On the Spot Productions presents Aladdin just in time for the holiday season.
The show will run from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1. In true pantomime fashion, the audience will be encouraged to cheer for the good guys and boo the villains.
The cast, made up of local actors, will lead audiences through the story of a young man, Aladdin, who seeks his true love, only to find that she is the Princess Badrauboudour.
Sound familiar? Think again. Make no mistake, this is not Walt Disney’s Aladdin. The story is set in Peking, China and presents the classic tale.
Creator Chaz Booth said, “It is an English tradition to attend a pantomime during the Christmas season. Everyone gets involved because the audience is encouraged to cheer on the favourites and hiss and boo when the nemesis comes on stage.
“For anyone who has never seen real pantomime, they are a tongue-in-cheek take on traditional tales. There has been great support from the business community to sponsor the pantomime because … it is an event everyone will love.”
Director Tina Darke, noted, “For a pantomime, the costumes are elaborate and colourful and sets are minimal but pack a punch because they are so vibrant. The setting for this story is a market in Peking where goods of all kinds can be purchased.”
Featured prominently in the story is Widow Twankey, Aladdin’s mother, who operates a laundry service.
“She is such a famous character from English pantomime,” said Darke.
“You can count on some fun whenever she appears. This is why pantos are so much fun. The actors will have to be prepared to do some improvisation at any time.”
The show has original songs and music and the audience will be encouraged to sing along.
The show runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 at 7pm, with a matinee show on Dec. 1 at 2pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and groups of 10 or more, or $10 for children 14 and under.
Tickets are available at Fergus Grand Theatre, by calling 519-787-1981 or online at www.fergusgrandtheatre.ca. All proceeds will go to local charities benefitting children.
