Arabian Nights returns to stage

TAKE a magic carpet ride to the mystical land of genies, sultans and beautiful princesses with Aladdin JR, which is now on at the National Children’s Theatre.

Get swept to the land of magic in Aladdin JRGet swept to the land of magic with Aladdin JRIt is the second time Disney’s Aladdin JR is being performed at the theatre, after its debut at the end of 2011. It sets out to bring magical adventure and endless excitement to lovers of musicals.

The play runs until 21 July. Children and adults alike are invited to enter the enchanting, exotic city of Agrabah with the characters of the classic Disney musical. There is never a dull moment in this production, which is never short of music and fun dance routines.

It is a story of a young man who finds a lamp, which contains a magical genie. It pops out when he rubs the lamp. From then, there is mischief and mayhem as the pair gets up to all sorts of antics. Aladdin, Genie and Jasmine, the lovely princess, educate and entertain the audience through their thrilling quests.

The costumes, music and lights will keep children spellbound, and audiences are encouraged to interact with the characters. Both the children and adults will find appeal in the story and will leave the theatre a little richer for the experience.

Cast members are Marco Spaumer as Aladdin, Dolly Louw as Jasmine, Raynard Slabbert as Genie, Clint Lesch (Jafar), Dionne Song (Lago), Keaton Ditchfield (Razoul) and Ferdinand Botha (Sultan). Natasha van der Merwe, Marike Smith and Lebo Toko make up the remaining cast members.

The production is staged and directed by François Theron, Rowan Bakker on musical supervision, Shelly Adriaanzen taking care of choreography, Sarah Roberts doing costume design, Jane Gosnell on lighting, and Stan Knight responsible for set direction.

Any Disney production would be incomplete without the always present values of friendship, love, hope and family, which Aladdin JR has in buckets. It features the much-loved songs A Whole New World and Friend like Me.

During government school terms, shows are at 9am and 10.30am; during school holidays, there are shows from Mondays to Saturdays at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Tickets are R80 per child and R100 per adult. Bookings for groups, schools and birthdays are possible; call 011 484 1584/5.

The National Children’s Theatre is at 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown.