Aladdin Review
Ashley Ioveno
Aladdin Review
Aladdin Receives A Standing Ovation During its First Night On Broadway
Disney’s “Aladdin”, a new musical comedy based on the 1992 Academy Award-winning animated film, began preview performances at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre on February 26 and will officially open on March 20. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, the show features music by Tony Award and Oscar winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Oscar and Tony Award winner Howard Ashman along with Oscar winner Tim Rice. Tony Award winner, Casey Nicholaw directed and choreographed this new enchanting production.
Aladdin stars Adam Jacobs in the title role, Courtney Reed as Jasmine, James Monroe Iglehart as Genie and Tony Award nominee Jonathan Freeman as Jafar. Freeman, who voiced his character in the original film, returns in this live action stage production. Although this Broadway adaptation kept around some old friends including Iago, (Don Darryl Rivera,) they also added some new ones.
Aladdin gains three trusty pals, Babkak, Kassim and Omar (played by Brian Gonzales, Brandon O'Neill and Jonathan Schwartz.) The trio received a new song just for them, titled “Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim.” The song explains how no matter what, the boys will always have Aladdin’s back. Even though “Al” gains some new friends, his iconic monkey sidekick Abu, is sadly left out.
Besides the character changes, the play differs from the movie in many other respects. The classic songs “One Jump Ahead”, “Friend Like Me”, “Prince Ali”, and “A Whole New World” were rightfully included, but with the addition of new songs the play really came together. Also, some major scenes from the movie didn’t make the cut.
Speaking of “A Whole New World,” that’s exactly where the show took me. From the amazing architecture and design of the set to the 337 perfectly rhinestoned costumes, to the fist clenching sword fights, and the extravagant dance numbers this cast of 35 sure
Aladdin Review
Aladdin Receives A Standing Ovation During its First Night On Broadway
Disney’s “Aladdin”, a new musical comedy based on the 1992 Academy Award-winning animated film, began preview performances at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre on February 26 and will officially open on March 20. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, the show features music by Tony Award and Oscar winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Oscar and Tony Award winner Howard Ashman along with Oscar winner Tim Rice. Tony Award winner, Casey Nicholaw directed and choreographed this new enchanting production.
Aladdin stars Adam Jacobs in the title role, Courtney Reed as Jasmine, James Monroe Iglehart as Genie and Tony Award nominee Jonathan Freeman as Jafar. Freeman, who voiced his character in the original film, returns in this live action stage production. Although this Broadway adaptation kept around some old friends including Iago, (Don Darryl Rivera,) they also added some new ones.
Aladdin gains three trusty pals, Babkak, Kassim and Omar (played by Brian Gonzales, Brandon O'Neill and Jonathan Schwartz.) The trio received a new song just for them, titled “Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim.” The song explains how no matter what, the boys will always have Aladdin’s back. Even though “Al” gains some new friends, his iconic monkey sidekick Abu, is sadly left out.
Besides the character changes, the play differs from the movie in many other respects. The classic songs “One Jump Ahead”, “Friend Like Me”, “Prince Ali”, and “A Whole New World” were rightfully included, but with the addition of new songs the play really came together. Also, some major scenes from the movie didn’t make the cut.
Speaking of “A Whole New World,” that’s exactly where the show took me. From the amazing architecture and design of the set to the 337 perfectly rhinestoned costumes, to the fist clenching sword fights, and the extravagant dance numbers this cast of 35 sure