Stage Door News
Stage Door News
ST. JACOBS – The St. Jacobs Country Playhouse brings its celebrated 2015 Season to a close with a fun-filled version of the beloved story Aladdin. Performed in the British Panto tradition, which appeals to children and adults alike by incorporating music, topical jokes, and audience interaction, Drayton Entertainment’s refreshing take on the timeless fairy tale runs to December 20th.
“Aladdin has something for everyone,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “With energetic dance numbers, fun-filled songs, colourful costumes, and audience participation, it is a terrific theatre experience for the entire family.”
The well-known story has been adapted for the stage by Caroline Smith, based on the Arabic legend The Book of One Thousand and One Nights. It tells the story of a young male peasant, Aladdin, who is coerced by an evil sorcerer to retrieve a magic lamp from an enchanted cave. After the sorcerer attempts to double-cross him, Aladdin keeps the lamp for himself, and discovers that it summons a Genie who will grant three wishes. With the Genie’s help, Aladdin embarks on a quest to fulfill his dreams and win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine.
The magical musical production is in the capable hands of Director and Choreographer David Connolly, who has directed several shows for Drayton Entertainment including last season’s hit Snow White: The Panto. Connolly has captivated audiences once again with witty humour and energetic dance numbers that have everyone laughing and moving to the music.
Joined by accomplished Music Director Steve Thomas, this classic tale is given a modern twist by incorporating contemporary pop songs into the story. The clever musical score is performed live by a top notch five-piece orchestra.
Set Designer Jean-Claude Olivier has created stunning backdrops and scenery that make the audience feel like part of Aladdin’s adventure in Agrabah. The visually appealing set is enhanced by Simon Day’s lighting design fit for a fairy tale.
Costume Designer Rachel Berchtold has fashioned show-stopping costumes, full of vibrant colours, cheery patterns and lots of glitz and glamour that help to bring this story to life. From the Genie’s magical outfit to Jasmine’s bright and beautiful colours, the costumes spare no detail and capture the essence of each character.
An impressive cast of seasoned performers has been assembled for this production including Jamie McKnight in the title role. McKnight made audiences laugh as Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance and Prince Herbert in Monty Python’s Spamalot earlier this season. He also won hearts as Prince Justin in last year’s Snow White: The Panto. Equal parts charming and funny, McKnight stands out throughout the production – he’s got a terrific voice and all the right moves to capture the heart of the princess.
Kimberly-Ann Truong, who last appeared in Drayton Entertainment’s production of Les Misérables, is perfectly sweet and spirited as the lovely Princess Jasmine. Stratford veteran Marcus Nance is appropriately commanding as her doting father, the Sultan.
A pantomime wouldn’t be complete without a dame and a villain, and this production is no exception. Drayton Entertainment favourite Keith Savage keeps audiences in stitches as Widow Twankey, with his timely humour and signature goofy moves that have everyone laughing and cheering. Justin Bott is perfectly wicked as the evil sorcerer Abanazza – when he steps on stage the audience instinctively erupts with a chorus of “boos” in traditional panto fashion.
Tim Porter, who charmed audiences as Woody in Snow White: The Panto, returns with the same childlike charm as Wishy-Washy. Stephanie Pitsiladis is brash and enigmatic as the Genie of the Lamp while Lindsey Frazier is sweet and clever as the Genie of the Ring. Together they enhance the mystery and magic that is central to the production.
Ashley Arnett, Rachel Clark, Sam DiGiuseppe, Jason Franco, Nicholas Nesbitt and Christine Watson round out the talented ensemble, filling the stage with singing and dancing from start to finish. Alongside the professional cast, Drayton Entertainment has also engaged 36 of the best and brightest local youth to perform on a rotating schedule as part of the Children’s Chorus. In addition to his role on stage, Jason Franco is the Children’s Chorus Rehearsal Director.
“With such a first-rate group of performers, audiences are guaranteed to be entertained,” says Mustakas. “This production is a wonderful way to create great memories for the entire family.”
Tickets are over 90% sold out! Regular performance tickets are $42.00 for adults; $25.00 for youth under 20 years of age; and groups of 20 or more are $34.00. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Aladdin: The Panto is proudly sponsored by Strassburger Windows & Doors and Conestoga Mall. The Media Sponsors are Country 106.7 and 570 News. The Design Sponsor is Holiday Inn Express. The Youth Theatre Education Sponsor is TD Bank Group. The 2015 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.
Aladdin: The Panto is on stage now through December 20th. Tickets can be purchased in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, online at www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com or by calling the Box Office at (519) 747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
Photo: Kimberly-Ann Truong and Jamie McKnight. ©2015 Hilary Gauld Camilleri.
2015-11-19
St. Jacobs: "Aladdin: The Panto" opens tonight at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse