I love stage productions, especially great ones. Encore Stage didn’t disappoint with it’s production of The Magical Lamp of Aladdin. My three and half year old daughter attended the production with me. This was her first stage play and she was completely enamored during the entire performance. As a former television and film actress, I must tell you that I was highly impressed with the stage production and the talent the cast and crew offered.
We were treated to a special musical snack by the Prelude Musical Orchestra right before the play began. Prelude, an Arlington Youth Orchestral Program provides orchestral experience and educational opportunities. For more information, check out their site: www.preludeva.org. It was such a magical experience listening to the performance, especially given the talent of these children. My daughter loved that all the girls wore sparkly tiaras as part of their stage apparel.
The Magical Lamp of Aladdin is a tale where not everything is what it seems–a dusty old lamp holds a magical genie, a shadow on the horizon is a fearsome dragon, a vagabond boy with uncommon courage. It is a vibrant production directed by Chuck Leonard. Chuck Leonard currently teaches for the Honors College at George Mason University. He has worked as Director of Education for the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company in Maryland since 2006, where he has also acted and designed. His credits include directing musicals for the Silver Bay YMCA of the Adirondacks and as a teaching artist at Wolf Trap Institute.
The entire cast of The Magical Lamp of Aladdin is absolutely amazing! Aladdin is played by a fantastically vivacious and enormously talented young actor named Andrew Ruhnke. His pet monkey, Alakazam is portrayed by an equally gifted actress named Eva Gary.
This production has prompted me to encourage everyone to go see this! It has reinvigorated my passion for acting, as I recalled how passionate I was on stage at that age. It inspired my three year old to put on her own plays at home. And it reminded me that I don’t have to go to New York City to see great theatre, especially when there’s a terrific theatre right here near our neighborhood!
The Magical Lamp of Aladdin runs from March 9-18 at Encore Stage and Studio, Kenmore Middle School 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington VA 22204. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets are available at www.encorestage.org.
