Aladdin (2011 musical)

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Aladdin
Aladdin-Bposter.png
Broadway promotional poster
Music Alan Menken
Lyrics Howard Ashman
Tim Rice
Chad Beguelin
Book Chad Beguelin
Basis Aladdin
By Ron Clements
John Musker
Ted Elliott
Terry Rossio
PremiereJuly 7, 2011: 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle
Productions2011 Seattle
2014 Broadway
2016 West End
2016 Australian tour
2017 US Tour
2022 North American tour
2023 UK & Ireland tour

Aladdin is a stage musical based on Disney's 1992 animated feature film of the same name with a book by Chad Beguelin, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Beguelin. It resurrects three songs written by Menken and Ashman for the film but not used, and adds four songs written by Menken and Beguelin.

Contents

Set in the fictional Arabian city of Agrabah, the story follows the familiar tale of a poor young man who is granted three wishes by a genie in a lamp, which he uses to woo a princess and to thwart the sultan's evil Grand Vizier.

Aladdin premiered at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle in 2011. After several regional and international productions in 2012, the musical was given a Toronto tryout in 2013. The Broadway production opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on March 20, 2014, and has been produced globally since. It is the 10th highest-grossing Broadway production of all time, having grossed $500 million at the Broadway theatre as of August 2022. [1] It has been seen by more than 14 million people worldwide, as of August 2022. [2]

Production history

Early productions

In November 2010, Alan Menken confirmed that a musical theatre adaptation of the movie was in the works with a book written by Chad Beguelin. [3] The musical premiered in Seattle, Washington, at the 5th Avenue Theatre from July 7 to 31, 2011. [4] Jonathan Freeman, who voiced Jafar in the film, reprised the role onstage. [5] Adam Jacobs and Courtney Reed played Aladdin and Jasmine. Additional cast included James Monroe Iglehart as Genie; Sean G. Griffin as Sultan; Don Darryl Rivera as Iago; and Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Brian Gonzales and Brandon O'Neill as Omar, Kassim and Babkak, a trio of characters conceived for the film but ultimately replaced by Abu. [6] The production was directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. [7] The set designer was Anna Louizos, with costumes designed by Gregg Barnes. [8]

In 2012, productions of the musical played at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah, from June to October 2012 and The Muny in St. Louis in July 2012. [9] [10] [11] Aladdin had its European premiere in Denmark on October 4, 2012 at Fredericia Teater in Fredericia, and was transferred to Copenhagen Opera House on July 19, 2013. It was directed by Lynne Kurdziel-Formato and starred Johannes Nymark as Aladdin, Maria Lucia Rosenberg as Jasmine and Pelle Emil Hebsgaard as Genie. In 2012, Aladdin was staged in Manila at the Meralco Theater. Directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga, it starred Tom Rodriguez as Aladdin and featured Aiza Seguerra as Genie. [12] The musical was staged in Spanish in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2013. [13]

Toronto tryout (2013–2014)

Aladdin had a pre-Broadway tryout at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto, Ontario, from November 2013 to January 2014. [14] [15] Nicholaw, Barnes and Steinmeyer returned as director-choreographer and costume designer, with Bob Crowley replacing Louizos as scenic designer. The special effects were created by Jim Steinmeyer. [6] [14] [16]

Broadway (2014–present)

At the New Amsterdam Theatre New Amsterdam Theater - Aladdin (48193454637).jpg
At the New Amsterdam Theatre

The musical premiered on Broadway on February 26, 2014, in previews and opened on March 20, 2014, at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Most of the Seattle main cast remained with the show, including Adam Jacobs as Aladdin, James Monroe Iglehart as Genie, Courtney Reed as Jasmine, Jonathan Freeman as Jafar, Don Darryl Rivera as Iago, Clifton Davis as Sultan, Brian Gonzales as Babkak, and Brandon O'Neill as Kassim. Jonathan Schwartz joined the company as Omar, replacing Andrew Keenan-Bolger. [17] [18] [19] The show was nominated for five Tony Awards, winning one for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for James Monroe Iglehart.

On March 12, 2020, the show was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [20] It resumed performances on September 28, 2021. [21] As of March 2024, the Broadway production has played 3,500 performances.

