Family theatre is getting a bold new remix on the Square.
This season, Marietta’s Theatre in the Square is inviting families into a colorful, music-filled world with Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, a futuristic “Jukebox reimagining” of the classic story. Under the creative vision of Artistic Director Emil Thomas, the production combines hoverboards, drones, LED visuals, contemporary hit songs, and modern choreography to create a theatrical experience that feels fresh, immersive, and designed for today’s audiences.
Rather than recreating the traditional version audiences may already know, Thomas and his team approached the production with the goal of reimagining every moment through music and storytelling.
“Anytime we reimagine a story, we start with the text and break it down into a plot structure,” shared Emil Thomas. “Each song has a purpose.”
That purpose became the foundation for the show’s unique “Jukebox” style. Instead of writing original music, the production carefully selects recognizable songs from the past several decades that help move the story forward emotionally. Whether it’s a moment of falling in love, friendship, or adventure, the music was intentionally chosen to connect with both children and adults in the audience.
“The song has to be a song that you could see being in a children’s movie,” Thomas explained. “When you play the song the kids know the words.”
That connection came to life in one unforgettable moment during opening weekend when children in the audience began singing along during “Count on Me” alongside Aladdin and his sisters.
“It eased all nerves and created the true magic of the show,” Thomas shared.
Behind the scenes, bringing the world of Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp to life has been a fast-paced creative process. Thomas notes that while many musicals take years, even decades to fully develop, this production was built from an idea to opening night in less than three months.
The visual design of the show helps transform the stage into a larger-than-life experience. LED walls, colorful costumes, modern props, and high-energy choreography come together to create a futuristic world while still honoring the heart of the classic story. Choreographer Karris shaped the movement of the production around community and the natural flow of the music, blending contemporary dance styles and TikTok inspired moments with the energy of traditional musical theatre.
And for the cast, stepping into these iconic roles has been just as meaningful as it has been exciting.
Actor Keenan Issac, who plays Genie, described the role as “exhilarating and deeply rewarding.”
“It’s a role that invites you to be larger than life, full of humor, heart, and unpredictability,” Issac shared. “What makes this production so special is how it honors the magic and nostalgia of the classic story, yet reinvents it through music and style that feel fresh and contemporary.”
For Jalisa Jordan, who stars as Jasmine, the experience has felt deeply personal and full circle.
“Getting to play Jasmine in this reimagined version of the story of Aladdin is an absolute dream,” Jordan said. “There’s something really special about that full-circle moment, seeing the same kind of joy and wonder reflected back in my daughter.”
Jordan also credits the music as one of the most memorable parts of the show.
“It takes a story we all know and love and breathes new life into it,” she shared.
For Marietta’s Theatre in the Square, this production represents something bigger than one performance. It’s part of a larger vision to create family-friendly theatre experiences that feel modern, unexpected, and welcoming to audiences of all ages.
“Don’t expect anything! That’s the best part,” Thomas said when describing future productions. “The story you know is there but how it comes to be and how everything turns out is new.”
And perhaps that’s what makes this season feel so special. Families aren’t just watching a familiar story unfold on stage, they’re discovering it together in an entirely new way.
“As always we want you to come in and be welcomed home,” Thomas shared, “but when you leave we want you to miss the theatre like you miss your home after a long day of work.”
Whether it’s your child’s first live theatre experience or a return visit to one of Marietta’s favorite arts destinations, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp offers an evening filled with music, imagination, laughter, and a little bit of magic. All right here on the Square.
Tickets and show information are available through Marietta’s Theatre in the Square. The final performances of Aladdin are May 6th at noon, May 8th at 8 p.m. and May 9th at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Future family-friendly shows include Annie the Musical from July 17th through August 2nd, followed by Ragtime the Musical from September 25th to October 11th.