YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Nearly 100 young performers from across the Yuba-Sutter area will take the stage this summer as Center Stage Productions presents Disney's "Aladdin JR." and "Footloose: The Musical" at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts.

The productions mark the fourth year of collaboration between Center Stage Productions and Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture. Founded by Corey and Morgan Kersting, the youth theater program provides fully staged musical productions for performers ages 7 to 17.

The summer cast features nearly 100 local students, with younger performers appearing in "Aladdin JR." and older students taking the stage in "Footloose."

"We are so excited to be presenting these shows for our community," said Corey Kersting. "We have worked with some of these students since the beginning of Center Stage and it has been an inspiring experience watching these young performers grow over the years in addition to welcoming new student performers each season."

"Aladdin JR." follows the story of Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and the Genie through songs made popular in the Disney animated film and Broadway musical, including "Friend Like Me" and "A Whole New World."

"Footloose: The Musical," based on the 1984 film, tells the story of Ren McCormack, who challenges a small town's ban on dancing while exploring themes of community, hope and healing through music.

Corey Kersting serves as a music and theater educator with the Yuba City Unified School District and is artistic director of the Yuba-Sutter Symphony Orchestra. Morgan Kersting has worked as an administrator at Studio B Ballet Academy and teaches elementary school.

Center Stage Productions was founded to give young people in the Yuba-Sutter area opportunities to participate in musical theater close to home.

"Aladdin JR." performances are scheduled for Aug. 2 and Aug. 9 at 1 and 4 p.m., Aug. 3 at 3:30 p.m. and Aug. 10 at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

"Footloose: The Musical" will be performed July 30, July 31, Aug. 1, Aug. 6, Aug. 7 and Aug. 8 at 7 p.m., with additional matinees at 1 p.m. Aug. 1 and Aug. 8.

All performances will be held at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts, 754 Plumas St. in Yuba City. Tickets are $10 for "Aladdin JR." and $15 for "Footloose: The Musical." Tickets are available at yubasutterarts.org or by calling 530-742-2787.