If your funny bone needs a good workout, you will find tickles by the barrel at “Aladdin the Pantomime” on till December 15th at the Princess Ave Playhouse in St. Thomas.
The tone is set early in the first scene with the entrance of Abanazer (Rob Faust), a billowing, black, evil presence, followed by an appearance of the adult and children’s choruses which fill the stage with a scene bursting with energy, colour and good vibes. You are invited to become actively involved as the struggle between good and evil unfolds.
The tone is set early in the first scene with the entrance of Abanazer (Rob Faust), a billowing, black, evil presence, followed by an appearance of the adult and children’s choruses which fill the stage with a scene bursting with energy, colour and good vibes. You are invited to become actively involved as the struggle between good and evil unfolds.
Everyone in the very large cast does their part in creating the ensuing dramas and moments which jump from surprising to outrageous to hilarious, many of them memorable. The “kids” range from adorable to feisty providing lots of evidence of blossoming local talent and love of theatre.
So much effort and enthusiasm went into this play on the part of everyone involved that they all deserve massive kudos. Several wildly physical performances are likely to stick in the minds’ of audience-goers for quite some time – you really just have to see it to believe it! Bethany Mink who plays Aladdin and seems to attain an increased stage presence with each successive play in which she appears, displays a nice combination of energy and ease and brings a bit of grounding to the craziness of the pantomime.
The set is delightful with its doors and sliding panels which niftily turn the stage from palace to laundry. Set, music and costuming readily transport the audience on a tear across the Orient. There’s also a very lovely carpet ride in one of the scenes.
There are many signs that everyone involved in this production took the play and ran with it at break neck speed to make it their own, taking the characters in uncharted directions and throwing in some humorous local flavour with mention of Aylmer, Legends, Sparta, Yurek’s Pharmacy and other familiar spots.
So much effort and enthusiasm went into this play on the part of everyone involved that they all deserve massive kudos. Several wildly physical performances are likely to stick in the minds’ of audience-goers for quite some time – you really just have to see it to believe it! Bethany Mink who plays Aladdin and seems to attain an increased stage presence with each successive play in which she appears, displays a nice combination of energy and ease and brings a bit of grounding to the craziness of the pantomime.
The set is delightful with its doors and sliding panels which niftily turn the stage from palace to laundry. Set, music and costuming readily transport the audience on a tear across the Orient. There’s also a very lovely carpet ride in one of the scenes.
There are many signs that everyone involved in this production took the play and ran with it at break neck speed to make it their own, taking the characters in uncharted directions and throwing in some humorous local flavour with mention of Aylmer, Legends, Sparta, Yurek’s Pharmacy and other familiar spots.
“Aladdin” offers fun for both adults and kids – it’s hard to say who will enjoy it more. It’s one of those productions which has enough comedically surprising scenes, you may want to see it more than once.
“Aladdin the Pantomime” is written by Peter Denyer and directed by Lesley Chapman and Ken Roberts at the Princess Avenue Playhouse, 40 Princes Avenue, St. Thomas. It runs Thurs to Sun, Dec 5th to 15th. Some of the performances are already sold out. Thursday to Saturday shows are at 7:30pm; Sunday shows are at 2pm. Tickets: $16 in advance (at Bell's Bookbin, 552 Talbot St, St. Thomas), $17 at door ($10 first Thursday). Website: www.elgintheatreguild.ca
“Aladdin the Pantomime” is written by Peter Denyer and directed by Lesley Chapman and Ken Roberts at the Princess Avenue Playhouse, 40 Princes Avenue, St. Thomas. It runs Thurs to Sun, Dec 5th to 15th. Some of the performances are already sold out. Thursday to Saturday shows are at 7:30pm; Sunday shows are at 2pm. Tickets: $16 in advance (at Bell's Bookbin, 552 Talbot St, St. Thomas), $17 at door ($10 first Thursday). Website: www.elgintheatreguild.ca
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