Aladdin (2011 musical)

Aladdin

Broadway promotional poster
Music Alan Menken
Lyrics Howard Ashman
Tim Rice
Chad Beguelin
Book Chad Beguelin
Basis 1992 Disney animated film
Aladdin
Productions 2011 Seattle
2012-2013 Denmark
2014-present Broadway
2015 Tokyo
2015 Germany
2016 West End
2016 Sydney
Regional and international productions
Awards Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musica to James Monroe Iglehart in 2014
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical in 2014

Aladdin is a musical based on the 1992 Disney animated film of the same name with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin. Beguelin also wrote the book. The musical includes three songs written for the film by Ashman but not used there and four new songs written by Menken and Beguelin. The story follows the familiar tale of how a poor young man discovers a genie in a lamp and uses his wishes to marry the princess that he loves 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. It opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre on March 20, 2014 to mostly warm reviews and was nominated for five Tony Awards.

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.[1] The musical premiered in Seattle, Washington, at the 5th Avenue Theatre from July 7–31, 2011.[2] Jonathan Freeman, who voiced Jafar in the film, played the role in the stage adaptation.[3] Adam Jacobs and Courtney Reed played Aladdin and Jasmine. Additional cast included James Monroe Iglehart as Genie; Clifton Davis as the Sultan; Don Darryl Rivera as Iago; and, playing Omar, Kassim and Babkak, a trio of characters originally conceived by the film's creators but not used,[4] were Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Brian Gonzales and Brandon O'Neill, respectively. The show was directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.[5]

In 2012, productions of the musical played at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah from June–October 2012 and The Muny in St. Louis in July 2012.[6][7][8] In 2012, Aladdin was staged in Manila, the Philippines at the Meralco Theater. Directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga, it starred Tom Rodriguez as Aladdin and featured Aiza Seguerra as Genie.[9] The musical was staged in Spanish in Bogotá, Colombia in 2013.[10]

Aladdin had a pre-Broadway tryout at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto, Ontario from November 2013 to January 2014.[11][12] Nicholaw again directed and choreographed, with book and additional lyrics by Beguelin, scenic design by Bob Crowley, and costume design by Gregg Barnes.[4][11][13]

The musical premiered on Broadway on February 26, 2014 in previews and officially opened on March 20, 2014 at the New Amsterdam Theatre, taking the place of Mary Poppins.[14][15][16] The show was nominated for five Tony Awards, winning one for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for James Monroe Iglehart. The cast album was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.[17]

Regional and international productions

A Japanese production opened in 2015 at the Dentsu Shiki Theatre Umi in Tokyo, presented by the Shiki Theatre Company.[18] A cast album has been released.

The musical is scheduled to be produced in Hamburg, Germany in 2015 in partnership with Stage Entertainment.[19]

Planned productions

A West End production is confirmed for 2016 at the Prince Edward Theatre in London, taking the place of the revival of Miss Saigon.[20] In July 2015, Disney Theatrical Productions and Tim Rice officially announced that the show would open in the summer 2016 in the West End and that auditions would be held from August through September 2015.[21] In October 2015, it was announced that the show would officially open on June 9, 2016, with previews beginning May 27, and that Trevor Dion Nicholas would be playing the Genie.[22]

In November 2015 full cast was announced. Dean John-Wilson will play the role of Aladdin alongside Jade Ewen as Jasmine. Don Gallagher will play Jafar, Peter Howe will join as Iago, Irvine Iqbal as the Sultan, Nathan Amzi as Babkak, Stephen Rahman-Hughes as Kassim and Rachid Sabitri as Omar.[23] As previously announced, Trevor Dion Nicholas will make his London stage debut as Genie.[24] The special effects are created by Jim Steinmeyer, the master illusionist who helped David Copperfield.[25]

Aladdin is also planned to open in Sydney, Australia in August 2016 at the Capitol Theatre.[26]

Disney Theatrical will launch a North American tour at Chicago's Palace Theatre, where it is scheduled to play from April 11-July 2, 2017.[27]

Plot

Act I

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

Aladdin is a young homeless man who spends his days stealing food from the street vendors of Agrabah along with his three 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 chastised by her father, the Sultan, for refusing yet another suitor. The Sultan demands that Jasmine choose a noble prince to marry or he will find one for her. 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 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 bumps into Jasmine, who disguised herself as a commoner to get a sense of life outside the palace. Aladdin has no idea who she is, but is immediately smitten. After a brief scuffle with the authorities, he takes Jasmine to his hideout, where they each reveal their unhappiness in their own lives ("A Million Miles Away"). Jasmine is discovered by the authorities and taken back to the palace. Aladdin is ordered to be killed, but is saved by Jafar and Iago, who take Aladdin to the Cave of Wonders ("Diamond in the Rough"). Grateful for saving his life, Aladdin honors Jafar's request to enter the cave. Once inside, Aladdin is instructed to bring a golden oil lamp to Jafar and touch nothing else. Astonished by all the treasure buried within the cave, Aladdin attempts to take some gold coins 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 that offers to grant him three wishes. Aladdin initially shrugs this off in disbelief, prompting the Genie to display his powers with an impressive musical number ("Friend Like Me"). The Genie then reveals that he has limitations to his powers. He can't grant wishes that include: murder, romance, 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". Genie muses that he would wish for freedom, since he is a prisoner of his lamp. Aladdin promises to free Genie as his last wish. 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 vast parade storms through the streets of Agrabah, and is led by Genie, Babkak, Omar and Kassim. They announce the arrival of "Prince Ali of Ababwa" ("Prince Ali"). Once at the palace, Ali expresses his desire to marry Jasmine to the Sultan. 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. Ali courts Jasmine with a ride on his magic carpet provided to him by Genie ("A Whole New World"). Once they return, Jasmine reveals she recognizes Ali to be Aladdin in disguise. 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 Ali 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 Ali 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 ("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 his powers' limitations, 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 and admits to Jasmine that while he loves her, 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)).