Germany (2015–2023)

Aladdin premiered on December 6, 2015, at the Neue Flora in Hamburg, in partnership with Stage Entertainment and starring Richard-Salvador Wolff as Aladdin, Enrico De Pieri as Genie, Ethan Freeman as Jafar, and Myrthes Monteiro as Jasmine. The show closed in Hamburg on February 3, 2019, and then was transferred to the Apollo Theater in Stuttgart, where it ran from March 21, 2019, to January 19, 2023. [22]

Japan (2015–present)

A Japanese production opened in 2015 at the Dentsu Shiki Theatre Umi in Tokyo, presented by the Shiki Theatre Company. [23] The production sold 209,000 tickets in its first day, making it the biggest opening day for a musical in Japan. [24]

West End (2016–2019)

A West End production officially opened on June 15, 2016, at the Prince Edward Theatre, with previews from May 27, 2016, and starring Dean John-Wilson as Aladdin, Trevor Dion Nicholas as Genie, Jade Ewen as Jasmine, Don Gallagher as Jafar, Peter Howe as Iago, Irvine Iqbal as Sultan, Nathan Amzi as Babkak, Rachid Sabitri as Omar, and Stephen Rahman-Hughes as Kassim. [25] The show closed on August 24, 2019, after being seen by over 2 million people, and 1,361 performances. [26]

Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore (2016–2019)

Aladdin had its Australian premiere in Sydney at the Capitol Theatre on August 11, 2016, where it played until February 19, 2017. Australian native Ainsley Melham originated the role of Aladdin alongside American actors Arielle Jacobs as Princess Jasmine and Michael James Scott as Genie. [27] [28] Following performances in Sydney, Aladdin opened at Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne on April 15, 2017. [29] The Sydney and Melbourne productions performed an autism-friendly adaptation of the show which had the "removal of strobe lighting and pyrotechnics, reduction of any jarring sounds and house lights being dimmed (instead of off)" to provide a more supportive environment for autistic patrons. [30] In 2018, the Australian tour included stops at Brisbane and Perth. [31] In 2019, the show then transferred to a New Zealand production, playing Auckland, [32] before returning to Adelaide in April and finally transferring to Singapore to conclude its tour on September 1, 2019.

On February 15 and 19, 2019, respectively, Michael James Scott and Ainsley Melham transferred to the Broadway company of the show, where they were reunited with Arielle Jacobs who had joined the Broadway cast in February 2018. This casting decision made the Broadway leads the same as the leads of the Original Australian Cast. [33]

US tour (2017–2020)

Disney Theatrical launched a national tour on April 11, 2017, at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre. [34]

The Netherlands (2021–2023)

Stage Entertainment announced a Dutch language production for the fall of 2020 at the AFAS Circustheater in The Hague, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [35] The show finally premiered on September 26, 2021, with Jonathan Vroege as Aladdin, Stanley Burleson as Genie, and Keoma Aidhen as Jasmine. [36] Keoma Aidhen had previously played the role of Jasmine in Germany, making her the first performer to play the role in two different languages. The production closed on February 26, 2023. [37]

Mexico (2021–2023)

The first Spanish language production opened on November 17, 2021, at the Teatro Telcel in Mexico City, starring Rodney Ingram as Aladdin, Juan Pablo Martínez as Genie and Irma Flores as Jasmine. The production closed on April 16, 2023. [38]

North American tour (2022–present)

This tour will hit 36 cities across the United States and Canada, including many that have not hosted the show previously. [39]

Spain (2023–present)

A second Spanish production premiered on March 23, 2023 at the Coliseum Theatre in Madrid, produced by Stage Entertainment and starring Roc Bernadí as Aladdin, David Comrie as Genie and Jana Gómez as Jasmine. [40]

UK & Ireland tour (2023–present)

On February 24, 2023, Disney announced the first ever UK & Ireland Tour opening at the Edinburgh Playhouse playing from October 28 until November 18, 2023, before moving to Wales Millennium Centre (December 7, 2023 – January 14, 2024), Plymouth Theatre Royal (January 17 – February 11, 2024), Sunderland Empire (February 15 – March 10, 2024) and Milton Keynes Theatre (April 24 – May 19, 2024). [41] In September 2023, further dates were announced for Manchester Palace Theatre (May 22 - July 7, 2024), Bristol Hippodrome (July 10 - August 11, 2024), Bradford Alhambra (August 14 - September 1, 2024), Southampton Mayflower (September 5 - 29, 2024), Birmingham Hippodrome (October 9 - November 3, 2024), Theatre Royal Glasgow (6 - 30 November 2024), and Liverpool Empire (December 11, 2024 - January 5, 2025). [42]

The show visited Dublin, Republic of Ireland from March 20 to April 14, 2024 [43]

Plot

Act I

A man welcomes the audience to the middle-eastern city of Agrabah. He notes that Agrabah is a diverse place, full of revered nobles, misfits, and even a few villains ("Arabian Nights").

