Parents / Grandparents

 “WOW! What a visually stunning experience! A mesmerizing swirl of emotions – imaginatively told through music, dance, magic and puppetry!  What a great introduction to the Physical Theater!  Can’t wait for the next Enchantment ‘Experience’!”

– Elaine H., Philadelphia Grandparent

“…This was our favorite performance of all time. The imagination involved, the unique stories and the completely different forms of theater were all intriguing to the entire family. It was a beautiful introduction to things such as music in theater, masks and stories from far away, and invaluable in inspiring creativity in my students….”

– Anonymous

Re: Study Guide – “It was a great one. We have continued to have discussion in our house about the performance, the activity guide and the methods they used, even now, a week or so after the performance.  It gave us a hint of what to expect but didn’t spoil any of the surprises.”

–Homeschool family

“….The kids were mesmerized [last night]. Our grandson this morning said yesterday was the best day he ever had. Our granddaughter, the attitudinal one, was completely absorbed. At the school show I sat in the back of the house. At the family show we were in the 5th row. I was amazed at how different each was. The lighting was most extraordinary if you sat further back. I especially loved how the troupe brought out some of the giant puppets in the Q and A. In this way they could neutralize any fears younger kids might have had. Let’s hope teachers took advantage of the study guide with so much to chew on from the show. The Paramount sets the bar very high!!!”

– Grandparent, Charlottesville, VA

“My family just attended your performance of Aladdin and Other Enchanting Tales at Nazareth Art Center in Rochester, New York. The performance was a magical experience for  the adults as well as our ten year old daughter… Children in our society have so few opportunities to be drawn into such fantastical experiences. Most shows have sarcasm or inappropriate humor embedded in the story. Your piece was not only beautiful, but fanciful, reverent, emotional and full of tension and excitement…Thank you so much for the work you are doing in the world.”

– Christy F., Rochester, NY

“I not only took my grandkids to Aladdin, I took friends from Washington with their son as well. All were delighted. It is by far the best introduction to theater art that we can give to youngsters. My granddaughter is hungry for more.”

– Anonymous

“We loved the show. My grandchildren were spellbound. Thank you. What a treasure of a theatre. I definitely will be looking at it and hopefully be able to send my children and grandchild tickets as gifts.”

– Anonymous

Teachers

 “…One of our reading objectives is to have the students infer situations in a story.  With few words, the students needed to infer what was actually happening in the story. The students loved it!”

– 3rd grade public school teacher

“It was great to introduce different tellings of a known story and talk about different perspectives.”

– 1st grade public school teacher

“The costumes, puppets and masks were wonderful. The students enjoyed the visuals. We have not covered fairy tales this year, but I believe this play is a good introduction. They appreciated the character changes and how the actor’s changed rolls.”

– 2nd grade public school teacher

“It showed different ways of non verbal expression to communicate a thought/feeling/idea.”

– Homeschool teacher

“I really can’t’ say enough about the quality of programs that I have seen at the Paramount Theater over the last six years with my own children.  I also love the productions that I have seen from the Enchantment Theatre Company. My children still talk about when they saw Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. My children ask, when we get your [education] brochure, not “what is playing?” but “who is doing the play?”

– Elementary School Teacher/Parent

Presenters

“What a visually spectacular and magical performance of Aladdin!  It was AMAZING!! Enchantment Theatre has always used ‘illusion’ and ‘magic’ in their productions, but the integration and execution of these elements in Aladdin was nothing like I’ve ever seen.  The stories within the story unfolded so stunningly and were constantly filled with surprises.  Although our school day audiences were mostly K-5, the complexity and sophistication of the unique production elements of this literature adaptation would certainly be appreciated by middle and high school students.  The study guide was top notch (as are all ETC’s Study Guides) for preparing students to understand the subject matter, and theatrical elements, as well as how and why Enchantment adapted these tales in the way they did.  My only disappointment was that so many schools missed out!  The evening performance was a success with a good solid audience of 400+, and the adults seemed just as captivated as the children.”

– Cathy von Storch, Education Coordinator, The Paramount Theater

“Well, I ushered Aladdin this morning and it was beyond my wildest expectations. Not that I don’t think you’re extremely talented and artistic but I must tell you the audience was mesmerized and the ushers couldn’t stop raving at the end of the performance as the children and their teachers were exiting. It was very well done, the actors were fabulous, and even entertained questions at the end of the performance. They were enthusiastic and you could tell that they enjoy what they do. How do you find such a talented group of young people??!!”

– Anonymous Usher

“The set was great, the costuming was wonderful, and of course the music was terrific. One of the children  asked about the dragon and another child about the “magic.” The children were enthralled and invested during the entire production. Usually kids go to the restroom during performances; not a child budged during this performance. It was truly a production well done.”

– Anonymous

“Thanks to the artistic directors of Enchantment Theatre Company, and to all the cast members of Aladdin, for two excellent performances in Socorro, NM. The students and teachers from three rural communities, including the Alamo-Navajo Reservation, were mesmerized by this very unique show. The stories, projection, mime and movement, puppets, masks, illusions and music were all wonderfully creative and engaging. Though we have been presenting wonderful theatrical programs for young audiences for many years, your company is one-of-a-kind.”

– Ronna Kalish, Director, New Mexico Tech Performing Art Series