Dual-language play promotes cross-cultural learning

Students of Hilton Head Island Elementary School will present “Aladdin, Dual-Language Edition” March 24-25 at the school’s Red Auditorium, 30 School Road.

This musical adventure will engage both Spanish- and English-speaking audiences while promoting the importance of cross-cultural understanding.

This bilingual adaptation of “Aladdin, the Musical” features the Academy Award-winning score from Disney’s animated classic with lyrics in both Spanish and English.

When choosing this year’s Spring Musical, Helen Ashton (director) and Michelle Cramer (musical director) were excited to discover this dual language version of “Aladdin,” which reflects the multicultural composition of their student body (which is 54% Hispanic) and highlights the importance of appreciating and respecting other cultures.

Nearly half of the 45 third, fourth, and fifth graders in the cast are either first- or second- generation Americans, representing nine countries: Argentina, Brazil, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. The cast is led by fifth-graders Sebastian

Zambrano-Giraldo as Aladdin, Maria Contreras Mora as Princess Jazmin, Aaron Metropolis as Jafar, and Flynn Carstens as Genie.

The description of the play gives an idea of how and why it was created: “Disney’s Aladdin Dual Language Edition features a revamped plot that creates dramatic necessity for the bilingual script. Our story begins centuries ago, when the royalty of Agrabah spoke one language, and the citizens another. Communication is impossible without translation ... which is controlled by the evil vizier, Jafar. When the rebellious princess, Jazmin, and a delinquent street rat, Aladdin, meet in the marketplace, they find something special in one another. Together, they work to transcend language barriers and, with a little magic, help create a better future for themselves and for Agrabah.”

Performances will be at 6:30 p.m. both days, and 2 p.m. March 25. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children and are available at the door.