Aladdin and His Lamp at Reno Eldorado
A Review by Kevin Reeves
Staff Writer
An ancient fable continues to transform and project beyond the shadows of its mysterious origins, via imaginatively-applied new 3D technology and modern song-and-dance, now until January 13, 2013 at the Reno Eldorado, mirroring the metamorphosis of its naive teenage hero realizing and transcending the manipulations of his patronizing Machiavellian elders. Youth empowerment is alive and well, to the delight of its cheering child fan base, exemplified through surprisingly well-produced virtual 3D images and their seamlessly interactive live-action counterparts in the Eldorado’s warmly intimate downtown showroom.
No one can say for certain who wrote the epic tale behind Aladdin and
His Lamp, as literary historians trace earliest written versions to French translator Antoine Galland’s insertion of the story (which he’d apparently heard from a Syrian Arab storyteller around 1709) in One Thousand and One Nights (also known as Arabian Nights). Thought to be a fairy tale born and raised through oral tradition across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, the magic of this well-known story has hit a dazzling new height thanks to the technological facelift provided by a set that morphs before audience’s eyes into a roller-coaster ride down a treasure cave’s dark recesses, across the glowing desert sky on a magic carpet ride, and around the animated antics of a materializing Genie. Courtesy Photo: Aladdin and His Lamp cast at the Eldorado
Before actually attending the show, I was apprehensive about the hype: was a cheesy pull-down screen going to eclipse the stage at regular intervals, and bore the adults with trite 3D moments inspired by Hollywood’s recent trend of ticket-price-doubling camera tricks? I figured: whatever; it’s for the kids. My idealist writer’s mind wanted to round-up and consider the grand possibilities, but my inner cynic was unconvinced...until I took my 7-year-old niece Juliette to the show and we saw just what the producers managed to pull-off: a professionally admirable blend of dream and reality. I must admit, I even bobbed and weaved in my seat a bit, right along with the other audience members, as virtual boulders hurled past our heads and giant vipers lashed their forked tongues at our noses. The best part was the smooth integration of the human actors as they spoke with, danced with, and dodged the 3D projections in a respectably believable fashion.
Actor Cameron Smith brought Aladdin’s childish gullible awe to life as his strings were pulled by the subjugating villain Abanazer (performed by actor Roy Richardson), only to break free from condescension and deceit in the name of love, as he pursued the delicate beauty of Marissa Joy’s Princess. Careful not to over-rely upon the 3D theatrics, the show also includes some breathtaking martial arts performances with multiple spinning, jabbing spar sequences that supply just the right amount of impressive action. Well-paced with contemporary musical performances that every young audience member knew and enjoyed, Jon Conway and Olly Ashmore’s scripted rendition of this age-old fantasy supplied what attending families value most during the holiday season: the triumphs of togetherness and communal celebration, illustrated in a never-before-seen integration of technologically new and traditionally respected theater production. Courtesy Photo Christopher Wren as Alibaba and Roy Richardson as Abanazer.
And somehow the writers managed to blend western Christmas imagery (complete with real snowflakes drifting onto us during the final act’s Christmas music medley) into this decidedly eastern storyline, for a holiday treat of crisp contrasts and soothing sentiments which both pleased and motivated the children fortunate enough to experience the magic of Aladdin and His Lamp.
Notes: This spectacular show is packed with fun for the whole family and features an original musical score and script by top UK writers Jon Conway and Olly Ashmore. It is making its US premier at the Eldorado. Prepare for a magical 3D adventure this Holiday season and reserve tickets for “Aladdin” in the Eldorado Showroom today! Tickets start at just $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for children ages 3-12 and $21.95 for seniors age 60 and above. Dinner and show packages available from $34.95. Character meet and greet available for $5 after Saturday and Sunday matinees which includes a commemorative cast photo. Show times vary Tuesday through Friday with either a single 7pm performance or two performances at 5:30 and 8pm. Show times on Saturday and Sunday are at 3 and 7pm. http://eldoradoreno.com
Escape to the Eldorado Hotel Casino, where every detail has been considered in order to provide you with the stay of a lifetime. Experience timeless luxury and friendly, personal service in the heart of Downtown Reno, for the ultimate vacation. Enjoy a Broadway-style production in the opulent Eldorado Showroom, spectacular bars and lounges, since 1973.
http://www.eldoradoreno.com
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