Fayetteville State University’s Seabrook Auditorium will have magic in the air as Aladdin comes to the stage this month.

The magical story of Aladdin is a well traveled and long loved one. The tale is said to have started as a Middle Eastern folk tale, but is also said to have Arabic, Persian, Indian and Egyptian roots, dating well back to the 15th century. Like most great stories, the initial origin may be cloudy and some details may have changed but the heart of the story survives.

The story revolves around young Aladdin, an impoverished youth with dreams of being rich and respected. By a series of events, he comes to acquire a magical lamp containing a powerful genie, that he has tricked an evil magician into relinquishing. He then uses the genie’s power to win the heart of beautiful Princess Jasmine and impress the Sultan, making his dreams come true. In a twist however, the magician regains the lamp and kidnaps the Princess, and in order to set things right, Aladdin along with his monkey sidekick Alakazam, must face Chop-Chop the ruthless executioner and help set things right!

This story has survived and has been woven into history many different ways for the simple fact that it has all the components of a wonderful adventure. Love, betrayal and magic have always been a recipe for a good story. We cheer for underdog Aladdin and hope for evil villains comeuppance.

This February Fayetteville State University Theater put it’s own spin on this yarn, with this non musical version of the classic tale. In this delightful version, experience all the magic and suspense you’ve come to associate with Aladdin, as well as meet three genies, the whining Ali “Bubba,” the fire-breathing dragon and the haughty sultan’s wife.

Fayetteville State University has been putting on exciting productions since about 1973 and is still going strong, putting on more than 20 shows a year.

Associate Professor and Director of Theatre Phoebe Hall, who has been with the company since 2000, is enthusiastic about this months feature.

“I think that Aladdin will be well received, Tim Kelly has done an excellent job in bringing his adaptation to life. The students, as always, worked really hard to make this story one that the audience will really enjoy.”

The proceeds from Aladdin, as well as the theater’s other productions go right back into the theater fund, and is used to continually provide Fayetteville with genuinely entertaining performances.

Show times are Feb. 17 and 18 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and Feb. 18 also at 7 p.m. The tickets for the two mornings shows were sold out as of Monday, Feb. 1, but tickets for the evening show is still available.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for staff, faculty and senior citizens, $3 for children and $2 for students with a valid ID until curtain time. After curtain the full adult price will apply.

For more information feel free to contact the theater at 910-672-1006 or at their website http://www. uncfsu.edu/theatre.