Two accomplished young thespians will lead Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society cast and crew in the production of Aladdin early next month.

And the spotlight is squarely on this pair with 26 years of performance between them.

Devaune Ratteray, 20, playing Aladdin and Samantha Tavares, 13, playing Princess Balroubador, are practising every night until the curtains go up.

Leading male, Devaune will carry on a talent that has been with him since his first performance at the age of four.

His previous achievements include catalogue and runway modelling, Gibbon's company modelling, school plays and singing.

Samantha's career began when she started singing at First Baptist Church. A talented musician, she has gained certificates at Grade Two piano, Grade Six singing and Grade 5 musical theory.

Devaune said theatre is: "Something I really, really enjoy but I don't know why.

"I live to see the reaction from people. I'm not going to rule it out as a career -- if it comes my way, it comes my way.'' said the graphic design student.

Samantha admitted to feeling nervous on stage, particularly on opening night, but said that as the performance goes on, confidence gradually builds up.

Saltus student Samantha, began acting when she was nine and has been involved in Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society productions including Robin Hood, Babes in the Woods, Dick Wittington and the Wizard of Oz.

Devaune's past, while exciting, has had its setbacks.

By the time he was well-established modelling in Bermuda, he was offered a position modelling for a US catalogue but got sick soon after and was not able to travel.

"At that time I was getting a lot of jobs on the Island and spending more time out of school than in.'' Devaune said.

His parents pulled him out of the constant work and he put his full attention toward school.

He continued to work in Berkeley Institute school plays, where two teachers provided him the encouragement to keep going -- Shangri La Durham-Thompson and Cathy DeCouto.

" After I finished high school I didn't do much because I was aboard,'' he said.

And after a brief spell of homesickness during university in England, Devaune arrived home and begun working in local theatre. His first show was Mother Hubbard.

Samantha's introduction to acting came when her singing coach Janice Moran pointed her toward the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society.

Her first audition was for Robin Hood: Babes in the Woods.

"I didn't expect to get it -- when I got the call, I almost fainted.'' Samantha said.

Now regarded as a veteran thespian, Samantha expects great things from this play.

"This productions going to be great, the directors wonderful and we've been practising three weeks so far,'' she said.

Both young stars expressed an interest in remaining with the theatre for sometime but remain very grounded in alternative choices toward a career.

"I want to be a singer and a vet -- sing to my pets.'' Samantha said jokingly.

"I might be working on a CD during the summer.'' And she hopes to work on a project in February with the BMDS.

"I just look to have fun.'' After high school, she wants to go to medical school in the US.

Devaune's immediate plans will take him to Las Vegas this January when he hopes to take a graphic design course at the University of Nevada.