A Whole New World of Aladdin: From Film to Stage

Aladdin has always held a special place in my heart. When I was younger, people often told me that I looked like Princess Jasmine, so I was thrilled when I found out that my middle school would be performing Aladdin Jr. I auditioned for the part of Jasmine, but instead, was cast as Narrator 2. Although I didn’t receive the role I wanted, this did not taint my view of the show. Instead, I was excited about seeing my role reprised in the current Broadway production. To my surprise and disappointment, my character did not exist in this version. Genie, instead, took on the role of telling the story. Even so, I was thrilled to be seeing this production after so many years.

As we approached the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, the perimeter of the building was cluttered with construction and did not seem very appealing. However, when we stood directly in front of the building, we were welcomed with a couple of large Aladdin banners. Some other productions I have seen at Dr. Phillips did not include extra advertising other than the standing poster inside the building, so I was excited that the North American Tour decided to make the extra effort to draw audiences into this familiar story before they even entered the building.

Once inside, visitors were further drawn in with photo opportunities of the show poster and a genie lamp. We also got an early preview of Aladdin’s and Princess Jasmine’s costumes while we walked around before the doors opened. These minor additions displayed helped build anticipation as we waited for the production to begin.

The show opened with a nod to Orlando as Genie pulled out Disney Mickey Ears before immersing the audience in the land of Agrabah with the infamous lamp. Although this Disney tale is well-known, the Broadway adaption held its own with new characters created to take the place of some familiar faces in the movie. Rather than having Abu, Aladdin’s furry faithful sidekick, Aladdin is accompanied by three goofy yet loyal best friends, Babkak, Omar and Kassim. These characters’ interactions and actions comprise some of the most entertaining parts of the show. Their slow-motion running, wit and handsome charm as they attempt to help save Aladdin from his doom, brought a smile to many faces. While we enjoyed these additional characters, Genie (played by Michael James Scott) stole the show as an audience favorite with his rendition of “Friend Like Me.” The audience erupted in applause once Genie returned to the stage after his temporary absence during the middle of Act 1. Flips, riffs, lights and pyrotechnics backed up Genie to create the show-stopping spectacle of magic in the air. I agree that Genie was an enjoyable character, but one of my notable favorites was Iago played by Broadway’s cast member, Reggie De Leon. Iago’s mocking commentary and vivid facial expressions had me laughing beyond the scene endings. Unlike his film counterpart, Iago is portrayed as a human as he assists Jafar on his quest for power. Instead of portraying Iago and Jafar as the spooky villains, the play provides more comic relief to audiences through their banter and eccentric evil laughs.

           The special effects, bedazzled costumes, and brilliant light work helped instill an aura of magic throughout the show. Illusion allowed the magic carpet to take flight and draw audiences into a whole new world on stage not once but twice. Imagination allowed audience members to watch in amazement as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine flew across the stage and the starry-night sky. The magic continued as tear-away costumes transformed Jafar from the villain, to the Sultan and finally to the genie within a matter of seconds.

            This stage production of Aladdin reminded me why I love theater; although the magic is not the same as that experienced in the special effects of film, there is a sense of beauty in stage magic that draws audiences into the story it’s creating. Here, costume changes, eye-popping sets, and dazzling lightwork transformed a bare stage into a whole new world and drew audiences into the action of this familiar tale. These elements as well as the talented actors, orchestra, and crew created a sense of beauty and wonder that allowed us to experience a night of magic for ourselves. Based on my own magical experience, if you get the chance, I highly recommend attending this must-see Disney classic on stage. 

– – –