Sunday 23 December 2018

The Ultimate Christmas Medley


You may remember this fantastic little Christmas medley from 2015 when Courtney, Nathan, Angelo and Jaz put together this festive treat;


Well now you can get the single on iTunes and Spotify so make sure you treat yourself to this merry Christmas medley, it's the perfect way to ring in the season.

Merry Christmas all!

Wednesday 19 December 2018

First Pictures and Behind the Scenes Video Released for Aladdin


So this happened today!

Entertainment Weekly just released a first look gallery and behind the scenes video of next year's live action adaptation of Aladdin!

I've just posted my initial write up of the news over at MovieNewsNet and plan to post a more fan based reaction piece here this weekend. But since pictures are worth a thousand words I didn't want to delay posting these here!










Is it time for another trailer yet?!

Thursday 6 December 2018

Matt Croke - Only Dreaming


Tomorrow's an exciting day for musical theatre fans as Matt Croke, the star of London's Aladdin, launches his debut album, Only Dreaming! Featuring songs from stage and screen, Only Dreaming will premiere on iTunes and Spotify tomorrow, with CDs available from the Prince Edward Theatre and Matt's website from 14th December.

Now, everyone reading this knows how big an Aladdin fan I am (obviously!), and Proud of Your Boy is my favourite song in the show so I'm delighted that Matt has recorded his own version of the song for the album! And not only that! He also duets with The Lion King's Nick Afoa (London's Simba) on a mash up of Proud of Your Boy/Endless Night! If you heard this on Radio 2's Friday Night is Music Night then you already know how amazing this sounds!

And Nick's not the only member of the Disney family Matt's teaming up with for this album. Trevor Dion Nicholas has Matt's back every night as the Genie to his Aladdin, and joins him for a new recording of Aladdin's Somebody's Got Your Back, whilst Hiba Elchikhe (Australia's Jasmine) joins him for A Whole New World. The album is also produced and orchestrated by Aladdin's West End musical director Alan Williams, so you know it's going to sound amazing!

As well as Aladdin, Matt's debut album features songs from Godspell, Singing in the Rain, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, and more. Disney's Tarzan makes a welcome appearance with Who Better Than Me? and Matt follows in the footsteps of fellow Disney Theatrical stars Adam Jacobs and Norm Lewis with his version of Go The Distance from Hercules. I can't wait to hear that one!

Congratulations Matt! I can't wait to pick up a copy next time I'm at the theatre! Or maybe I'll just download it! I really can't wait :o)

Monday 19 November 2018

Telly Leung to "Sing Happy" Tonight at Birdland


Tonight, Broadway's Aladdin is leaving the majesty of Agrabah for glitz and glamour of New York as Telly Leung debuts his solo concert Sing Happy at Birdland.

The star of Aladdin, Allegiance, Godspell, and Rent will take audiences on an intimate musical journey from Brooklyn to Broadway, from the dizzying heights of Broadway openings to career-threatening events. If you want to get to know the man behind the magic, this is his story.

And if you want a little sneak preview you can check him out in rehearsals right here thanks to Playbill.

Tickets for the event are still available at the Birdland's website, so if you're free in NYC this evening make sure you check it out!

Sunday 11 November 2018

The Hero


Today marks 100 years since the end of the First World War.

In tribute to all who lost their lives and to raise money for Help for Heroes, a host of musical theatre stars and celebrities joined forces with Daniel and Laura Curtis to create a music video titled simply, The Hero. Amongst those taking part were Aladdin stars and alumni James Monroe Iglehart, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Marisha Wallace, and Alan Menken.



You can contribute to Help for Heroes at the West End and Friends Just Giving page or download the song from all online stores now.

Thank you. We will remember them.

Friday 2 November 2018

Aladdin Celebrates 1001 Magical Performances in the West End


Yesterday the West End cast of Aladdin celebrated two incredible milestone - their 1000th performance and the even more magical 1001st.

Here's hoping everyone at the Prince Edward Theatre, on stage and off, had a most magical evening as they celebrated this milestone befitting an Arabian Night.


Keep making magic everyone! I can't wait to see you all again soon.

