Production Notes

Where Did the Story of Aladdin Come From?

The story of Aladdin was written down in the 18th century by a French translator, Antoine Galland. He based his writing on a semi autobiographical story told to him by Hanna Diyab, a Syrian visitor to Paris. While Galland included Aladdin in his translation of One Thousand and One Nights, the story was not part of prior versions of the book.

Where Was Aladdin Set?

While most people associate the One Thousand and One Nights with Arabia, many of the stories were about locations further east.

The original story is set in Islamic China, not Baghdad (or a renamed fictional city) like later movies depict. While a city isn’t named in the original story, we drew some inspiration for our production from the real-life city of Kashgar.

Kashgar is situated at a key point along the historical Silk Road. The 10th through 12th centuries along the Silk Road were a period of cultural, social, and intellectual fusion. You would see Persian scholars, Chinese merchants, and Arab travelers all in the same market.

Today, Kashgar is one of the Western-most cities in China, or the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It retains much of its Turkic Islamic culture, reflected in its architecture (like the Id Kah Mosque) and traditions.

Production supported by teaching artists and technical assistance from the Walnut Street Theatre through the Disney Musicals in Schools program

Additional funding provided by Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy Supporters (MANAS)

Sets created using materials and tools in Marian Anderson's Wildcat Workshop and in Mr. Brandt Wolf's workshop

Aladdin Kids Set Planning Notes 2026

Photos from Set Construction

Students and families supported the construction of sets and props for the show. A full list of contributors is included in the show's program.

Alex (grade 3), his mom, and his dad helped with constructing and painting some of the key set pieces, including but not limited to the rolling bases for trees, towers of gold, the prison wall, and the lamp.
Three grade 6 students made paper maché vases.
Some students in grades 3 and 4 helped create the leaves and bark for trees in the market.
Handfuls of students across grades 3-7 helped with painting the entance to the Cave of Wonders.
Fourth graders helped paper mache the genie's lamp.