The Broadway production of Aladdin isn’t just a straightforward adaption of the 1992 Disney film. This charming musical entertains for 2 ½ hours (with an intermission) and adds new characters such as Aladdin’s friends, who fill the role of Abu. When the friends decide to become street performers, their witty nature becomes evident as one of them quips “Who would pay to see others sing and dance?”
The Cave of Wonders is a fantastic set. The finish used to create the shine is the same one used on C-3P0 in Star Wars. This show highlights 337 costumes. This is 100 more than any previous Disney production on Broadway. It’s visually stunning! The Genie’s performance of “Friend Like Me” in the cave is a stunning display of theatre that results in a standing ovation, in the middle of the first act! Afterwards, Aladdin starts to speak to him and he cuts him off saying he needs a minute to catch his breathe.
Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher presents Aladdin, the US tour, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin, opening night April 19 at Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, starring: Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), Anthony Murphy (Genie), Isabelle McCalla (Jasmine), Zach Bencal (Babkak), Mike Longo (Kassim), Philippe Arroyo (Omar), Jonathan Weir (Jafar), Reggie de Leon (Iago) and JC Montgomery (Sultan) directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw
The production is full of witty one liners that has the entire audience laughing and cheering. The audience responds with thunderous applause when Jasmine says “A woman can rule the kingdom!” (83% of Chicagoans voted for Hillary). A great local touch is shown when the Genie pulls a Cubs hat out of his pocket while he is looking for the lamp.
Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher presents Aladdin, the new musical, music by Alan Menken, lyrrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto, Canada, starring: Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), James Monroe Iglehart (Genie), Courtney Reed (Jasmine), Brian Gonzales (Babkak), Brandon O’Neill (Kassim), Jonathan Schwartz (Omar), Clifton Davis (Sultan), Don Darryl Rivera (Iago), Merwin Foard (standby Jafar/Sultan), Michael James Scott (standby Genie/Babkak) and Jonathan Freeman (Jafar) directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw
The flying carpet is equally impressive. It glides high and across the stage as they sing the Oscar winner for Best Original Song, “A Whole New World”. The backdrop of the stage looks like the stars of the night which enhances this magical sight. This show is definitely worthy of its 5 month run in Chicago!
Get tickets now for Aladdin through September 10th!
Quinn Delaney
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