Differences between the musical and film

Characters and original casts

The original principal casts of all major productions.

Character Original Broadway Cast Original West End Cast[23] Original Australian Cast Original Hamburg Cast (European premiere)
Aladdin Adam Jacobs Dean-John Wilson Ainsley Melham Richard-Salvador Wolff
Jasmine Courtney Reed Jade Ewen TBA Myrthes Monteiro
Genie James Monroe Iglehart Trevor Dion Nicholas Michael James Scott Enrico De Pieri
Jafar Jonathan Freeman Don Gallagher Adam Murphy Ethan Freeman
The Sultan Clifton Davis Irvine Iqbal George Henare Claus Dam
Iago Don Darryl Rivera Peter Howe Aljin Abella Eric Minsk
Omar Jonathan Schwartz Rachid Sabitri Robert Tripolino Pedro Reichert
Babkak Brian Gonzales Nathan Amzi Troy Sussman Stefan Tolnai
Kassim Brandon O'Neill Stephen Rahman-Hughes Adam Jon Fiorentino Philipp Tobias Hägeli

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.

Act I
  • "Overture"
  • "Arabian Nights" (Ashman/Rice) – Genie & Company
  • "One Jump Ahead" (Rice) – Aladdin & Ensemble
  • "One Jump Ahead (Reprise)" (Rice) – Aladdin
  • "Proud of Your Boy" (Ashman*) – Aladdin
  • "These Palace Walls" (Beguelin**) – Jasmine & Female Attendants
  • "Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim" (Ashman*) – Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim, Jasmine & Ensemble
  • "A Million Miles Away" (Beguelin**) – Aladdin & Jasmine
  • "Diamond in the Rough" (Beguelin**) – Jafar, Iago, & Aladdin
  • "Friend Like Me" (Ashman) – Genie, Aladdin and Ensemble
  • Act One Finale (Friend Like Me (Reprise)/Proud of Your Boy (Reprise I)) (Beguelin**) – Genie & Aladdin

Act II
  • "Prince Ali" (Ashman) – Genie, Babkak, Omar, Kassim, & Ensemble
  • "A Whole New World" (Rice) – Aladdin & Jasmine
  • "High Adventure" (Ashman*) – Babkak, Omar, Kassim, & Ensemble
  • "Somebody's Got Your Back" (Beguelin**) – Aladdin, Genie, Babkak, Omar, & Kassim
  • "Proud of Your Boy (Reprise II)" (Beguelin**) – Aladdin
  • "Prince Ali (Sultan Reprise)" (Beguelin**) – Sultan & Company
  • "Prince Ali (Jafar Reprise)" (Rice) – Jafar
  • Finale Ultimo ("Arabian Nights (Reprise)" (Ashman/Beguelin*) / "A Whole New World (Reprise)" (Rice)) – Company
  • Bows ("Friend Like Me (Reprise II)") (Ashman) – Company

(*) This song was cut from the movie and restored for the musical.
(**) This is a new song written for the musical.

Cut Songs

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

Reception

Pre-Broadway

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.[13] CHCH said "Artistically, this Aladdin is top grade. It will become a classic."[28] The Globe and Mail reviewer gave the show 2.5 stars out of 4, however, saying that it was "strictly for the kiddies".[29] 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."[30]

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."[31] 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."[32] 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."[33]

Broadway

The Broadway production received mixed to positive reviews from critics.[34] 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."[35] 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."[36] 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."[37]

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".[38] 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.[39] 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."[40]

Awards and nominations

Original Broadway production

Year Award Category Nominee Result
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 Beguelin Nominated
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 Beguelin Nominated
Outstanding Music Alan Menken Nominated
Outstanding Lyrics Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Adam Jacobs Nominated
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical James Monroe Iglehart Won
Outstanding Choreography Casey Nicholaw Nominated
2015 Grammy Award Best Musical Theater Album James Monroe Iglehart, Adam Jacobs & Courtney Reed (principal soloists); Frank Filipetti, Michael Kosarin, Alan Menken & Chris Mountain (producers) Nominated

