Photos: Genie’s out of the Bottle at Studio Theatre

Studio Theatre’s current show, Seniors of the Sahara, is an illustration of how charming can be, when produced by people like the O’Neills – Bob, Lisa and their three children – who’ve owned the theater for more than a year now.

Set in Margate, New Jersey, and written by Barbara Pease Weber – who dropped in unannounced to see the production herself recently on August 21 – the production’s a balance of theatrical professionalism and neighborly fun.

It tells the story of Sylvia Goldberg (Ginger Dalton), who returns from a trip to Egypt with a $30 keepsake that turns out to be of great antiquity and sought by its diabolical former owner. It's also home to a genie named Eugene (Don Frame), who emerges from the lamp with an aching back and an even greater aching desire to serve his new mistress.

Dalton showed a friendly command of her role, and Frame charmed throughout the performance. Meanwhile Sylvia’s senior gal pals – Kathy Coletti (Thelma), Joan Rubinstein (Fannie) and Sonya Tannenbaum (Mabel) – provided comedic counterpoint, with plenty of genial bumbling, conniving and even geriatric belly-dancing to keep the laughs flowing. Michael Goldwin filled in for Eric Trigg as the nefarious Savalas.

Produced by the O’Neills, directed by Linda May and delivered by this cast, the play’s a convincing fairy-dust romance wrapped up in New Jersey senior citizen chick-schtick – in sum, a great night out.

Want to check out local theater in Lindenhurst? Seniors of the Sahara continues with weekend shows August 26 and 28 and September 2 and 3. And check out the 's website for an updated schedule, including Neil Simon's Jake's Women.

Take a peek through the for a look back at highlights of the August 21 performance of the show.

Next up is On Golden Pond, beginning September 17. The fall season continues with Jake’s Women, beginning October 22, and Ethan Claymore, starting November 26, plus a special presentation for New Year’s Eve.