A Magical Adventure Awaits
at the King’s Wharf Theatre
Monday, May 16th, 2016
PENETANGUISHENE – Musical revelry, magic lamps, and enchanted carpets will take centre stage when Drayton Entertainment launches its 18th Season at the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene in a few short weeks.
Aladdin: The Panto, continues the organization’s success with 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. The production runs May 31st to June 18th.
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. With the Genie’s help, Aladdin embarks on a quest to fulfill his wildest dreams and win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine.
“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, Aladdin: The Panto is a terrific theatre experience for the entire family.”
The well-known story has been adapted for the stage in the British panto tradition by author Caroline Smith. 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, among others. Connolly is joined by accomplished Music Director Marion Abbott, Set Designer Jean-Claude Olivier, Costume Designer Rachel Berchtold, and Lighting Designer Simon Day.
An impressive cast of seasoned Canadian performers has been assembled for this production including the return of Jamie McKnight in the title role. McKnight, who is a former member of the Canadian Tenors, made audiences laugh and won rave reviews for his comic portrayal of Prince Justin in Snow White: The Panto in 2014.
Aidan DeSalaiz is sure to entertain in the infamous dame role of Widow Twankey and Justin Bott will undoubtedly elicit his fair share of “boos” as the evil wizard Abanazza.
Michelle Bouey takes on the role of the lovely Princess Jasmine with Michael De Rose as her doting father, the Sultan and the Genie of the Lamp.
Tim Porter and Sarah Higgins, who entertained audiences as Woody and Snow White in Snow White: The Panto, are back as Wishy-Washy and the Genie of the Ring, respectively.
Rachel Clark, Christine Desjardins, Jason Franco, Luke Opdahl, Jake Wagner and Robin Warwick round out the talented ensemble.
Drayton Entertainment has also engaged 24 of the best and brightest local young people to perform in this production as part of the Children’s Chorus. They will rotate in two teams of 12, including: Emily Adams, Hannah Billedeau, Cassidy Byers, Payge Dayler, Julia Edwards, Gabriele Gillespie, Owen Hinton, Jasmine Jenkinson, Claire Johnson, Andrew Jones, Liam Knoll, Katie LaPlante, Jason Moore, Nathan Moore, Korol Pikulik, Emma Reynolds, Spencer Reynolds, Abbey Robertson, Kaija Robillard, Annie Ross, Anastasia Stevens, Josh Vree, Chloe Walc and Alex Wyant.
Aladdin: The Panto is proudly sponsored by Stewart Vincent Photography. The Media Sponsors are Fresh Radio 93.1 and the Barrie Advance. The Design Sponsor is Midland Tours Inc. The Youth Theatre Education Sponsor is TD Bank Group. The 2016 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.
Regular performance tickets are $44.00 for adults; $26.00 for youth under 20 years of age; and groups of 20 or more are $36.00. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Close your eyes, make a wish, and don’t miss out on tickets for this magical carpet ride. Tickets can be purchased in person at the King’s Wharf Theatre, online at www.kingswharftheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at (705) 549-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
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For more information please contact:
Amanda Kind, Marketing Manager
Drayton Entertainment
amanda@draytonentertainment.com
Phone: (519) 621-5511 ext. 235