Tuesday 23 October 2018

Don Darryl Rivera Hosts 2018 Gregory Awards


Last year Don Darryl Rivera took home Seattle's prestigious Gregory Award for his role as Sancho in 5th Avenue's production of Man of La Mancha. Last night, he took a well deserved night off from playing everyone's favourite evil sidekick, returning to Seattle to host the 10th annual Gregory Awards!

And it sounds like he's just as good a host as he is Disney villain!


But that's not all! Make sure you keep and eye on DDR's twitter account as he should be sharing some back stage mashups from the event!


Congratulations on hosting this amazing event Don Darryl!

Friday 12 October 2018

Aladdin's First Trailer Reveals the Diamond in the Rough


So this little beauty arrived last night. And yes, I did stay up until 3am to watch it :o)



I posted my initial thoughts over at Movie News Net (yes, I get to write about Disney movies on slightly more professional basis now!) but it was way too late to write a blog post as well. But I'm awake now so let's take a deeper look at this trailer!

Right off the top, I love the orchestrations they've done for this teaser. Arabian Nights sounds haunting and beautiful as the camera flies across desert landscapes and Friend Like Me sounds epic once we enter the Cave of Wonders.

The teaser is very much a mood setter, with sweeping shots of desert and the fabled city of Agrabah. In fact you might call it a parrots eye view. That's right - Iago is in the movie!!!

But I'm getting ahead of myself.


The trailer literally opens with caravan camels roaming and that just makes me happy. It evokes memories not just of the film but of the original opening for the show (I will never forget Tuachan using live camels in their production, just magical).

The desert has never looked so good. Just look at that vista of Agrabah.

Then the sun sets and we get a closer look at the city at night.


As Aladdin might say, "It's not much, but it's got a great view." The city looks fantastic. And there's Iago!! Ok, now I'll have my happy little freak out. We finally, finally, have confirmation that Iago's in the movie. Does he talk? Who's voicing him? No idea! For now I'm just happy that my favourite evil sidekick made it into the movie. Sure, he'll probably have a smaller role (since Numan Acar's Hakim is replacing him as Jafar's right hand man) but he's there. Now, if you bring back Gilbert Gottfried or Don Darryl Rivera to voice him I'll be in heaven!

And speaking of bringing back voices...


The only dialogue in the trailer comes from the Cave of Wonders, booming those familiar words; "Only one may enter here. One whose worth lies far within. The diamond in the rough." And yes, that is the one and only Frank Welker reprising his role from the original movie. And yes, I'm embarrassed to say I missed it on my first viewing. It sounded familiar, but I'm that used to Brandon O'Neill's rendition now that it still sounded different enough that my sleep deprived brain didn't pick it up at three in the morning.

My embarrassing moment aside, I think the Cave looks fantastic. I love the visual of it growing out of the mountainside. I can't wait to see the moment it first comes alive. My only reservation is that the effect of it growing out of the mountain gives it a mane like appearance that makes the cave look more like a lion than a tiger. Maybe it is a lion in this version? At the end of the day I don't think it really matters too much. It looks great and that's the main thing.

It's here we also get our first look at Jafar, or at least his silhouette. We can't see any details but his shadowy form looks very true to both his animated and stage counterparts.

What's interesting is that there appears to be four figures here. Jafar, Aladdin, and two people who I presume are palace guards. And Jafar isn't in disguise. Now the stage adaptation did away with Jafar's disguise, but for the guards to be there as well, literally pushing Aladdin towards the cave, that suggests larger changes are in store.

And you know what? I'm really excited for that. I've said before (on multiple occasions), I don't want this to be a straight remake. If it's a straight remake then the chances are that it will always remain in the shadow of the original. By offering something new it can truly stand on its own, like the stage show does. Take what's worked before and retell it in a way best fitting a new medium and a new generation. From the trailer it looks like Aladdin will do that, and that's what excites me the most. As long as they remain faithful to the characters they shouldn't go wrong.

