.
Christina Cimanga – is a fourth grader at Jefferson Houston School. She is an honor roll student who loves art, reading, singing, and dancing. Christina was also nominated for the 2023 NYLF Pathways to STEM program. As a part of LINK Club, she has had the opportunity to perform in the Night of Stars and other school-based events, but this is her first professional production. Christina’s dream is to become a professional dancer and actress when she grows up.
Derrick Grajkowski – Derrick (9 years old) Alexandria VA native is making his debut in Aladdin Jr. With his passion for dancing and singing he finds the theatre stage a comfortable place for him. Since the age of 4, Derrick has been involved with different groups, building his theatre skills, ex. (ASO) Sympatico music program, Little Theatre of Alexandria, Dynamic Gymnastics. Also, he’s quite a swimmer, a part of the Alexandria City summer swim team. In his free time, he loves to read, draw and play piano.
Ella Cordero – is 9 years old and is in 3rd Grade at Charles Barrett Elementary School. Ella loves dog sitting, playing soccer, swimming and reading! Her favorite subject in school is math, and she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. This is her first musical and she has enjoyed every minute. A fun fact about Ella is she has a twin sister, Ava!
England Simpkins – is a 5th grade student at Jefferson Houston School who has just started to tap into her creative side. She loves art, dance, gymnastics, and recently took her first ballet class. England is very ambitious and loves to try new things – which is one of the reasons she jumped at the chance to be a part of the Aladdin Jr. cast. She is hoping that this will be the first of many productions and can’t wait to be a part of the next project.
Ethann Charles – is in 3rd Grade at Jefferson-Houston School. He is an incredible kid with impressive skills. Ethann embraces his role with responsibility and utmost creativity. He is passionate about Soccer, Taekwondo, Track & field as much as this Aladdin play. No doubt Ethann will be exceptional in his roles and contributions to the play. Twinkle twinkle little Star!
Greta O’Hara – is a 4th Grader at MacArthur Elementary School. She previously appeared in the Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theater’s production of SpongeBob the Musical. Greta enjoys soccer, basketball, swimming, and tennis. She loved seeing how the show came together during all the rehearsals.
Harper Sykes – is in third grade. She enjoys playing Minecraft, reading Harry Potter books, playing with her little brother Elliott, and of course being Iago in her first theater performance!
Isha Jallah – is 13 years old and a 7th grader at Jefferson Houston School. Isha’s friends describe her as a humorous person with a big heart. She also loves to dance and is a natural performer. While she has participated in other performing arts activities, Aladdin Jr. is her first professional musical. Playing a fortune teller is the perfect role, as she is predicting that her future will be awesome and bright.
Jack McCord – is fun-loving, and he is in third grade at Mt. Vernon Community School. This is his first professional production. He does theater summer camps. He likes to read, climb trees, and do theater. Jack also thanks Mr. Jason and all the team of Aladdin, Jr.
Karington Pratt – is 11 years old and a 5th grader at Jefferson Houston PreK-8 school. She considers herself adventurous and fun-loving, and as the only girl in a family with six brothers – she has learned to be tough and persistent to get her way. Karington loves to perform and has enjoyed the experience of participating in a musical production.
Lena McCord – is a fifth grader at Mt. Vernon Community School. She loves to sing, dance, and act. She has been in theater summer camps and dance performances, and this is her first production. She would also like to thank her director, Mr. Jason, and the rest of the team.
Leonard Charles – is in the 5th Grade at Jefferson-Houston School. He is an outstanding, talented, and phenomenal gentleman in all aspects. He has been fully committed to the Aladdin play. He showcased his extraordinary learning capability by quickly memorizing the lines and songs. His achievements are mind blowing. At his young age, he is already invested in drama, Taekwondo and sports, particularly Basketball. He is a real pleasure to watch perform.
Madison Dominick – is a 3rd grader at Douglas MacArthur. She started performing last year in the Alexandria City Public Schools’ Night of Stars talent show. Madison also enjoys gymnastics and spending time with her friends and family, including her little sisters Natalie and Julia.
Maeve Plunkett – is a 4th grader at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School. She loves soccer, basketball, her two sisters, her parents, friends, and her 120 pound dog, Lemmy. Aladdin Jr. is Maeve’s first production and she especially enjoyed her castmates and the production staff.
Nickolas Pratt – is 10 years old and a 5th grader at Jefferson Houston PreK-8 School. He loves sports, games, and eating Chick-Fil-A. Additionally, he loves to sleep and enjoys a good nap whenever time permits. Nickolas has been bitten by the acting bug and is excited to showcase his talents in his first theatrical production. After Aladdin Jr., he wants to continue developing his acting skills and see what happens next.
Ottilie Lakshas – is 8 years old and attends Charles Barrett Elementary School. She is active in soccer, swimming, choir and musical practice. Ottilie is positive, diligent, and always doing her best. This is her first acting performance, and she is excited to play the villain Jafar!
Roxana Hernandez – is a 4th grader at Jefferson Houston Prek-8 School who likes reading, dancing, music, and especially playing the piano and the flute. Like her older sister Amy, she loves the costumes, the scenery, the dancing, and all the intricate details that are a part of participating in a musical production. Her dream is to one day play the piano professionally and if that doesn’t work out, she can always become an actress with Disney.
Stella Cisney – attends James K. Polk and has a passion for the arts and is happiest creating through drawing, singing and playing the piano. She has enjoyed learning her lines, dances and making new friends. She is thankful for this opportunity given by Momentum Collective.
Tahnya Brown – attends Jefferson Houston Elementary School. Her favorite sports are singing, cheerleading, dancing, and acting. She likes them all equally. Tahnya has lightly performed at 7 years old. Although, this is her first time performing this extreme. Tahnya loves the costumes, meeting new friends, and the stage scenery.
Theodore “Teddy” Stoltzfus – is excited to be making his acting debut in Aladdin Jr. Past experiences include workshops with The Little Theater of Alexandria, MVCCT and three years of dance at Tiny Dancers. He is currently in Ms. Gross’ third grade class at Lyles Crouch.
Thomas Kirch – is a third grader at Lyles Crouch Traditional Academy. Aladdin Jr is his first thespian experience. He is very excited to play Aladdin’s best friend – Kassim! Outside of school and play practice, Thomas enjoys flag football, kempo, and hanging out with his big sister.
Violet McMahan – has a strong interest in creative arts, including acting, singing and playing guitar. As a 5th grader at Douglas MacArthur Elementary, she also enjoys basketball, reading, writing stories, painting, and making videos. She loved working on Aladdin Jr. and making new friends!
Virginia Nahikian – is a third grader at Charles Barrett. When she’s not singing Taylor Swift songs, she loves to do gymnastics, ride horses, and read books. Virginia is thrilled to be performing with some of her good friends, and has loved making new friends.