Review: NC Theatre's 'Aladdin and His Winter Wish' delivers fun show for entire family

North Carolina Theatre is wading into the Christmas show scene this season with "Aladdin and His Winter Wish," a production courtesy of the Lythgoe Family, who might be best known for its connection to "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance."

Posted 3:40 p.m. Nov 30, 2018 — Updated 3:40 p.m. Nov 30, 2018

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

, Go Ask Mom editor

North Carolina Theatre is wading into the Christmas show scene this season with "Aladdin and His Winter Wish," a production courtesy of the Lythgoe Family, who might be best known for its connection to "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance." Dad Nigel Lythgoe is the producer of "American Idol" and creator, producer and judge on "So You Think You Can Dance."

Lythgoe Family Panto is working to bring this particularly British form of comedy and live theater to the American stage. Panto is an interactive form of live musical theater that is typically based on fairy tales and is rewritten each year to incorporate local and timely humor and popular music.

When I spoke with Kris Lythgoe, son of Nigel, about the show the other week, he promised it would be interactive, with some big talent, music that we all would recognize, a family-friendly party before each performance and lots of local jokes.

I had a chance to see the show Thursday night, and it delivered on all counts.

As is usual with panto productions, the crowd, filled with families, was encouraged to boo or cheer various characters. Kids especially enjoyed booing and hissing at the evil Abanazar character, played wonderfully by veteran actor Josh Adamson.

The performances were on point - particularly Jason Gotay, who played Aladdin; Jonathan Meza, who played Wishee Washee, Aladdin's hilarious brother and the MC, at one point, during the show; and Ty Taylor, who played the Genie and earned all kinds of applause for his magnificent voice.

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Everybody in the audience recognized all sorts of songs and references. There was "On the Wings of Love" as Aladdin and the Princess, played by Nia Sioux, sat atop a magic carpet. There also were versions of 80s hit "Break My Stride," "Old Time Rock and Roll," "Billionaire," and "Viva La Vida," among several others.

In the lobby before the show, kids could pose with a princess, watch another version of "Aladdin" on a small TV and take part in some quick coloring crafts.

And there are, indeed, lots of local references, including plenty of jokes about college basketball and an appearance from the Holderness family, local YouTube stars who tout the wonders of Raleigh over Charlotte.

When I interviewed Kris Lythgoe about the show, he said his family hopes to not just introduce American audiences to panto and live theater, but provide a fun activity for multiple generations.

As I watched my mom and 9-year-old daughter crack up throughout last night's performance and loudly boo and hiss, I'm here to report that "Aladdin and His Winter Wish" delivers exactly what Kris Lythgoe promised - a fun show for the entire family.

"Aladdin and His Winter Wish" runs through Sunday at the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. Tickets start at $23 (and we have a ticket deal!). The show runs 1 hour and 40 minutes with a 15 minute intermission in the middle.

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