Prince Ali has finally arrived on Broadway in the smash hit Aladdin. Based on the 1992 Disney movie of the same name, Aladdin follows a boy on his life’s journey from being a street rat of Agrabah to becoming the Prince of Arabia. Aladdin is granted three wishes from the Genie and his life is changed for the better. Join him on a magic carpet ride as the classic Arabian tale begins anew.
I am a huge fan of the movie. I always loved Genie and all the magic that he did for Aladdin. When my brother heard it was coming to Broadway, he got us tickets to see the show for my birthday; I’m so happy that he did! I couldn’t wait to see it performed live.
Aladdin opened on Broadway on March 20, 2014. It won the Tony award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical thanks to the fabulous and extraordinary performance of Genie by James Monroe Iglehart. Robin Williams immortalized Genie in the Disney film and would be proud of Iglehart’s performance. It is too bad he never got to see the show. Adam Jacobs plays a perfect Aladdin; he looks and acts so much like the Aladdin from the movie. And don’t miss Jonathan Freeman! He was the voice of Jafar in the Disney film, and now gets the chance to play the same role of stage!
The actual performance is a mixture of spectacle and magic. How Genie does all that magic, I will never know. The show is full of audio and visual delights and includes both original songs and old favorites from the movie. You will truly enjoy every second. Just like in the movie, Genie is a big part of making the show. when Aladdin rubs the lamp and the Genie appears the show really kicks into high gear. The number performed in the Cave of Wonders, “Friend Like Me,” is delightfully entertaining from the singing to the dancing to the magic. It is all so mesmerizing in the best way; you will be left asking yourself, “How did he do that?”
Besides the amazing stunts and special effects, the sets will also wow you! The Cave of Wonders is an incredible example. You will be in shock by how real it looks when the Cave’s mouth opens and its chilling voice dares Aladdin to enter. You will not believe your eyes when you see the inside of the cave and all the remarkable jewels within.
One of the most iconic scenes from the Disney movie is, without a doubt, the magic carpet ride during which Prince Ali brings Princess Jasmine to a whole new world. The Broadway production does not disappoint! You will be blown away as the actor’s race through the air! The only thing I wasn’t so crazy about was Jasmine, as I found her singing to be a little bit off.
I can go on and on praising the Cave of Wonders and the magic carpet and the rest of the show. If you’re looking for an extremely high energy show with great dancing, singing and acting, Aladdin would be on my top 10 list. Fun for all ages!
Here’s a list of what you should keep in mind about Aladdin should you decide you want to see it:
- Comfortable seats.
- Stairs, too many stairs.
- The entire family will enjoy
- Bathrooms aren’t so clean
- Full view from the mezzanine.
- Fabulous cast of characters
- James Monroe Iglehart is awesome
- The lighting and staging of the show is unreal
My Rating 8/10