Because it’s fun and amazing, the music is incredible and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

These are the reasons Roxanne Sweetwater and Adison Newman think people should see “Aladdin Jr.” at the Andria Theatre , which opens Wednesday, July 28.

Sweetwater, of Osakis, plays the Genie and Newman is Jafar is this Disney favorite and Andria Theatre Student Theatre Production.

It's the story of Aladdin and his three friends – Babkak, Omar and Kassim – are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of Princess Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character.

Scary as possible

Newman, who will be entering the eighth-grade, has lived in Alexandria for about six years and this show will be his sixth.

He describes Jafar as the villain who dreams about having all the power and how everyone will feel his wrath. He carries around with him a golden, ruby-eyed cobra headed staff.

“He uses this to power over others and can hypnotize people with it,” said Newman, adding that the family of Emily Staples, another cast member, made the head of the cobra using a 3D printer. “It’s pretty cool and I think I'll get to take it home with me after the show!”

Newman said that Jafar is his favorite character he’s played so far. He likes him because he is scary and that his goal for playing this character is to be as scary as possible.

When asked if he is anything like Jafar is real life, Newman laughed and said, “Jafar is a lot scarier than me by miles.”

He said that is one part of acting he really enjoys, being someone else.

“I like to be that person. It’s get out of me time and time to get in Jafar’s world,” said Newman. “I get to be that character.”

Newman, who is the son of Jeffrey and Marne Newman, called “Aladdin Jr.” an amazing and fun show with good songs and knows people will enjoy it.

And although he is only in eight-grade, Newman knows what he wants in his future.

“My goal is to serve in the United States Air Force,” he said, noting that he has plans to attend the Air Force School in Colorado. “I’m up for the challenge.”

Chance to refresh

Sweetwater, of Osakis, who has 10 other Andria Theatre productions under her belt, is in 10th grade. Her very first Andria Theatre production was “Annie,” and her very favorite character she has played was Pumba in “The Lion King,” she said.

In “Aladdin Jr.,” she said her character is like the narrator who puts the show all together. She said the Genie has a lot of fun and likes to make people laugh.

She said she feels fortunate to have been cast in the role and is happy to have the opportunity as she loves the theatre and being on stage.

She loves acting and playing other characters as she said, “I get a break from myself and it gives me a chance to refresh.”

Sweetwater believes her talent comes from her parents – Cindy Roos, who is actually the musical director for “Aladdin Jr.” and Rexford Sweetwater, who is host of "Yesternight" on KX92 and has been on stage in different productions before.

She hopes people will come to see “Aladdin Jr.” because “it’s a fun show and the music is incredible.”

If you go

What: “Aladdin Jr.”

When: July 28-31 and August 4-7 with all shows starting at 7 p.m.

Where: Andria Theatre, 618 Broadway St., Alexandria

Tickets: Go to www.andriatheatre.org or call the box office at 320-762-8300.

Cast

Genie – Roxanne Sweetwater

Aladdin – Gavin Schmidt

Babkok – Niklas Cook

Omar – Jackson Waltzing

Kassim – Jordan Van Scoik

Jasmine – Savannah Auran

Sultan– Jayme O’Brien

Jafar – Adison Newman

Iago – Fiona Schmidt

Razoul – Zoe Swor

Guard 1 – Nathan Cook

Guard 2 – Jonah Monette

Shop owner – Tahira Schaffran

Apple vendor – Mia Meier

Fortune teller – Laura Heseltine

Beggar 1 – Linnea Hoven

Beggar 2 – Abby Brault

Beggar 3 – Elena Heinen

Prince Abdullah – Noah Wiethoff

Prince Abdullah attendant 1 – Blake Steussy

Prince Abdullah attendant 1 – Cru Peterson

Isir – Leah Zenner

Manal – Emily Staples

Rajah – Sailor Peterson

Ensemble, citizens of Agrabahn, Genie’s magical ensemble and Prince Ali’s entourage – Addy Auran, Abby Faber, Alexis Loosbrock, Aubrie Johnson, Brooke Krasky, Finley Paulsen, Grace Schruson, Kira Lindley, Lexi Dummer, Lucy Bertram, Lucy Gustafson, Madelyn Faber, Olivia Zollner, Sammi Swensrud, Noah Wiethoff, Blake Steussy and Cru Peterson.

Crew

Director – David Christman

Assistant director – Holly Wallerich

Choreographer – Robin Lin

Musical director – Cindy Roos

Set construction – Greg Bohl

Sound technician – Greg Raether

Costumes – Holly Wallerich

Costume assistant – Sandy Johnson

Props – Donna Magnuson

Props assistant – Addy Auran

Lights – Donna Magnuson

Projections – Holly Wallerich

Stage manager – Tai Auran

Executive director – Ann Hermes