Josh Williams is learning very early in life the business of multi-tasking.
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The Year 9 Blue Mountains Grammar student has just been cast in the lead role of Aladdin in an upcoming Sydney show and started rehearsals two weeks ago.
But before he gets carried away playing a lovable thief in the fictional Arabian city of Agraba, complete with genie costumes and magic carpets, he will take to the stage in depression-era New York for 42nd Street in July as a member of the tap ensemble.
"The biggest juggling act is making sure that I am available for all rehearsals," Josh told the Gazette.
"In 42nd Street I am challenging myself, as I am part of the tap ensemble which is new for me. However, being cast as Aladdin, I have many lines and am on stage for much of the show. The two roles contrast majorly.
"Being able to adapt to different roles is a useful skill for all performers. So I guess it will help me greatly later on."
Australian Institute for Performing Arts school spokeswoman Jen Haynes said there had been "extensive auditions" for the upcoming musical of Disney's Aladdin and Josh had the vocal and dramatic ability of a much older child, securing this year's lead senior role, after playing the lead in last year's junior production.
AIPA director of curriculum and talent development Marg Haynes, who started the school about 18 years ago, said: "I was looking for something very specific for Aladdin. I needed a teenage boy who could really play a charming street rat, who could be lovable, cheeky and sincere. When Josh read for me I knew I had found him."
Josh, 14, of Glenbrook, does piano, singing and tap dancing lessons as well as music and drama as electives at school.
"When I am on stage I feel fantastic. I love playing different characters from Chip to Gavroche, and love the reaction of the audience, knowing that I have entertained them for an hour or two. I enjoy meeting new people throughout the rehearsal process and I love the confidence that I have gained from being on stage."
Josh said he liked the fun of the Disney production spending every Sunday rehearsing his part in Sydney and many hours at home learning his lines.
One of the show's feature performances this year will be a charity event tribute to Robin Williams, the voice of the original show's iconic genie, with proceeds to a youth assistance line.
"Mental health has been discussed a lot at school and I am well aware of the importance of the services. I always looked up to Robin Williams as a comedian, stage performer and voice actor. The decision to donate the proceeds of the charity show to a youth assistance line is very appropriate and important."
Josh said he was considering eventually trying out for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, whose alumni includes actor Hugh Jackman, and "would love to land a role in a professional production. Another goal is to play some iconic parts like the Phantom of the Opera, Javert [from Les Miserables] or Fagin".
Josh will perform at St Ignatius College Riverview in the AIPA production on August 11-15. There are still roles available in the ensemble. Contact 9966 4030 for details.
The Sydney Youth Musical Theatre Company's production of 42nd Street will be performed at Hornsby RSL from July 3 - 11.
"None of this would be possible without the support and dedication of my parents, especially my mum. She gives up her weekends to ferry me to my different rehearsals. It will be easier when I can drive myself."
