The Fringe Theater Presents Aladdin & The Magic Lamp: A Panto

The Fringe Theatre returns to Christ Episcopal Church for a weekend of fun and candy March 31 - April 2 with another original Panto production. Aladdin and the Magic Lamp: A Panto will take you deep into the heart of Arabia to share in the adventures of Aladdin and his merry band of thieves.

While this show will be familiar, including many of the elements of the well-loved story of Aladdin, Panto brings a fresh spin with new characters, jokes, popular music, and exuberant dance numbers. The audience is a huge help to the main characters by singing, shouting and dancing alongside the cast. Writer/director, Maryanne Truax, is excited to bring this original piece to the stage in her sophomore year as the show’s director: "This is the largest cast we've ever seen in panto, and definitely the most energetic. If the audience is having half as much fun as the people onstage, then we're in for an amazing weekend!"

This is the 8th Panto production put on by The Fringe Theatre. The group is made up of local actors - adults and children alike.The role of Aladdin is being taken on by Panto newbie Samuel Melton. He is joined by performing powerhouse Shanice Washington as the Genie and the comedic Griffin Long-Sinnot as Buddy. Panto veterans Talia Joseph and Charlotte Varga will be returning to the stage in the roles of Jasmine and Polly, respectively. And many other Panto familiars will be back: Jack Sinnot takes on his first leading role with the group as the Sultan, Lucas Herrera slays as Robin Hood, and Josie George is a sassy Bonnie with her partners in crime Mason Plotner and Kiran Meloni sharing the role of Clyde. Of course, every story needs a villain, so Craig Truax, longtime producer with The Fringe Theatre, gladly steps onto the stage as Jafar.

Panto is a delightful mix of dedicated veterans and Panto neophytes. While the producers are constantly recruiting new members due to the different and fun nature of the shows, the core of the Panto family has been with the group since its inception. Over the years, many have gotten the “Panto bug” and stuck with the group for a number of shows.

Join The Fringe Theatre and get ready for Aladdin like you’ve never seen: Friday, March 31st at 7:30 pm, Saturday, April 1st at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, April 2nd at 2:30 pm. All performances will be held at Christ Episcopal Church at 1132 Highland Ave, Needham MA, 02494. Tickets are available at www.thefringetheatre.org/order-tickets.