Aladdin is a young man who spends his days stealing food from the street vendors of Agrabah along with his three best friends, Kassim, Omar and Babkak ("One Jump Ahead"). After being referred to as a "worthless street rat", Aladdin expresses his dreams of showing the world he's more than just a common urchin ("One Jump Ahead (Reprise)"). He notes his guilt in thievery, having vowed to never steal again after the death of his mother ("Proud of Your Boy").

Meanwhile, in the palace of Agrabah, Princess Jasmine is scolded by her father, the Sultan, for refusing yet another suitor. The Sultan demands that Jasmine must marry a noble prince before her birthday, which is only three days away. Jasmine laments the situation to her handmaidens ("These Palace Walls"). This news also disturbs the Sultan's Grand Vizier, Jafar, who wishes to usurp the throne himself. He and his assistant, Iago, search for a way to enter the "Cave of Wonders", a mysterious cavern in the desert said to hold untold power. The voice of the cave reveals that only one who is worthy, a "diamond in the rough", may enter. When Jafar asks about the identity of this "diamond in the rough", it is revealed to be Aladdin. Jafar and Iago set out to find him.

While entertaining the locals ("Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim"), Aladdin meets Jasmine, who has disguised herself as a commoner to get a sense of life outside the palace. Aladdin has no idea who she is, but he is immediately smitten. After a brief scuffle with the guards, he takes Jasmine to his hideout, where they each reveal their unhappiness in their own lives ("A Million Miles Away"). They are discovered by the guards and Jasmine is escorted back to the palace. Aladdin is ordered to be killed, but he is saved by Jafar and Iago, who lead Aladdin to the Cave of Wonders ("Diamond in the Rough"). Grateful for saving his life, Aladdin honours Jafar's request to enter the cave.

Once inside, Aladdin is instructed to bring the magic lamp to Jafar and touch nothing else. Astonished by all the treasure buried within the cave, Aladdin attempts to take the Egyptian chain along with the lamp. The cave angrily seals itself, trapping Aladdin inside. Engulfed in darkness, Aladdin rubs the lamp which, to his surprise, unleashes a magical Genie (revealed as the man from the beginning of the show) who offers to grant him three wishes. Aladdin initially shrugs this off in disbelief, prompting the Genie to display his powers with a musical number ("Friend Like Me"). The Genie then reveals that he has limitations to his powers. He can not grant wishes that include murder, romance, the revival of the dead, or wishing for additional wishes. Amused and overjoyed at his good fortune, Aladdin tricks Genie into magically freeing them from the cave without actually using a wish; thereafter, Genie states that Aladdin will not receive any more magic help unless he explicitly states "I wish". After Aladdin asks what Genie would wish for, Genie muses that he would wish for freedom since he is a prisoner of his lamp, so Aladdin promises to use his last wish to free Genie. Aladdin decides to use his first wish to become a prince in order to be legally able to court Jasmine (Act One Finale: "Friend Like Me"/"Proud of Your Boy" (Reprises)).

Act II

A great parade storms through the streets of Agrabah, led by Genie, Babkak, Omar and Kassim. They announce the arrival of "Prince Ali of Ababwa" ("Prince Ali"). Once at the palace, Aladdin, disguised as Prince Ali, expresses to the Sultan his desire to marry Jasmine. Jasmine overhears the conversation and perceives Ali to be just another shallow prince. Jafar, who is suspicious of Ali, tells him the location of Jasmine's bedroom, not mentioning that it is against Agrabah law for the Princess to have a suitor in her quarters unsupervised. Aladdin courts Jasmine with a ride on his magic carpet provided to him by Genie ("A Whole New World"). Once they return, Jasmine recognizes Aladdin as the young man whom she met in the marketplace. Aladdin lies and says that he really is a prince, he just sometimes likes to dress as a commoner to escape the pressures of palace living, much like Jasmine did that day. Seeing he isn't shallow and self-absorbed like the others, Jasmine kisses Aladdin good night. After she leaves, Jafar has Aladdin arrested for entering the Princess' room unsupervised. Upon hearing the news, Babkak, Omar and Kassim storm the palace to rescue their friend ("High Adventure"). They are captured and thrown into the dungeon as well, but with a little help from Genie, Aladdin uses his second wish to free them ("Somebody's Got Your Back").

