Dunwoody Special Needs Theater Troupe to Perform 'Aladdin, Jr.'

Those on the playbill of Jerry’s Habima Theatre’s upcoming production of Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. have achieved something many neuro-normal individuals have not -- getting onstage and to sing and perform in front of an audience.

Jerry’s Habima Theatre -- a program of the Marcus Jewish Community Center in Dunwoody -- produces a Broadway musical once a year, casting talented local actors with developmental disabilities.

Last year, the theater even received a National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America Grant that celebrated its work in the Atlanta art and theater community.

“What I have always found to be so powerful is how Jerry’s Habima Theatre continues to provide a safe place for self-expression,” said production co-chair Janet Cadranel in a release. “I see these actors come alive on stage, without the fear of not being accepted, because the audience allows them just to be themselves. And for these actors, who turn their disabilities into abilities night after night, the affirmation and the applause are priceless.”

Indeed, the theater company strives to enrich the lives of its cast, crew and audience -- all while telling a great story.

“We look forward to telling this highly entertaining, touching, and funny story about the possibilities that life gives us when we have the freedom to be who we want to be,” said the theater’s professional director, Heidi Cline McKerley, who stepped up to the role after 26 years as a producer, director, actress, teacher, playwright and costume designer.

Aladdin, Jr. will mark the theater’s 22nd annual performance; last year, the company staged Howard Ashman’s Little Shop of Horrors.

Held at the community center’s Morris & Rae Frank Theatre at 5342 Tilly Mill Rd. in Dunwoody, performances of Aladdin, Jr. run from Thursday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 8, at the following times:

• Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 pm
• Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 8, at 3 p.m.

Tickets for community center members are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. General admission tickets are available for $25 for adults and $10 for children.

To purchase tickets, visit the Marcus Jewish Community Center online box office or call the center at 678-812-4002.

>>Watch this CNN video about the theater’s 2014 production of “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Visit the Marcus Jewish Community Center YouTube channel for more videos on productions, programs and events.

Patch file photo

_________

Have a news tip? Email deb.belt@patch.com. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following these directions. Curious about how our commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.