Speaking of changes - when Aladdin enters the cave, Abu isn't on his shoulder. Now, Iago has just been confirmed so I'm still hopeful that our furry little thief will be in the film somewhere. I know you can tell the story without him, but if there really is no Abu (and certainly no Babkak, Omar and Kassim) this Aladdin will be the most isolated and lonely of all of three Disney adaptations.

Some one did suggest to me that the person pushed towards the cave may in fact be Gazeem, not Aladdin, and this is the scene from the opening of the movie. It's certainly a possibility. If it was just the distant shot I'd agree wholeheartedly. But I still think it's Aladdin. The close up of the man entering the cave certainly looks like Aladdin and a guard can still be seen in that shot as well. It could be Gazeem, it's very shadowy so you can't be sure, but there's a real focus on him entering the cave and it feels like Aladdin's moment in teaser, entering as the Cave of Wonders says only the diamond in the rough can. It'll be an impressive bait and switch on Disney's part if it does turn out to be Gazeem. On the plus side it would be an excellent reason for Abu not being with him!


Inside the cave looks great! It's hard to judge the scale of the cave from the single panning shot we get but the stairway to the lamp looks great surrounded by the forbidden treasure (I'm assuming the huge rooms filled with gold and a helpful magic carpet will still be in there as well).

And then we finally get our first clear look at Aladdin as Mena Massoud recreates the iconic moment of the diamond in the rough reaching for his destiny.


I really want a clearer look at the costume. He looks great but I want to see the full costume before I make a real opinion. Yes, the purist in me would have liked him to be shirtless, but I have to admit this is a more practical look for a live action adaptation. Plus it works as a homage to Aladdin's look in the parks (and Once Upon a Time). Like I said, I really want a better look at the full costume. At everyone's costumes. Gregg Barnes set a high bar with the costumes for the stage show, so I'm excited to see what the movie team have come up with.

So yeah, it was a pretty perfect teaser. It set the tone and got me excited to see more. It looks faithful but teases at surprises lying in wait ("the plot that you knew with a small twist or two" as it were). I don't want to say that next May can't get here soon enough because then Aladdin will have just three months left in the West End, but at the same time I truly can't wait to see this film. Hopefully it will be just as magical as the trailer implies.


Wednesday 10 October 2018

Come on down, Come on in, Let the Magic Begin!


They say a picture is worth 1,000 words but I think this one is worth 1,001!

Seriously, that poster is gorgeous. I'd say all it's missing is the Aladdin logo but I'm not even sure it needs that. It's like a perfect marriage between the original teaser poster for the animated movie and the colour scheme of the Broadway show. I definitely need one of these to hang on my wall!

Will Smith first shared the poster on Instagram a few hours ago;



Then, when you think it couldn't get any better, Disney Studios took to Twitter to share the poster and revealed that we're GETTING THE TEASER TRAILER TOMORROW!!!



Ok, a "first look", but come on, it has to be the trailer.

I'm trying not to get my hopes up and failing spectacularly. I know it'll probably just be a teaser trailer that sets the mood but reveals very little, like Beauty and the Beast did with it's first trailer. After all, it's called a teaser for a reason.

I just can't wait to see how Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Will Smith, and all the others look in costume. And I can't wait to hear how they sound when they sing (not that I expect to get that in tomorrow's teaser but a guy can wish, right?).

I've made no secret of the fact that I really like this cast and I'm excited to see Disney and Guy Ritchie doing something new rather than a direct adaptation. They've all spent the last year or so making magic. Tomorrow we get our first look at the results. Here's hoping they take us to a whole new world.

And one last thing! I love looking at IMDB and seeing some familiar names from London's Aladdin in the cast! That is just so cool and makes me even more excited for this movie!

