Footlighters Theatre Society is pleased to announce that its next production is Aladdin, set for Prince Charles Theatre on Dec 1, 2, and 3, a followup to 2007’s highly successful Jack and The Beanstalk. The plot loosely follows the story in the traditional telling of this children’s classic and is not a retelling of the popular Disney version; therefore, there is no mischievous monkey nor do any characters remove their heads.
Set in Baghdad in ancient Persia, Aladdin is a useless lad. His mother, the kindly widow, takes in all the stray orphans. When Alitutu turns up, claiming to be Aladdin’s long lost uncle and wants Aladdin to perform a simple task, the plot is set for fun. With the thought of making large amounts of money for little work, Aladdin is only too willing and so he sets off with his wicked uncle for the Valley of the Cave where he meets the magical genie.
With the help of the genie, Aladdin becomes rich, marries the most beautiful princess in the world and settles in for a happy, fulfilled life. Alitutu is still scheming to become the most powerful magician in the world and is able to reclaim the magic lamp from Aladdin.
Although the adult roles have been cast, the flexibility of the locally written script allows for small roles to be added for those who would like to take part in the show.
The show includes over a dozen songs that will be sung by the adult characters and the children. The show also pokes and prods at local humour along the way.
Auditions for the children will take place in the Adam Robertson Elementary School gym on Sept. 14 from 3:15-5 p.m. All children wishing to take part in the show should be in the gym ready at 3:15 and be prepared to stay until 5. Parents will need to make sure the children arrive on time and have a ride home when the audition is completed. During the rehearsal process, parents will be needed to act as “orphan wranglers” — parents who assist when needed when small problems arise.
All rehearsals for the children will be on Wednesdays between 3:15 and 5 pm. until show week, when additional rehearsals in the theatre will be added.
While Aladdin is being performed in conjunction with Adam Robertson Elementary, children from all educational facilities, including home schoolers, are welcome to audition.
Further information can be obtained by phoning the director, Frank Goodsir, at 250-428-5082.