The Sultan greets Aladdin in the hall and gives him his blessing to marry Jasmine, meaning that Aladdin himself will inherit the throne as the new Sultan one day. Fearful of this great responsibility, he tells Genie he's going to save his third wish for a day he may need it rather than use it to free Genie like he promised. Distraught, Genie returns to his lamp and refuses to speak to Aladdin. Aladdin laments ("Proud of Your Boy" (Reprise II)). Meanwhile, Jafar and Iago manage to steal the lamp that Aladdin carelessly discarded.

As the Sultan announces to the public that Jasmine is to wed Prince Ali ("Prince Ali" (Sultan Reprise)), Jafar appears and reveals Ali to be merely a common street rat named Aladdin whom the former then threatens to send to "the end of the road" if no one changes the latter's personality to meet his standards ("Prince Ali" (Jafar Reprise)). Genie then enters with Jasmine in chains, saying that Jafar is now his master and that his first wish was to make Jasmine his prisoner. Jafar uses his second wish to crown himself Sultan, which Genie reluctantly grants. Remembering what Genie told him earlier about the limitations to his powers, Aladdin tricks Jafar into wishing for himself to become a genie so that his power will be unmatched. Genie grants Jafar's wish, and Jafar is sucked into a lamp of his own, bound to it for eternity.

Aladdin uses his third and final wish to set Genie free. He then admits to Jasmine that he loves her, but he cannot pretend to be someone he's not. Seeing the nobility in Aladdin, the Sultan decrees that henceforth the Princess can marry whomever she pleases. Babkak, Omar and Kassim are made royal advisors, while Iago is arrested. Aladdin and Jasmine are married, and Genie prepares for a long-awaited vacation. All ends well as Aladdin and Jasmine board the magic carpet and take flight (Finale Ultimo: "Arabian Nights"/"A Whole New World" (Reprises)).

Casting controversy

Although the film was Disney's first to feature non-white human protagonists, Disney did not consider ethnicity in the casting process for the musical. This 'colourblind' policy sparked some controversy, with the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee receiving numerous complaints from actors of Middle Eastern descent. The executive director of a US minority rights organisation lamented that the production had 'missed an opportunity' to showcase Arab-American actors, who remain underrepresented on Broadway. [44]

Roles and principal cast members

Jonathan Freeman had reprised his role of Jafar from the original film. He departed from the cast in 2022.

Original casts

CharacterBroadwayWest EndAustralian tourFirst North American tourSecond North American tourUK Tour
201420162016201720222023
Aladdin Adam Jacobs Dean John-Wilson Ainsley Melham Adam Jacobs Adi RoyGavin Adams
Genie James Monroe Iglehart Trevor Dion Nicholas Michael James Scott Anthony MurphyMarcus M. MartinYeukayi Ushe
Jasmine Courtney Reed Jade Ewen Arielle Jacobs Isabelle McCalla Senzel AhmadyDesmonda Cathabel
Jafar Jonathan Freeman Don GallagherAdam MurphyJonathan WeirAnand NagrajAdam Strong
Iago Don Darryl RiveraPeter HoweAljin AbellaReggie De LeonAaron ChoiAngelo Paragoso
Sultan Clifton Davis Irvine Iqbal George Henare J. C. MontgomerySorab WadiaJo Servi
BabkakBrian GonzalesNathan AmziTroy SussmanZach BencalJake LettsNelson Bettencourt
OmarJonathan SchwartzRachid SabitriRobert TripolinoPhilippe ArroyoBen ChavezAdam Taylor
KassimBrandon O'NeillStephen Rahman-HughesAdam Jon FiorentinoMike LongoColt PrattesNay-Nay

Notable cast replacements

Broadway
US tour
West End

Musical numbers

Three songs that were cut from the 1992 film following the death of Howard Ashman were restored for the musical, as noted below. Four others were newly written for the musical, as noted. All music is by Alan Menken. Lyricists are listed for the individual songs.

(*) This song was cut from the movie and restored for the musical.
(**) This is a new song written for the musical.
(***) This song uses the edit to Ashman's lyric which was intended to resolve a controversy with the original film. [45]
(****) The Genie's part in this song was performed by Babkak, Omar, and Kassim in the Seattle and Vancouver productions.
(*****) A longer arrangement similar to the original demo, with Howard Ashman's original lyrics, is used for this song. However, the shorter arrangement from the film, albeit without some of the changes made to Ashman's original lyrics, was used for the Seattle and Toronto productions.