Wednesday 3 October 2018

Telly Leung to Take Final Bow as Broadway's Aladdin

Telly Leung and Major Attaway as Aladdin and Genie with the cast of Broadway's Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Today Telly Leung announced that he will be taking his final bow as Broadway's Aladdin next year after almost two years as Disney's favourite Diamond in the Rough. Taking to social media, Telly wrote;

Well, it's time. Time to depart Agrabah. My last day as a street rat on Broadway will be on Sunday, February 17, 2019 - so if you haven't seen it, get your tickets now! I'm filled with nothing but gratitude for the experience. Not only was it a dream-come-true to lead a Broadway musical as a Disney prince, but it was also a chance to meet some of the most talented artists and kindest humans ever assembled under one theatrical roof. There is something magical happening at The New Am (on and off stage) and I am forever thankful for the chance to be a part of the Aladdin - The Musical family. Thanks to everyone who supported me on this incredible carpet ride. The countdown begins - and I intend to go out savoring every joyful minute of this experience. #agrahbye #teladdin

Broadway's Aladdin is currently booking through to March 2019 so you can get tickets for the remainder of Telly's run right now at the show's official website. There's even great seats left for his final shows so make sure you get your tickets sooner rather than later!

It's unusual for a cast change at Aladdin to be announced this far in advance, so if you haven't seen Telly in the role, make sure you take this chance!

Personally, I'm sad that I likely won't get the chance to see Telly before he finishes his run. I know he's been an incredible Aladdin and I wish I could have seen that in person.

Telly, I just want to wish you a magical remainder of your run and thank you for all that you have brought to the character. Keep making magic.



Friday 14 September 2018

Aladdin London to Close Next Year


I can't find the right words for this. I was genuinely shocked this morning when I learnt that Aladdin will be closing in the West End next year, making way for a new production of Mary Poppins.

The first I knew about it was when I saw Facebook advert for Mary Poppins. My first thought was that it would be a limited run to tie into Mary Poppins Returns when that comes out this Christmas. A moment later I saw the date, 2019, and the theatre, the Prince Edward, and my heart sank.

Now, I want to say I am in no way wanting to take anything away from Mary Poppins. I'm happy for all the cast and creative team, and excited to see their new production when it opens. But Aladdin will always have my heart, and I am heart broken that the show is closing next year.

In the announcement of Mary Poppins' return it was confirmed that Aladdin will be granting it's final West End wishes on Saturday 31st August 2019.

I've saw the show on it's first West End preview, on opening night, and many more times since. But today's news really hit home that I haven't seen it anywhere near as much as I'd like to. I have just under a year to change that. And you can bet I'll be there on the last night too, even if they don't sell tickets and I have to sneak in through a skylight or something crazy, I'll be there.

You should be there to. Not necessarily closing night, but if you care about this show enough to read this blog, and you live in the UK, then you should go again (because I'm assuming most of you reading this will have already been at least once). We have one year left to experience the joy and magic of this show live on stage, and we should seize every chance we get to do so.

The silver lining is that the show's run hasn't really been cut short. Beauty and the Beast ran for 2 years in London, Mary Poppins' original run was just over 3 years. By the time it closes Aladdin will have also run just over 3 years. I'd need to double check the math but I believe Aladdin will have run just longer than Mary Poppins to be Disney Theatrical's second longest running show in the West End (and if you count the preview performances it definitely is).

And it's not closing mid-booking period. The show is currently booking through to February 9th, so there's at least one more booking extension to come, and the current cast contracts, based on the show's history, are likely to run through to June. Hopefully everyone will agree to extend for the show's final months, but it's nice to think that no one is having their existing contract cut short because of this.

So yeah, I'm trying to be positive. And on that positive note, both Beauty and the Beast and Mary Poppins followed their West End runs with a UK National Tour. So maybe the show, like Genie, isn't going away, it's just hitting the road. I know both Matthew Croke (Aladdin) and Leon Craig (Babkak, Stand By Genie) are Northerners, so I'm wishing with all my might that they get to headline a national tour together and play to their home crowd. I've said before I'd love for Leon to do a UK tour as Genie, sure this wasn't how I pictured it happening but I'd still love for it to happen.

For now though, we still have a year left with this amazing show and this incredible cast in the West End. I intend to be there an often as I can to both show my support and just to take in the sheer magic and joy that this show brings.

It's not over yet, so keep making magic everyone.



Thursday 9 August 2018

The Genie is Taking Over Instagram!

Trevor Dion Nicholas as Genie, Photo by Deen Van Meer

The Genie is here!

Or at least he will be tomorrow!

Trevor Dion Nicholas is taking over Aladdin's West End Instagram at 1pm (that's 8am for all you New Yorkers!) and answering your questions.

