Bergen County Players to Present Holiday Musical ALADDIN, 11/30-12/22

Continuing its "From Page to Stage" 81st season, Bergen County Players (BCP) will present its annual holiday show, Aladdin, a theatrical magic carpet ride for the entire family. Building on its commitment to providing theater that entertains, challenges and inspires young people and families, BCP will present Aladdin at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell from November 30th through December 22nd. Children of all ages will be thrilled to follow Aladdin's quest to capture the heart of the beautiful princess Mei-Ling, taking him on a magical journey from rags to riches and featuring not one, but two fantastical genies! Shows will be on Fridays at 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm and 3:30pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.bcplayers.org, by calling 201-261-4200, or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours. Tickets are $13 for all performances.

Under the direction of Lynne Lupfer of Tenafly, and musical direction of Steve Bell of Hackensack, this version of Aladdin is based on a popular stage production by the Prince Street Players, with music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy, and book and lyrics by Eiler. This delightful adaptation of the fairytale restores the locale to its original ancient Chinese roots to put a new spin on a classic tale, with Aladdin (played with youthful zest by Wesley Laga of Park Ridge) discovering the lamp with the help of a scheming old magician (Andrew Gutierrez of River Edge), who aims to exploit its magic for his own ends. The lamp contains a fun-loving Genie (a most charming Matthew Rofofsky of Fort Lee) who bestows upon Aladdin the riches he requires in order to marry lovely Princess Mei-Ling (Sara Biddle of Montvale). The charming score includes "Fly My Kite", "A Lovely Day in China", "Up Up High" and "Tea Time". The beloved characters, inventive staging and toe-tapping tunes make this musical a dazzling journey of discovery and adventure.

The cast is rounded out by David Luke of Washington Township as the imperious Emperor, Isabella Chang of Westwood as the beautiful dancing doll Fatima, Eileen Karlson of Teaneck as Aladdin's distressed mother, and Jim Kelly of Park Ridge as the energetic and hilarious Stage Manager who plays multiple roles in the story. The Assistants are played by Rosella DeVincenzo of Oradell, Nicole Parente of Palisades Park, Justin Flores of New Milford, and Tayler Tessitore ofRochelle Park.

Aladdin is directed by Lynne Lupfer of Tenafly, a Life Member at BCP and past Vice President who has designed décor for more than thirty shows. Previously, she directed Sleeping Beauty for BCP. In addition to directing countless shows throughout her career at Dwight Morrow High School and Park Ridge High School, she is the Founder and Artistic Director of the non-profit musical theater organization, Summertime Players, an educational youth theater company which she founded for students in grades two through college.

Production team members include Paul Reitnauer III and Michele Roth (Producers); Geri Berhain (Assistant to the Director and Stage Manager); Laura Ashley (Assistant to the Director); Stephanie Ofshinsky (Choreographer); Isabella Chang (Dance Captain); Greg Cilmi (Set Design and Construction); Lauren Zenreich (Set Décor); Joe Lanteri (Lighting Design); Sam Negin (Lighting Operation); Katie Lupfer and Nell White (Costumes); Laura Bateman and Pat Bain (Properties); brian james Grace and Nadiya Braham (Makeup); Alan Zenreich (Photography); and Ken Fodor (Program Notes).

· All performances of Aladdin take place at The Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, home to the Bergen County Players since 1949. Performance times are Fridays at 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm & 3:30pm.
· Tickets for Aladdin are $13 for all performances, and can be purchased online at www.bcplayers.org, by calling 201-261-4200, or by visiting the box office during regular box office hours. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards are accepted.
· Those interested in group sales of 20 or more tickets may call 201-261-4200 x6.
· Parking is free at the Park Avenue municipal lot across the street, one half block north of the theater.

Further information can be found at www.bcplayers.org.

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