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Voice of iconic Disney villain Jafar is coming to Cape Cod to support autism and the arts

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More than a dozen movers and shakers in the art and theater worlds ― including Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind and Broadway star Jonathan Freeman ― will gather June 20 at the Chatham Orpheum Theater.

The glitterati are coming to talk about how the arts can change the lives of those living on the autism spectrum ― and how much people on the spectrum can contribute to the arts.

“I wanted an opportunity to educate people about the myriad of talent that lies inside these amazing neurodivergent people,” emailed Kim Roderiques, organizer for “Heroes of My Imagination.”

The event is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Chatham Orpheum Theater, which Roderiques said is donating the entire $25 ticket price to Cape Abilities, a group that coordinates jobs, housing and enrichment for differently abled people. Tickets are available at chathamorpheum.org or at the door at 511 Main St.

Actor, producer and theater educator Alan Rust, theater director of the Hartt School at the University of Hartford who also ran the Monomoy Theatre in Chatham summers for almost 50 years, will moderate.

The voice of Jafar in Disney’s ‘Aladdin’

The panel includes Suskind and Freeman, who voiced Jafar in Disney’s 1992 animated feature “Aladdin” and was seen for 8 years recreating his celebrated role on Broadway.

Suskind authored, “Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes and Autism” about life with his son Owen, who is on the autism spectrum and learned to communicate by watching Disney characters. Suskind met Freeman when he sent a note asking the actor to meet his son for Owen’s birthday.

The 2014 book was turned into the documentary, “Life, Animated,” which was nominated for an Oscar in 2017.

Also on the panel are Mashpee residents Tedi Marsh and her daughter, Isabeau Miller, who co-produced “How to Dance in Ohio,” with the first Broadway cast composed entirely of people on the autism spectrum.

Also contributing will be Nate Olin, a Cape Cod artist and award-winning arts educator (who worked with Owen Suskind) and Nina Schuessler, performer and retired executive/artistic director of the Cape Cod Theatre Project/Harwich Children’s Theatre. Rounding out the panel are Emmy Award-winning writer Dani Davis and vocalist Matthew Newcombe who performs with the Cape Symphony.

Greeting people at the door will be Liam Campbell, 29 – “Campbell, like the soup” he will tell you – a Chatham man who is on the spectrum and also unlocked his voice at age 5 by watching “Sesame Street” and Disney.

Roderiques, who met Liam a decade ago through his father, Tommy, and helped the two market their book, “99 Cents Short,” recalls how Liam once told her “If I didn’t have art, I couldn’t breathe.”

Roderiques, a photographer, author and community organizer in Chatham, said she hopes this forum helps create a world that nurtures all artists.

Gwenn Friss is the editor of CapeWeek and covers entertainment, restaurants and the arts. Contact her at gfriss@capecodonline.com. Follow her or X, formerly Twitter: @dailyrecipeCCT

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