The Clarion

Issue date: 8/24/09 Section: Entertainment

Joshua L. Swalheim as Zampano, the uncle and the Evil Magician, performs a magic trick.

Shawn McQuillen walked into the darkened theater, held up a drum and asked his eager young guests to identify the instrument. Immediately, they shouted a multitude of answers, laughing at his invitation to be participants in the show.

The MATC Performing Arts production of "Aladdin" was cast in an appropriate environment, with low lights and soft Arabian music. But what made the play stand out was the interaction between the performers and the children in the audience.

The children attending were encouraged to watch the show from carpets (magic perhaps?) and to get comfortable with provided pillows and shawls. These were the VIP seats for the production.

McQuillen, the musical director for the production, continued to introduce each instrument, in an enthusiastic manner, to the children - a gesture that was creative and unexpected. The joyful and lively reaction from the children expressed their appreciation for this effort.

The show itself began with a family. After the Father shared his secret dream of being an actor with his family, they expressed their support by suggesting a play. The story? "Aladdin", the mystical story beloved by generations, and the character of Aladdin did not fail to impress. MATC student Arsenio Green brought the character to the studio theatre with such child-like enthusiasm that he always kept the children engaged and mesmerized.

Equally engaging were the comedic performances by Patrick Stallsmith and Spencer White, who alternated shows, as the Genie and Sultan. Quick character changes, sometimes right on stage, brought smiles and a small giggle from the audience. The princess of the production, played by MATC student Lindsay Jane Wolfgram, gave the play elements of elegance and femininity; but she wasn't the only woman who kept the children's eyes on her. Kati Buckwalter-Hughes provided warm-hearted laughs as Aladdin's mother and the Genie of the Ring. But one of the most important characters, and the most versatile, was Pico. Daniel Brown brought the mute character to the theatre whether it was mimicking a tree, providing props, or stating the obvious, and always got a laugh.

The evil magician, fantastically portrayed by MATC student Joshua L. Swalheim, brought a witty wickedness with his deep, mischievous cackle always around the corner when you thought it was a happy ending.

The happy ending eventually came for the characters and the actors, who were beaming as they were bombarded by children for autographs.

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