Cut Songs

(*) This song was cut from the movie, restored for the musical, but later cut from the Seattle production.
(**) This song was cut from the movie, restored for the musical, but later cut from the Toronto production.
(***) This song was written for the Seattle production, but later cut from the Toronto production.

Instrumentation

Aladdin was originally orchestrated by Danny Troob for 18 players: 2 synthesizers, 2 violins, 1 cello, 3 trumpets, 1 French Horn, 1 trombone, 1 bass trombone, 3 woodwind players, a guitarist, a bass player (both acoustic and electric bass), a drum kit and a percussion player. [46] The National Tour, West End and Hamburg productions of the show had 15 musicians. The electronic music software KeyComp was first introduced in the Stuttgart production (10 players) [47] as well as the Dutch and Mexican productions of the show [48] (8 players).

Recordings

Cast Recording

An original Broadway cast recording was released on May 27, 2014, through Walt Disney Records and peaked at number 45 on the Billboard 200. [49]

All music is composed by Alan Menken

Original Broadway Cast Recording (2014) [50]
No.TitleLyricsPerformer(s)Length
1."Overture" Howard Ashman  1:16
2."Arabian Nights"Ashman & Tim Rice James Monroe Iglehart, Ensemble6:16
3."One Jump Ahead"Rice Adam Jacobs, Ensemble2:09
4."One Jump Ahead (Reprise)"RiceJacobs0:36
5."Proud of Your Boy"AshmanJacobs2:20
6."These Palace Walls" Chad Beguelin Courtney Reed, Tia Altinay, Khori Michelle Petinaud, Marisha Wallace 2:40
7."Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim"AshmanJacobs, Brian Gonzales, Jonathan Schwartz, Brandon O'Neill, Ensemble3:48
8."A Million Miles Away"BeguelinJacobs, Reed3:21
9."Diamond in the Rough"BeguelinJacobs, Jonathan Freeman, Don Darryl Rivera4:18
10."Friend Like Me"AshmanIglehart, Jacobs, Ensemble7:32
11."Act One Finale"Ashman & BeguelinIglehart, Jacobs2:08
12."Prince Ali"AshmanGonzales, Schwartz, O'Neill, Iglehart, Ensemble5:55
13."A Whole New World"RiceJacobs, Reed4:07
14."High Adventure"AshmanGonzales, Schwartz, O'Neill, Ensemble5:31
15."Somebody's Got Your Back"BeguelinIglehart, Jacobs, Gonzales, Schwartz, O'Neill3:24
16."Proud of Your Boy (Reprise)"AshmanJacobs1:05
17."Prince Ali (Sultan Reprise)"Beguelin Clifton Davis, Ensemble1:13
18."Prince Ali (Jafar Reprise)"RiceFreeman1:04
19."Finale Ultimo"Ashman, Rice, BeguelinCompany2:46
20."Proud of Your Boy (Piano Version)" (bonus track)AshmanJacobs, Menken2:42
21."Genie Medley" (bonus track)Ashman, David Zippel Menken, Jacobs, Iglehart4:03

Filmed West End stage production

A special performance of Aladdin was filmed on location at the Prince Edward Theatre in London on August 31, 2019, after the show had already officially closed on August 24, 2019. The filmed production starred performers from the original Broadway, West End, Sydney and US Tour productions: Ainsley Melham as Aladdin, Trevor Dion Nicholas as Genie, Isabelle McCalla as Jasmine, Brian Gonzales as Babkak, Brandon O'Neill as Kassim, Robert Tripolino as Omar, Irvine Iqbal as the Sultan, Don Darryl Rivera as Iago and Jonathan Freeman as Jafar. [51]

It was originally set to premiere exclusively on Disney+ in 2022, on the 30th Anniversary of the original 1992 film, but the release date was pushed back until further notice. [52]

Reception

Toronto tryout

The pre-Broadway production in Toronto received mixed reviews. The National Post review said "This Aladdin turns out to be the best ever stage version of a movie", praising its score, direction, choreography, staging, lighting, design, and altered characterisations. [16] CHCH said "Artistically, this Aladdin is top grade. It will become a classic." [53] The Globe and Mail reviewer gave the show 2.5 stars out of 4, however, saying that it was "strictly for the kiddies". [54] The Toronto Star gave the musical the same rating, and said "You're likely to hear the sound of deafening applause [during the] show-stopping staging of 'A Friend Like Me' and James Monroe Iglehart's blessedly bravura performance as the Genie. It's the kind of exhilarating moment we go to the theatre for. But ... nothing before or after it in Aladdin lives up to those six sublime minutes." [55]

