Serina with her proud little sister, Sophia, after opening night.

When my oldest daughter started her journey with “Aladdin” earlier this summer, neither of us knew where it might lead. This theater business is hard work. Initially, she swore she would never do it again.

Serina is a rising fifth grader at the Academy for Academics and Arts so it’s no surprise that she’s interested in performing. Up until now, though, horses have been her main obsession, leaving little room or desire for anything else.

But as the Aladdin production, coordinated by the Huntsville Community Chorus Association and directed by Micki Lighthall, took shape, Serina had a serious attitude shift. Two weeks in, she came home dancing and singing songs from the Disney classic. (Now I can’t get Arabian Nights and A Whole New World out of my head.) Sometimes the rehearsals ran late. During “tech-week,” she came home at 10:30, long after her early-bird mom had gone to bed.

Aladdin (Guerin Tidwell) and Jasmine (Eboni Booker) following the matinee on July 18.

By the time opening night rolled around, however, Serina, was hooked on musical theater. So was I. The cast of 80 kids (18 and under, hence Disney Jr.) was phenomenal. They spent their summer vacations working their talented tails off and the payoff was huge. The cast, directors, producers, tech folks, set and costume designers and the countless other volunteers were rewarded with the satisfaction of a job well done, having pulled off a spectacular community production in about eight weeks. The community was rewarded with an hour-long show that showcased some of Madison County’s amazing young talent.

Eboni Booker plays Jasmine. The Sparkman High graduate has a phenomenal voice, which she’ll continue to grow when she starts the University of Alabama at Birmingham this fall.

Guerin Tidwell, a student at Bob Jones, delights as Aladdin. Marcus Gladney, a rising junior at Lee High School is smokin’ as Genie. Marcus is a product of AAA and we are proud of him. Be sure to keep an eye out for Jafar and Iago, as well. This villainous pair often stole the show, as did the magic carpet, cleverly played by Ella Jackson, a rising sixth grader at AAA.

Serina with Genie (Marcus Gladney)

You only have three chances left to check out this summer smash. I’m learning what many others have known for years: This community has an amazing pool of talent, showcased on stage and behind the scenes. If you can make it to Randolph School’s Thurber Arts Center, be sure to hit one of the following remaining shows:

• Friday, July 24, 7pm
• Saturday, July 25, 3pm
• Saturday, July 25, 7pm

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids.

I’ve always told Serina God gives us all gifts. Her beautiful voice is one of hers. It is wonderful when your child not only discovers, but embraces, her gift. As a mom, that makes my heart sing.