NFLT’s Aladdin a magical, exotic tale

Dec 04, 2014

After months of rehearsals, North Frontenac Little Theatre presented the play "Aladdin" last weekend, from November 27 to 30

Kudos to the cast and crew, who pulled off what will be remembered not only as the inaugural musical extravaganza at Granite Ridge's cafetorium but also as a production that enraptured theatre goers of all ages, who came out in the hundreds over a four-day run.

The cast included a number of young thespians who made this production sparkle. Nick Alarcon played Aladdin with confidence and swagger. He not only saved the day by stepping into the lead role at the last minute, he did so with grace, mastery and modesty, making his first foray as the play’s leading song and dance man one to remember.

His love interest, Princess Jasmine (Joelle Parr), was both picture and pitch perfect as the sweet and sassy Jasmine who helps Aladdin win the day. She was assisted by her loyal maids, expertly played by Sidney Drew and Savannah Gosse. Emma Brash, who played Aladdin's neighbour, was a delight, as was the beggar Tom Christensen, who was miraculously transformed. Barb Matson as Aladdin's doting mom was hilariously expressive, as was Aladdin's sister Neela, deftly played by Ellie Larocque.

Charlotte Hilder, Gillian Hoffman and Annika Putman each perfectly performed their roles as the three exotic genies who were gorgeously bejeweled and who each brought their own unique brand of magic to the show.

Comedy was a big part of this production and the irascible Mason Moore as Alakazam, Aladdin's beloved monkey, nearly stole the show with his clever animated antics; his low down chin/toe/finger tip crawl across centre stage will long be remembered.

Cash Matson as the under-achieving executioner Chop Chop received multiple laughs and thankfully his giant silver sword never met flesh. Cayleigh Matson as the big-headed Ali Bubba also broke up the audience with his chronic whining. The huge dragon created by Mike & Jocelyne Steeves was a wonder to behold and was brought to life thanks to the expert voicings of Rob Moore.

This love story would have fallen short without villains and the production had a cast of evil doers in spades. Martina Field was almost unrecognizable as the evil magician Jammal and she pulled out all the stops as the conniving, singing, mustachioed mischief-maker who kept the plot moving along. Jammal was egged on by his equally evil sister, Halima, played by a darkly demure Donna Larocque with her crystal ball – together the two made much of the play’s mayhem.

Sarah Hale sparkled as always in her dual roles as narrator and the merchant woman. The play’s director Brian Robertson played the thick-bearded, hen-pecked sultan and with Karen Steele as his queen sultana, they amused the audience with their back and forth wife/hubby banter.

Musically the show was a delight and the trio of flute, piano and bass (Sandy Robertson, John Inglis, and Gary Giller) was just what was required. Musical highlights included a duet by Halima and Jasmine, with the two nailing one of the show’s most difficult and beautiful songs. Jammal's song while disguised as a pedlar was pure vaudeville and Aladdin nailed his show-stopping tune with aplomb. He sang the theme song throughout the play accompanied by the lungi-clad young chorus, whose dances were beautifully choreographed.

Visually, this production was stunning, with elaborate, colorful sets that included a beautiful background of far eastern spires and cupolas, curvy props and a plethora of silks and satins that together with the clever lighting made for a rich, textured stage. The costumes were of the highest caliber, each intricate and meticulous, with copious layers of satins and silks, lots of veils, vests and exotic head gear, and sparkling makeup and sequins that reflected beautifully in the gorgeous hues of the stage lights.