The Vancouver Sun said "Director Casey Nicholaw has served up a thoroughly satisfying confection for kids, who will no doubt delight in the swords, smoke and spectacular tunes of Aladdin – and will leave the theatre content to have been transported to 'a whole new world'. Their parents? Maybe not so much." [56] The website BroadwayWorld said "the show had the unbelievable sights but sadly struggled with the indescribable feelings", adding "The problem is, Chad Beguelin's book fails to make us truly care for the characters – and the special effects can only take the show so far when the investment at the heart of the story isn't making the connection it should. It felt as though the book concentrated too hard on adding cheesy 'current affair' style jokes ... and clunky one-liners instead of giving depth and material to Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie." [57] The Toronto Sun said: "In short, it's a visual assault that doesn't so much draw one in as simply sweep one up in an overly long first act . ... With the exception of Iglehart's gigantically genial Genie, there is no character in which an audience can make an emotional investment – no quiet moment that might allow any of the characters, good or evil, to exist in three dimensions." [58]

Broadway

The Broadway production received mixed to positive reviews from critics. [59] Mark Kennedy of the Associated Press gave the production a rave review, writing: "It's spritely ... well sung ... and hits that sweet spot Disney Theatrical Productions do so well, a saccharine fairy tale for the kids cut by some sly, vinegary quips for their parents." [60] Elysa Gardener of USA Today gave the show 3.5 out of four stars and said, "If Disney Theatrical's latest production doesn't sustain that frenzied high throughout, it delivers a rush that may surprise folks who attend either as chaperones or to relive their own youths." [61] Thom Grier of Entertainment Weekly gave the show a "B" and said, "Overall, this is one of the better Disney stage musicals, complete with several eye-popping production numbers that benefit from Nicholaw's spirited choreography, Bob Crowley's elaborate and chameleonic sets, and Gregg Barnes' glittery costumes." [62]

Terry Teachout of The Wall Street Journal praised Iglehart's performance, especially during the number "Friend Like Me" but wrote: "The trouble is that nothing else in the first act can touch it. Adam Jacobs and Courtney Reed, who play Aladdin and his princess, are pretty but bland, and the temperature doesn't start rising again until the magic-carpet ride, which comes after intermission and is the slickest thing to hit Broadway since the flying car in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang . From then on, Aladdin becomes fun". [63] Charles Isherwood of The New York Times was mostly positive in his review, writing that "this latest musical adapted from one of Disney's popular movies ... defied my dour expectations. As directed and choreographed [by] Nicholaw, and adapted by ... Beguelin, Aladdin has an infectious and only mildly syrupy spirit. Not to mention enough baubles, bangles and beading to keep a whole season of RuPaul's Drag Race contestants in runway attire." [64] Marilyn Stasio of Variety gave the show a negative review, commenting: "The magic-carpet ride is magical. The Cave of Wonders is wonderful. And yes, you'll hear the tunes you loved in the 1992 movie. But the notion that Disney Aladdin somehow resurrects the spirit of the late Howard Ashman, who had the original inspiration for the movie and contributed most of its clever lyrics, is a joke. Restoring a person's work without respecting his artistic sensibility is no tribute at all." [65]

Awards and nominations

Original Broadway Production

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
2014 Tony Award Best Musical Nominated
Best Book of a Musical Chad Beguelin Nominated
Best Original Score Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad BeguelinNominated
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical James Monroe Iglehart Won
Best Choreography Casey Nicholaw Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Musical Nominated
Outstanding Book of a Musical Chad BeguelinNominated
Outstanding Music Alan MenkenNominated
Outstanding Lyrics Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad BeguelinNominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Adam JacobsNominated
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical James Monroe IglehartWon
Outstanding Choreography Casey NicholawNominated
Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Book Of A MusicalNominated
Outstanding ChoreographerCasey NicholawNominated
Outstanding Costume DesignGregg BarnesNominated
Outstanding Featured Actor in a MusicalJames Monroe IglehartNominated
Outstanding Lighting DesignNatasha KatzNominated
Outstanding New Broadway MusicalNominated
Outstanding New Score (Marjorie Gunner Award)Nominated
Outstanding Set DesignBob CrowleyNominated
2015 Grammy Award Best Musical Theater Album Nominated

Original London Production

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
2017 Laurence Olivier Awards Best Set DesignBob CrowleyNominated