The take over will be happening right here - https://www.instagram.com/aladdinlondon/ - so make sure you check it out.  Maybe you'll even have your wish granted.

Thursday 2 August 2018

Aladdin's Hiba Elchikhe and Irvine Iqbal Star in Broken Wings This Weekend


If you're in London this week make sure you head over the Theatre Royal Haymarket where Hiba Elchikhe (Australia's Jasmine) and Irvine Iqbal (London's Sultan) are starring in the new musical Broken Wings!

Hiba leads the cast as Selma Karamy with Irvine starring as the Bishop.

I wish I'd posted this sooner (and I wish I could go this weekend). You can still get tickets for tomorrow night and Saturday's two shows right here.

Here's wishing everyone involved (especially our Agrabah royalty) a fantastic run!

And here's a little taste of the show;

Monday 30 July 2018

Broadway Princesses On Tour!

Courtney Reed, Photo by 54 Below

"I'm going to see the world, too"

That's what Jasmine said at the end of The Return of Jafar, and it's just what Broadway's original Jasmine is doing!

Yes, Courtney Reed is hitting the road with Susan Egan (Broadway's original Belle), Laura Osnes (Broadway's original Cinderella) and their Fairy Godfairy, Benjamin Rauhala, as they take the Broadway Princess Party on a US tour!

And they've launched a website!!

But that's not all! A guest Prince will be joining our royal heroines in every city, and first up is Courtney's Aladdin - Adam Jacobs!!

Adam will be joining the princesses in LA on 17th August at the Club Kraftland theatre (above That's from Disneyland) and in Minneapolis and Chicago as well!

Tickets are on sale now for LA, Minneapolis (18th August), Chicago (19th August) and Newark (15th September) and are coming soon for Overland Park (18th January), Lincoln (19th January) and Bellevue (26th January).

In their own words; "casual attire is permitted, but princess prizes will be awarded for the best cosplay costumes!"

And if you want a little teaser, here's Adam and Courtney, reunited at the last Princess Party, performing 'A Whole New World' together for the first time since they both finished their Aladdin runs earlier this year;


Some things you just never get tired of hearing. These two will always be my Aladdin and Jasmine.



Disney Theatrical's Summer Pop Up Opens Tomorrow in London

Aladdin's costumes on display at West End Live 2016

Disney Theatrical is debuting it's first ever summer pop up in London's Covent Garden tomorrow and, just like Prince Ali, to view them they're charging no fee!

From tomorrow through to Sunday 26th August, visitors to the experience will get to view the iconic masks and costumes from Disney's sensational The Lion King up close and in person, then say the magic words and enter Aladdin's cave of wonders for a photo experience with the Genie's lamp.

But that's not all!

Throughout the month guests will have the chance to attend cast signings, MAC make up demonstrations, learn some of the magical music and choreography, and see performances from these incredible shows.

Head on over to Disney on Stage right now for the full schedule. Just remember, events are first come first served so be sure to get there in plenty of time if there's something you really want to do!

I hope everyone going has a magical time!

Here's what the Aladdin got up to last time they were in Covent Garden earlier this year;

Sunday 17 June 2018

Aladdin Brings the Magic to West End Live!


Yesterday the cast of London's Aladdin played to a packed audience at West End Live!

If you couldn't make it, or if you just want to re-live the magic, Official London Theatre have posted the full performance for you to enjoy!


You've gotta love Leon, Julian and Daniel wearing shirts that match their Babkak, Omar and Kassim costumes!

West End Live continues today, with Disney's The Lion King at 12:10pm, and Aladdin's own Trevor Dion Nicholas joining a host West End stars to take it home at 4:00pm.

UPDATED!

I'm well overdue adding this! Here's the always amazing Trevor Dion Nicholas from West End Live!




And here's London's original Babkak, Nathan Amzi bringing even more Disney magic to West End Live with Hunchback's 'Out There'

God I'd love that show to come to London!

Saturday 16 June 2018

Catch London's Aladdin at West End Live TODAY!

