Musical revelry, magic lamps, and enchanted carpets will take centre stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse this holiday season. The popular family tradition continues with a brand new panto version of the beloved story Aladdin at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from Nov. 18 to Dec. 20.
Drayton Entertainment has enjoyed great success in recent years staging this particular genre of live theatre, which appeals to children and adults alike by incorporating music, topical jokes, and audience interaction in a refreshing take on a timeless fairy tale.
Based on an Arabic legend from The Book of One Thousand and One Nights, this production 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 an imposing genie who will grant three special wishes.
“Aladdin has something for everyone,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment in a press release. “With energetic dance numbers, fun-filled songs, colourful costumes, and audience participation, Aladdin: The Panto is a terrific theatre experience for the entire family.”
The story has been adapted for the stage in the British panto tradition by Caroline Smith. Director and choreographer David Connolly has directed several shows for Drayton Entertainment including last season’s hit Snow White: The Panto.
An impressive cast of seasoned Canadian performers has been assembled for this production including Jamie McKnight in the title role. McKnight made audiences laugh earlier this season as Prince Herbert in Monty Python’s Spamalot and Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance. Drayton Entertainment favourite Keith Savage will entertain in the dame role of Widow Twankey and Justin Bott will undoubtedly elicit “boos” as the evil wizard Abanazza.
Kimberly-Ann Truong takes on the role of Princess Jasmine with Stephanie Pitsiladis as the Genie of the Lamp and Lindsey Frazier as the Genie of the Ring.
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).