Original Australian Production

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
2016Glugs Theatrical AwardsMost Outstanding Mainstage MusicalWon
Best Actor in Musical TheatreMichael James ScottNominated
Ainsley MelhamNominated
Most Outstanding Performance by a NewcomerWon
2017 Helpmann Awards Best Musical Nominated
Best Choreography in a Musical Casey NicholawNominated
Best Direction of a Musical Nominated
Best Male Actor in a Musical Ainsley MelhamNominated
Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical Michael James ScottWon
Best Set DesignBob CrowleyNominated
Best Costume DesignGregg BarnesWon

See also

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Aladdin: The Series is an American animated television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation that aired from February 6, 1994, to November 25, 1995, concluding exactly three years to the day from the release of the original Disney's 1992 animated feature film of the same name on which it was based. Despite the animated television series premiering four months before the first sequel, the direct-to-video film The Return of Jafar, it takes place afterward. The second and final animated sequel was the 1996 direct-to-video film, Aladdin and the King of Thieves.

Jasmine (<i>Aladdin</i>) Fictional character from the 1992 Disney film Aladdin

Jasmine is a fictional character who appears in Walt Disney Pictures' animated film Aladdin (1992). Voiced by Linda Larkin – with a singing voice provided by Lea Salonga – Jasmine is the spirited daughter of the Sultan, who has grown weary of her life of palace confinement. Despite an age-old law stipulating that the princess must marry a prince in time for her upcoming birthday, Jasmine is instead determined to marry someone she loves for who he is as opposed to what he owns. Created by screenwriters and directors Ron Clements and John Musker with co-screenwriters Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, Jasmine is based on Badroulbadour, a princess who appears in the One Thousand and One Nights folktale "Aladdin and the Magical Lamp."

Iago (<i>Aladdin</i>) Fictional character in Disneys Aladdin franchise

Iago is a fictional character who appears in Walt Disney Pictures' animated film Aladdin (1992), the direct-to-video sequels The Return of Jafar (1994), Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996), and the television series. An anthropomorphic red-plumed talking parrot, he was voiced by Gilbert Gottfried in all animated appearances until his death in 2022. He was subsequently voiced by Alan Tudyk in the live-action adaptation of Aladdin, by Barrett Leddy in the 2023 Disney+ special Lego Disney Princess: The Castle Quest, and by Piotr Michael in the 2023 crossover short Once Upon a Studio.

<i>Disneys Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular</i> Stage show at Disney California Adventure

Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular is a 45-minute Broadway-style musical theatre show based on Disney's 1992 animated feature film Aladdin with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aladdin (Disney character)</span> Disney character

Aladdin is a fictional character in Disney's animated film Aladdin based on "Aladdin", a folk tale of Middle Eastern origin. He is voiced by Scott Weinger, while his singing voice is provided by Brad Kane. He also stars in the two direct-to-video sequels The Return of Jafar (1994) and Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996), as well as the animated television series based on the film and the crossover Hercules and the Arabian Night. Mena Massoud played a live-action version of the character in a live action adaptation of the 1992 film.

<i>Aladdin Jr.</i> 2005 musical

Aladdin Jr. is a one-act, eleven-scene theatre musical adapted from the 1992 Walt Disney Animation Studios film Aladdin which is an adaptation of the folk tale Aladdin. The production runs between 60 and 80 minutes and includes five female parts, six male parts, and a chorus.

"Prince Ali" and its reprise are two musical numbers from the 1992 Disney animated film Aladdin. The first part was performed by Robin Williams in his role as the Genie and the reprise is performed by Jonathan Freeman in his role as Jafar. The song performed by Williams was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song at the 50th Golden Globe Awards in 1993.

Le Passage Enchanté d'Aladdin is a walkthrough attraction that opened in 1993 inside the Adventureland Bazaar building in Disneyland Paris' Adventureland area. The attraction features a series of showcase windows which recreate scenes from the Disney movie Aladdin.

<i>Aladdin</i> (franchise) Disney media franchise

Aladdin is a Disney media franchise comprising a film series and additional media. It began with the 1992 American animated feature of the same name, which was based on the tale of the same name, and was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. The success of the film led to two direct-to-video sequels, a television series, a Broadway musical, a live-action remake, various rides and themed areas in Disney's theme parks, several video games, and merchandise, among other related works.

"One Jump Ahead" and its reprises are three songs from the 1992 Disney animated film Aladdin and the 2019 remake. All three songs are performed by Aladdin.

