By Benjamin Beane

The Fine Arts Auditorium at Covington Middle School was once again filled with proud family and friends, who gathered Friday night to watch the Theatre Department’s pre-recorded performance of Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.”

“It felt like Covington again to attend an in-person fine arts event and see the student performance,” said Covington Middle School Principal Tai Choice.

The show capped off Covington’s Fine Arts in the Field Event, which began with an awards ceremony and send-off for eighth-graders, and also featured performances from the Dance and Orchestra Departments.

Though the event was moved indoors due to weather, the performances went off without a hitch.

“This performance was a culmination of the hard work and dedication of our students and teachers that lead to a grand celebration of their learning,“ said Covington Assistant Principal Elia Diaz-Eskew.

As students entertained the crowd, the Theatre Boosters sold snow cones, popcorn, candy, sodas and water, as well as Aladdin-themed, treat-filled gift bags, all to support the theatre department.

“We are a proud Covington community and thankful to all our parents, faculty, staff and sponsors who assisted with the program and made this a wonderous experience for all our students,” Diaz-Eskew said.

Disney’s “Aladdin JR.” is based on the 1992 animated film and the 2014 Broadway show, and features expanded characters and new songs. The cast and crew for “Aladdin JR.” can be found on the Covington theater website.

Other 2021 Theatre productions, led by Director Erica Vallejo, included “Game of Tiaras” and “Help Desk,” but Aladdin was the first seen by an in-person crowd.

“Students and parents alike were thrilled to get to attend. We can't wait to have more in-person events next year,” Choice said.

The Covington Fine Arts Academy provides an arts-rich program in South Austin where students experience a diverse range of advanced fine arts elective options embedded in rigorous and creative academic program.  Students, from beginner to advanced can receive instruction in music, theatre, dance, visual arts and digital arts.

For more information, visit covingtoncolts.org.