DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD-Aladdin, played by James Ward, is surrounded by cast mates ready to entertain on opening night at the Theater on High Street. The Moorpark melodrama, "Aladdin- All You Need Is Love," opened last Friday to an energetic audience. Surf's up in the Sahara, dude.

Once again, something never before witnessed in the known universe is transpiring at the historic Theater on High Street in old town Moorpark.

Fried-Out Productions presents "Aladdin," a warped, er, different take on the classic children's tale of a lamp, a genie and blind ambition. Think of two very different scripts-say, "Aladdin" and "Gidget"-being tossed willy-nilly into the air, then snatched up and indiscriminately presented on stage, accompanied by a superb parody of classic 60's tunes. That's the melodrama version, and it's a hoot.

Aladdin, you see (played by a Greg Kinnear-like James Ward) is something of a penniless surfer dude, who stumbles upon the renowned lamp and uncorks the fetching, if reluctant, wish-doling genie (a sweet Jodie McDonald Morse). But, as we all know, it's oft dangerous to get what one wishes for, and Aladdin's endless stream of gimmes soon finds him in some serious trouble.

Too quickly, Aladdin finds himself smitten-for all the wrong reasons-with the ageless (yes, apparently she's that old) Princess Paris (Sandy Pratt), spendthrift daughter of wealthy, marvelous Shiek Yerbouti (Chris Carnichelli). Funnier father/ daughter combos are hard to find on any continent.

The play's writer/director, Terry Miles, appears now and again to play the magician Damian the Great, Aladdin's chief rival. But as both Damian and Aladdin are quick to learn, magic lamps are fraught with all sorts of danger. However, to divulge more would be to ruin the fun.

And fun is what this "Aladdin" is all about.

Should you be considering your first trek to see melodrama, here are some tips. Casual and comfortable is the dress code. You're returning to the age of vaudeville-a place where one boos at villains and whistles at fair maidens (and genies), and listens to some exceptional classic rock whilst sipping a nice Chardonnay or two. Beer and wine is not only available from the concessions stand, but sensible consumption is encouraged at the theater.

In a nutshell: It's midnight at the oasis time-leave your camels behind and take yourself and the harem out for what I guarantee to be an exceptional evening of fun and frolic. "Aladdin" is perfect family fare.

The essentials: Show times: 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., April 28 and 29, May 5, 6, 12 and 13. There is a 2 p.m. matinee on May 13.

Call (805) 807-2298 in advance, or take your chances at the door on show night. Prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12.