Join the Columbus Children’s Theatre this January for a magic carpet ride into the world of Aladdin.

The one-day show, scheduled for two performances Jan. 8 at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts in New Albany, is the result of a partnership between the theater troupe and the community center. Plans for this special show have been in the works for almost a year, with rehearsals beginning in August.

Rather than utilizing Disney’s well-known version of the story – featuring a poor street rat, his genie and the beautiful princess Jasmine – Columbus Children’s Theatre has based the production on the original Middle Eastern folk tale that appeared in Arabian Nights. As a result, the troupe has created a script true to the source material that focuses on audience interaction and involvement.

“The script supplies humor for the adults and interaction for the kids,” says Mindy Hayward, director of marketing communications at the McCoy Center. “It’s a great experience for the whole family and it gives the kids a chance to see what theater is really like.”

The show is presented by Columbus Children’s Theatre’s touring company, which travels throughout the Ohio region presenting an educational structure for children of all backgrounds. Through these programs, the company promotes a long list of important skills, including communication, self-esteem and integrity, allowing families to access the theatre world.

The troupe is “very much into bringing the theater to community centers and schools in an educational format to reach local children who may not otherwise have a chance to go to the theater,” Hayward says.

Performances are scheduled for 2 and 3:30 p.m. at the center, located 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. in New Albany. Admission prices begin at $18 per ticket and can be obtained by phone at 614-245-4701 or online at www.mccoycenter.org. Tickets are available now, for all those who might want to make them a Christmas present for the kids.

--Lindsay Friedman