For anyone looking for family outings, Navy Pier brims with them. Chicago Shakespeare Theatre has added something new to the family friendly mix -- an enchanting stage production of Disney's "Aladdin."

"Kids who know it as a movie and as a book will be introduced to it through a live, theater experience -- all at once familiar, yet new with the excitement of the theater's intimacy and immediacy," CST creative director Rick Boynton said.

The Courtyard Theater has been transformed into a magical, far-away land ruled by a sultan with a beautiful daughter, Princess Jasmine. Wrongly accused of kidnapping the princess, Aladdin flees the sultan's guards and stumbles into a cave of wonders where he discovers a magical lamp.

One rub of the lamp releases a fun-loving Genie ready to grant Aladdin three wishes. Our clever hero and the jovial Genie climb on a magic carpet and head off to Agrabah, ready to fight for Jasmine and to save the kingdom from the villainous Jafar and his parrot Iago.

The kid-friendly show runs an hour and is recommended for ages 5 up.

A timeless message of friendship and the importance of staying true to oneself is at the heart of the musical. "Aladdin" features award-winning songs such as "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me," written by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. "The incredibly melodic and soaring score also has a great deal of humor that both kids and adults will like," Boynton said.

Iago, sidekick to evil Grand Vizier Jafar, is portrayed by a puppet. He's become a little more dignified and elegant, reflecting his position as a member of the court.

The magic carpet -- a droll character in the 1992 animated film -- was a little more difficult. So children in the audience must use their imaginations. Boynton said, "As something lifts off the stage and buildings move behind it, the audience can sense flying," he hinted. "The audience sees the moment through the eyes of the actors and experiences what they are experiencing."

CST newcomers Tony Clarnoand and Melissa Espinosa play Aladdin and Jasmine. Respected veteran Larry Yando ("Lion King") plays Jafar while Derek Hasenstab helps brings Iago to life. Bill Larking plays the Genie.

Joseph Anthony Foronda is the Sultan, while Karissa Barney, Sean Blake, Alex Goodrich, Jillian Jocson and Erik Kaiko complete the ensemble. Lando and Hasenstab previously performed together as Scar and Zazu in the national tour of "Lion King."

The romantic fantasy marks Devanand Janki's directorial debut at CST. "What I love about doing Disney's Aladdin is that it's not just for kids. The parents love it too," Janki said. "I think that's the thing that's so sophisticated about doing a production like this. There's something for everyone. And doing it in a space like the Courtyard Theater right here on Navy Pier makes for such a magical and memorable day for the entire family."

After each performance, actors will join the audience in the lobby for one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities.

For learning opportunities, visit CHICAGOSHAKES.COM and click on Ideas for Discussion, Writing Activities and Thoughts on the Page, Exploring Arts and Imagination and other options.