'It's all the emotions': Scotch Plains-Fanwood teacher makes Broadway debut in 'Aladdin'
"A Whole New World" opened for Scotch Plains-Fanwood teacher Lori Anne Travers this spring.
As a gesture of appreciation, a parent arranged for Travers to appear on stage in the Broadway musical "Aladdin" at the New Amsterdam Theatre on April 20.
Travers, who’s taught kindergarten for six years at Coles Elementary School, has been a performer for most of her life, and appearing in a Broadway show has always been her dream.
She often combines elements of the arts, particularly theater, in her teaching, which she says is her dream job.
"The arts had a great impact on my life, and I originally thought I’d major in musical theater," Travers said. "I have brought components of musical theater into the classroom and translated them into academics. I believe that children can learn through the arts and performing."
A Coles parent wanted to acknowledge Travers’ enthusiastic and creative teaching style ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12. As an employee of "Good Morning America," which is owned by The Walt Disney Company, the parent was able to arrange for Travers’ Broadway debut in "Aladdin," which is celebrating its ninth year on Broadway.
"This was a unique way to honor one of our marvelous teachers, and I appreciate the fact that members of our community recognize the quality and dedication of our staff," said Scotch Plains-Fanwood Superintendent of Schools Joan Mast.
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The reveal was a surprise. To grant her wish to perform in a Broadway show, Michael James Scott, who portrays the Genie in "Aladdin" on Broadway, came to Coles on March 31, complete with a "Good Morning America" camera crew.
Scott said he wanted to acknowledge the "magic" she performs every day with her students.
"I was stunned, but so excited," Travers said.
A month later, Travers was driven into the city to prepare for her performance as the fortune teller. She was coached in dialogue, memorized her lines and rehearsed with the show's stars − Sonya Balsara, who portrays Jasmine, and Michael Maliakel, who portrays Aladdin.
After a costume change and makeup, Travers joined the cast on stage. Scott told her that a Broadway debut is "very special" and "something you never forget." Maliakel stopped by before her entrance to add his congratulations and say how happy he was for her.
Her scene in Act I involved Aladdin asking her to tell them Jasmine's future fortune − with Aladdin as the love interest, of course. Her spot-on comedic delivery got a few laughs. She also got her own curtain call and signed autographs by the stage door after the show.
"It's all the emotions. I was excited, nervous and intrigued to see how it was all going to look," Travers said. "But most of all I was so grateful for this opportunity and so happy to be there."
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Scotch Plains-Fanwood NJ teacher makes Broadway debut in 'Aladdin'