See Also

References

  1. Cerasaro, Pat. "BWW Exclusive: Alan Menken Talks Tangled, Sister Act, Leap of Faith, Hunchback, Aladdin & More", Broadwayworld.com, November 15, 2010, accessed December 16, 2014
  2. "Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre Premieres Aladdin, 7/7-31", BroadwayWorld.com, January 13, 2011, accessed December 16, 2014
  3. "Jonathan Freeman Will Bring Jafar from Screen to Stage in Disney's Aladdin at 5th Avenue", Playbill
  4. 1 2 Hetrick, Adam. "Disney's Aladdin Will Play Toronto This Fall Prior to 2014 Broadway Premiere", Playbill.com, January 22, 2013
  5. "Memphis Star James Monroe Iglehart Is Genie in Disney's Aladdin; Adam Jacobs Is Title Hero", Playbill
  6. "'Tuacahn presents Disney's Aladdin – The New Stage Musical 2012" YouTube
  7. "Aladdin, Chicago, Dreamgirls et al. Set for Muny 2012 Season", Broadwayworld.com, 2011
  8. "2012 Muny Season" muny.org
  9. "Atlantis Productions stages Disney’s Aladdin", The Philippine Star, November 12, 2012, accessed December 16, 2014
  10. "Aladdín! el musical de Disney", vive.in, March 2013, accessed December 17, 2014
  11. 1 2 "Breaking News: Disney's Aladdin to Play Pre-Broadway Tryout in Toronto Starting November 2013; Broadway Spring 2014", Broadwayworld.com, January 22, 2013
  12. Disney's Aladdin Ends Pre-Broadway Toronto Engagement Today, Broadwayworld.com, January 5, 2013
  13. 1 2 "Theatre review: Forget the Lion, this Aladdin is king of the stage | National Post". Arts.nationalpost.com. 2013-11-22. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
  14. Hetrick, Adam. "Disney's 'Aladdin' Will Arrive on Broadway in February 2014", Playbill.com, August 29, 2013
  15. Gans, Andrew. "Broadway's 'Mary Poppins' Flies Out Of New Amsterdam Theatre March 3", Playbill.com, March 3, 2013
  16. "Rialto Chatter: 'Aladdin' to Hit Broadway Spring of 2014 with 'Major New Player' on Creative Team", Broadwayworld.com, 2013
  17. "Aladdin, Beautiful, Hedwig Among Grammy's Best Musical Theater Album Nominees", BroadwayWorld.com, December 5, 2014
  18. "Disney's Aladdin coming to West End summer 2016?". What's On Stage. 2015-06-25. Retrieved 2015-07-14.
  19. "ALADDIN Will Officially Open Summer 2016 in London; Casting Calls Set". Broadway World. 2015-07-30. Retrieved 2015-07-30.
  20. "A Whole New World! Disney's ALADDIN Confirms Summer 2016 Premiere in the West End, Starring Trevor Dion Nicholas as Genie!". Broadway World. 2015-10-15. Retrieved 2015-10-15.
  21. 1 2 "Official! Dean John-Wilson and Jade Ewen to Star in London Premiere of ALADDIN; Tickets on Sale 11/23". broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  22. Porteous, Jacob (November 23, 2015). "Full Cast Announced For London Premiere Of Disney's Aladdin - Tickets On Sale from 8:00 AM". London Theatre Direct. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
  23. "Facts You May Not Know About Aladdin Part 2!". Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  24. "Aladdin Will Take a Magic Carpet Ride to Australia". Playbill. 2015-10-15. Retrieved 2015-10-15.
  25. "Disney's Aladdin Announces National Tour". Playbill. 2016-01-26. Retrieved 2016-01-28.
  26. Review chch.com
  27. J. Kelly Nestruck (2013-11-21). "There’s a carpet, but not much magic in Aladdin". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
  28. Friday, December 13, 2013 6:33 AM EST Facebook Twitter RSS (2013-11-21). "Aladdin's carpet ride is missing some magic: review | Toronto Star". Thestar.com. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
  29. Baillie, Andrea (2013-11-22). "Review: Aladdin's magic may charm kids, but maybe not their parents (with video)". Vancouversun.com. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
  30. "BWW Reviews: Broadway Bound ALADDIN Opens in Toronto". Broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
  31. Coulbourn, John. "Aladdin's wild magic carpet ride | Stage | Entertainment". Toronto Sun. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
  32. Review Roundup: Aladdin Opens on Broadway – All the Reviews! Broadwayworld.com, Retrieved March 21, 2014
  33. Kennedy, Mark (2014-03-20). "Review: Disney hits magic again with 'Aladdin' on Broadway, thanks to a new Genie". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2014-03-21.
  34. Gardener, Elysa (2014-03-20). "It's genie-us! 'Aladdin' rubs you the right way". USA Today. Retrieved 2014-03-21.
  35. Grier, Thom (2014-03-20). "Stage Review: Aladdin (2014)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2014-03-21.
  36. Teachout, Terry (2014-03-20). "'Aladdin' Proves Its Worth on Broadway". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2014-03-21.
  37. Isherwood, Charles (2014-03-20). "Sly Alchemy From That Lamp". New York Times. Retrieved 2014-03-21.
  38. Stasio, Marilyn (2014-03-20). "Broadway Review: ‘Disney Aladdin’". Variety. Retrieved 2014-03-21.

External links

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