Disney Production Aladdin Jr. is on its way to the Coromandel!
Whitianga is abuzz as Mercury Bay Performing Arts (MBPA) gears up for its first production, Disney’s Aladdin Junior: The Musical. Led by Fabian Roberts, a passionate musician, songwriter and radio DJ, MBPA aims to inspire tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth) with the magic of musical theatre while fostering confidence and lifelong skills.
Fabian, a registered teacher who moved his family to Whitianga in 2018, is thrilled to see his dream become reality.
“This production is inspired by my children and the incredible potential of local youth,” he shares. “We’re not just putting on a show; we’re creating a community.”
Before we go on – we have to say a huge thank you to the Coromind Family who were the first group to put their hand up and become the major partner in producing Aladdin Junior. The whole Coromind team is obsessed with making the arts come alive and thrive in our Coromandel community! Let’s do this thing together!
Meet the Team
The MBPA team combines seasoned professionals, passionate educators, and talented students:
- Emma Fletcher: An experienced stage director and teacher, directing the production
- Amanda Roche: Assisting as director, Amanda’s dedication to performing arts shines
- Leni Whale: Year 13 student and choreographer, bringing youthful creativity to the stage
- Corban Duerre & Niky Boerdyk: Former Mercury Bay Area School students handling sound and lighting
- Isi Cox: Makeup technician and community contributor
- Kathy Moylow & Jenni Bell: Stage managers ensuring smooth logistics.
“A huge shout-out to Molly and Kaspur of the Monkey House in Whitianga for their unwavering support,” says Fabian. “We’re also deeply grateful to our sponsors and supporters who believe in the power of the arts.”
Workshops and Auditions
Workshops are filling up fast and are a prerequisite for auditions.
- Date: Monday, February 10th, 2025
- Location: Monkey House, 18 Coghill Street, Whitianga
- Workshop 1: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
- Workshop 2: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
- Age Range: 8 to 18 years
To register, email mercurybaypa@gmail.com with your name, contact details, emergency contact, age, school, and preferred workshop. Arrive 5 minutes early, bring a drink bottle, and wear comfortable clothes. Each workshop is limited to 50 participants.
Audition Dates:
- Dancers and Singers: Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
- Lead Roles: Thursday, February 13th, 2025, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Location: Monkey House, Whitianga
“We’re looking for enthusiasm and energy,” Fabian says. “No experience necessary – just come as you are!”
Show Dates
Disney’s Aladdin Junior will feature eight performances, including two matinees:
- Opening Week: May 8th, 9th, 10th, 2025
- Second Week: May 15th, 16th, 17th, 2025
Performances will be at the Mercury Bay Area School Hall. Tickets go on sale March 25th, 2025.
A Community Effort
This project is from the community, for the community. Thanks to sponsors like The Lost Spring Whitianga, Richardson Real Estate’s Abbey Lawrence, ADG Automatic Doors and Gates, Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill, The Coromandel Lifestyle Centre, Storcom, Coromandel’s CFM, Subway Whitianga, Slice Slice Baby, The Informer, and our major partner, Coromind, the MBPA’s vision is coming to life.
“Every contribution helps,” Fabian notes. “This is a celebration of creativity and collaboration.”
Join the Adventure
Whether as a performer, volunteer, or audience member, there’s a place for everyone in the MBPA family.
“This is just the beginning,” Fabian says. “We’re building something special that will nurture young talent and bring joy to our community for years to come.”
For more information, visit the MBPA Facebook page or email mercurybaypa@gmail.com. Let’s make magic together!
Gold Sponsorship:
• The Lost Spring
• Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill
• ADG Automatic Doors and Gates
• The Warehouse Whitianga
Silver Sponsorship:
• Storcom
• Coromandel’s CFM
• Peninsula Scaffolding
• Whitianga Information Centre
• The Coromandel Informer
• Slice Slice Baby
Bronze Sponsorship:
• Subway Whitianga
In Partnership with Coromind Magazine
Words by Fabian Roberts and the Mercury Bay Performing Arts Company
