Aladdin And His Winter Wish: Teen Dream plus Ben Vereen!*

Last Wednesday we attended the opening night performance and festivities for ALADDIN AND HIS WINTER WISH at the Pasadena Playhouse. I just have to start off this review with this photo, because there was a live camel in the courtyard, which you don't see everyday. Or maybe you do see this every day, in which case just skip over this fantastic image:

(Completely unrelated, Ron Jeremy walked right by me after I snapped this. There is absolutely no punchline to that – just one of those things that happens in life. While you're snapping a photo of a live camel in a courtyard.)

(Although I should add that what followed was a slightly awkward conversation with my teen girls when they asked, "Who's Ron Jeremy?")

A press release describes the play like this:

An updated version of the classic Arabian Nights tale, in the style of a traditional British family Panto, ALADDIN AND HIS WINTER WISH is a singing, swinging and soaring adventure that features family-friendly magic, with a comedic twist, dancing (with “So You Think You Can Dance” alumni), a live pony and contemporary music. A Panto is known for its interactive style and humor that appeals to everyone from ages 2 – 102! 

I took my two teens with me, mainly because they're huge musical theater fans and also because they wanted to check out Jordan Fisher (Aladdin) from Disney's popular Teen Beach Movie. Let me just say they were very impressed, both with his singing and acting abilities as well as his ability to look attractive in his sleeveless shirts and harem pants.

He definitely has great stage presence, as does his costar Ashley Argota (from Nickelodeon's True Jackson VP.) The two provide a lot for the tween/teen audience to relate to with their youthful performances and energetic renditions of pop tunes from One Direction, Bruno Mars and Carly Rae Jepsen. (As did the adults - how can you not want to dance to 'Call Me Maybe'?)

Bruce Vilanch as 'Widow Twankey' was the show's centerpiece with his huge presence and over-the-top humor. His costumes alone are worth the ticket price. My daughters immediately said his performance reminded them of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and that's no surprise – Vilanch played the part on Broadway.

But I was most excited to see Ben Vereen in his role as the Genie (even though my girls had no idea who he was.) I haven't seen him appear in anything for awhile, and it was great to see him singing and dancing (yes he still has the moves!) on stage at the Pasadena Playhouse – it made me want to run out and rent All That Jazz to see more of him and to show my daughters his early work. (Hopefully they won't ask to see the same of Ron Jeremy.)

If you want to take your family to a unique, family friendly, all ages show this holiday, definitely check out ALADDIN AND HIS WINTER WISH at the Pasadena Playhouse. Performances run through December 29 and you can click here to purchase tickets. There are also a couple of special experiences your kids can take part in, like Golden Tickets (a special on-stage sing-a-long experience during the show) and Character Breakfasts.

*My sincere apologies for the ridiculous rhyming title.
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Cavalia Odysseo: From Horses to Hot Guys, Something For The Entire Family

Last week we were lucky enough to be invited to opening night of Cavalia Odysseo, taking place in that huge big-top white tent you've seen in Burbank. You've probably heard it referred to as "that horse show" but it's really much more – an uplifting, energetic, beautiful blend of theatrics, live music, acrobatics, dance – and yes, horses.

Lots of horses. Sixty-seven of them to be exact. Which is why I was a little alarmed when minutes before the show my 14-year-old says, "I hate horses," in that blasé, matter-of-fact way she usually says, "I need three dollars for donuts." We contemplated selling her ticket and leaving her with the popcorn vendor but there were people watching, so off to our seats we went.

It only took a few minutes to change her mind. It's easy to underestimate the effect live animals have on a couple of city girls, whose only animal contact is with our neurotic house cat. From the moment the horses appeared on stage, my girls were captivated. The interaction between the horses and the performers (while always gentle) is exciting and mesmerizing. It had equal parts of theatrics (the acrobats seemed to defy gravity) and an almost zen calm about it. For once my girls' eyes were filled with wonder instead of the reflection of their iPhones.

By intermission "I hate horses" had turned into "I want to work in a horse show." I'm not making this up – she would have signed up right there if they'd had any need for a 14-year-old rider who'd never ridden a horse before.

I should add here that part of the appeal for my 14 and 16-year-old daughters was their fascination with the majestic, muscular creatures performing before them. Yes, I'm talking about the numerous shirtless male riders who make up the cast of the show. While my husband and I were in awe of their riding skills and dexterity as they jumped, flipped and somersaulted off the horses racing across the stage, our girls were Tweeting things like "Hot guys on horses. #heaven." Either way, we were all extremely impressed with their talents.

In addition to the animal and acrobatic performances, the set itself is breathtaking. The 15,000 square-foot stage resembles a hilly landscape and a video backdrop (the size of three IMAX screens) changes to create various seasons and locations, from the African desert to the American Southwest. One of our favorite parts was the finale, where a lake suddenly appears – 80,000-gallons of water flood the stage in less than three minutes.

Another aspect of the show that we were so impressed with – and is often overlooked – was the live music. If you looked closely up and to the sides of the stage, you could see the musicians performing amongst the "trees" – an intriguing sight for my musical husband and kids.

My entire family whole-heartedly recommends this show for all ages. No love of horses is required, just an appreciation for a beautifully done and artistically produced spectacle that turned a 14-year-old horse hater into an enthusiastic equine admirer. Note to Cavalia producers: She'll be ready to work soon – she's already practicing some training moves on our cat.

Cavalia Odysseo is playing through March 24 
777 N. Front St., Burbank

Tuesday-Saturday at 8 p.m. Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Call 1-866-999-8111 for tickets or  
order online here.




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Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, but I did receive four press tickets for my family to see Cavalia Odysseo. All opinions expressed are my own, except those of my 14-year-old daughter since, you know, we have no control over what teenagers think.

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