"Proud of Your Boy" is a song written by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken. Originally intended for Disney's animated film Aladdin (1992), the song was omitted when Aladdin's mother was written out of the story. After being discarded, "Proud of Your Boy" remained largely undiscovered by audiences until Walt Disney Records released Ashman and Menken's demo on a compilation album in 1994, after which it gradually gained popularity. The song was eventually restored for the film's stage musical adaptation in 2011, originally performed and recorded by American actor Adam Jacobs. Lyrically, "Proud of Your Boy" is about a young man promising his mother that he will change his mischievous ways and ultimately make her proud.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genie (Disney)</span> Character from Disneys Aladdin

The Genie is a fictional character who appearing in Walt Disney Pictures' animated film Aladdin (1992), later appearing in other media of the Aladdin franchise as one of its main characters, as well as several other Disney media. He was voiced by Robin Williams in the first film. Following a contract dispute between Williams and Disney, Dan Castellaneta voiced the Genie throughout the direct-to-video feature The Return of Jafar, as well as the television series, before Williams reprised the role for the final installment, Aladdin and the King of Thieves, as well as for the character's own mini-series, Great Minds Think for Themselves.

Michael James Scott is an American actor and singer, known for his work on the Broadway stage. He is best known for playing the Genie in Disney's Aladdin musical in the Original Australian Cast, as well as in the West End, U.S. National Tour, and Broadway productions.

<i>Aladdin</i> (2019 film) 2019 Disneys live-action film

Aladdin is a 2019 American musical fantasy film directed by Guy Ritchie from a screenplay he co-wrote with John August. Co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Rideback, it is a live-action adaptation of Disney's 1992 animated film Aladdin, itself based on "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp", a French addition to the Middle Eastern folktale collection One Thousand and One Nights. The film stars Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott with Marwan Kenzari, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad, and Billy Magnussen in supporting roles. The plot follows Aladdin, a street urchin, as he falls in love with Princess Jasmine, befriends a wish-granting genie, and battles the wicked sorcerer Jafar.

References

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  3. ↑ Cerasaro, Pat. "BWW Exclusive: Alan Menken Talks Tangled, Sister Act, Leap of Faith, Hunchback, Aladdin & More", Broadway World, November 15, 2010, accessed December 16, 2014
  4. ↑ "Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre Premieres Aladdin, 7/7-31", Broadway World, January 13, 2011, accessed December 16, 2014
  5. ↑ "Jonathan Freeman Will Bring Jafar from Screen to Stage in Disney's Aladdin at 5th Avenue" Archived 2011-07-28 at the Wayback Machine , Playbill
  6. 1 2 Hetrick, Adam. "Disney's Aladdin Will Play Toronto This Fall Prior to 2014 Broadway Premiere" Archived 2013-02-05 at the Wayback Machine , Playbill.com, January 22, 2013
  7. ↑ "Memphis Star James Monroe Iglehart Is Genie in Disney's Aladdin; Adam Jacobs Is Title Hero" Archived 2012-12-02 at the Wayback Machine , Playbill
  8. ↑ "Facts You May Not Know About Aladdin Part 2!". January 9, 2016. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
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  10. ↑ "Aladdin, Chicago, Dreamgirls et al. Set for Muny 2012 Season", Broadway World, 2011
  11. ↑ "2012 Muny Season" muny.org
  12. ↑ "Atlantis Productions stages Disney's Aladdin", The Philippine Star, November 12, 2012, accessed December 16, 2014
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  15. ↑ Disney's Aladdin Ends Pre-Broadway Toronto Engagement Today, Broadway World, January 5, 2013
  16. 1 2 "Theatre review: Forget the Lion, this Aladdin is king of the stage | National Post". National Post. November 22, 2013. Archived from the original on November 23, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  17. ↑ Hetrick, Adam. "Disney's 'Aladdin' Will Arrive on Broadway in February 2014" Archived 2013-09-01 at the Wayback Machine , Playbill.com, August 29, 2013
  18. ↑ Gans, Andrew. "Broadway's 'Mary Poppins' Flies Out Of New Amsterdam Theatre March 3" Archived 2013-06-04 at the Wayback Machine , Playbill.com, March 3, 2013
  19. ↑ "Rialto Chatter: 'Aladdin' to Hit Broadway Spring of 2014 with 'Major New Player' on Creative Team", Broadway World, 2013
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  26. ↑ "London's Aladdin ends August 24 at the Prince Edward Theatre". Playbill. August 24, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Aladdin Australia on Twitter" . Retrieved September 29, 2016.
  28. ↑ "Aladdin Will Take a Magic Carpet Ride to Australia". Playbill. October 15, 2015. Retrieved October 15, 2015.
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