From the opening act, a desert landscape, majestic cave, sequins and jewelry filled Poe Middle School’s stage on the night of May 3 to a sold out show in an elaborate production of Disney’s classic musical, Aladdin. Directed by Poe’s drama teacher, Melissa Runyon, the production is easily one of the best middle school productions performed in all of Fairfax County.

“I had my mouth open the whole time,” junior Harris Fitzgerel, a Poe alumnus, said. “Every time I think Ms. Runyon can’t top herself with a production, she does.”

From the moment the curtains opened to reveal a meticulously constructed Arabian marketplace, each student portrayed every character with perfect detail while group numbers created an overwhelming sense that one was actually in the magical land of Aladdin. High expectations were met throughout the audience during the duration of the show, especially during the show’s most well-known song, “A Whole New World,” where creativity and talent was at one of its highest points in the show.

One of the most astounding highlights of the whole show was the beautiful set that was constructed and designed to put audience members into the desert of Arabia. To the left of the stage, audiences were treated to the sight of a large desert cave which stretched from the floor of the stage to the ceiling and remarkably resembled a giant lion’s face. At one point in the show, a gasp could be heard from audience members as the cave’s eyes lit up with subdued red light before the genie’s entrance, captivating audiences and keeping them alert to what might happen next in the show. The marketplace was painted with gorgeous color, which was accented by the detailed murals painted on either side of the stage, and Runyon made remarkable use of the space that she was given, for not one bit of stage was not enhanced by a detailed piece of set.

The details put into each and every costume that the audience’s eyes would come across throughout the night were excellent. From handmade red and white turbans, sequined belly dancer outfits, blue make-up covering the entire Genie’s body, a handmade, life-sized camel, a gorilla, a tiger, and many other eye catching outfits, there was not one character (with a role big or small) that was not wearing a costume that fit the setting of such an elaborate desert scene. Together, the costumes and set would accent each other in a colorful display that would keep audiences astounded.

The talented acting in the show, such as by the multi-talented Leif Jomuad who played the title character, Aladdin, was highlighted by the professional sound quality that never faltered throughout the night. Every word was clear and easily understood, especially in a place as capacious as a cafetorium. The music was never louder than the actors voices, even during musical numbers, and was not overbearing to the audience.

The genie was also one of many great characters portrayed by talented acting in the show, such as when he shot jokes at just the right moments, making it hard for the audience to keep a smile off of their faces.

Little touches, such as when the genie’s jokes makes references to Lady Gaga, Charlie Sheen, ShamWow products, and many other modern-day adaptations, made the show wonderful and entertaining with Poe’s originality, instead of sticking solely to the original script.

Anyone who is interested in a good laugh and a fun way to spend their evening should attend Poe Middle School on May 4 at 7 p.m. and May 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are four dollars, and this show is truly worth every penny.