The Cast of London's Aladdin at West End Live 2017

If you're in London this weekend then make sure you head over to Trafalgar Square for West End Live 2018! Starting today at 11:00am (gates open at 10:15am so go get in line!) West End Live showcases some of the best of London theatre, including Disney's Aladdin!

I went last year and had an amazing time so I'm gutted I couldn't make it again this year.

It's a fantastic weekend and a great way to see some highlights from your favourite shows and to get a glimpse at other shows you might not have considered before.

The Aladdin gang will be making magic at 11:15am today, then Trevor Dion Nicholas will be bringing us home tomorrow at 4:00pm, along with Nathan Amzi (London's original Babkak), Emma Kingston, Matt Henry and Danielle Hope in an incredible finale.

Last year Aladdin treated us to Matthew Croke singing Proud of Your Boy, duetting A Whole New World with Jade Ewen, then teaming up with Trevor Dion Nicholas and the BOK boys for Somebody's Got Your Back before Trevor finished things off with the unbeatable Friend Like Me (including an audience singalong). I can't wait to hear what they do this year!

I hope everyone going has an fantastic time!

Thursday 14 June 2018

Genie Swap!



Trevor Dion Nicholas' lamp is all packed and ready to head back home to Pittsburgh this summer!

For a limited time only, the West End's original Genie is trading places with the US Tour's incredible Michael James Scott so that he can bring this iconic character to life in his home town.

Speaking about the move Trevor said, "My time here in the West End has been absolutely incredible so far, and I am beyond proud to call London my new home. Still, being presented with the chance to perform this phenomenal show as Genie in Pittsburg is something I cannot pass up.  In a city so close to where I grew up, having an audience full of family and friends, is another dream come true."

Michael James Scott, who's journey mirrors Trevor's from Broadway standby to leading an international production, is just as excited to be switching lamps! Saying "Playing this iconic role of Genie has taken me all over the world, something I never even dreamed of. My 'Genie Brother' Trevor Dion Nicholas has raved about his time in London, so to be a part of this awesome Genie swap and return to play the West End again is an enormous Genie-sized gift. I just can't wait!"

I just love that Disney Theatrical gives its cast members opportunities like this, allowing them to switch between productions so they can play their home towns. It's an amazing gift, not just to the actors but to their friends and families as well.

The US Tour of Disney's Aladdin is currently playing in Philadelphia, with stops in Boston and Buffalo this summer. Trevor will join the tour for it's runs in Pittsburgh from August 22nd - September 9th, Atlanta from September 12th - 23rd and New Orleans from September 26th - October 7th!

Michael James Scott is joining the West End production of Aladdin from August 17th - September 30th.

And here's the announcement from the Genie himself!

US audiences are in for an incredible treat when this home town superstar hits the stage of the Benedum Center later this year!  And I can't wait to finally see Michael James Scott as Genie!  He was sensational as Babkak when I saw him in the original Broadway production and I missed him in LA earlier this year, so I'm really excited to see what he brings to the role!

Monday 4 June 2018

A Warm Agrabah Welcome to Aladdin's New London Cast!

Trevor Dion Nicholas and the West End cast of Aladdin

Tonight is the night! As Aladdin embarks on it's 3rd amazing year in the West End, it does so with an incredible cast of new and familiar faces.

Please extend a warm Agrabah welcome to Fred Johanson (or welcome back in Fred's case, the West End's original standby and now full time Jafar), Julian Capolei (making his West End debut as Omar), and our incredible new ensemble members Koko Basigara (making her Jasmine debut today!), Robertina Bonano, Angeline Bell, Abigail Climer, Nordine Ezzahr, Blythe Jandoo, Abigail Johnson, Victoria Layzell, Phil Mennell, Dominic Sibanda and Justin Thomas.

And a massive congratulations to Jermaine Woods who is taking over the role of Iago!

The incredible returning cast includes Matthew Croke (Aladdin), Jade Ewen (Jasmine), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Genie), Irvine Iqbal (Sultan), Leon Craig (Babkak), Daniel de Bourg (Kassim), Danny Becker, Bianca Cordice, Kevin Stephen-Jones, Nolan Edwards, Melanie Elizabeth, Anthony Hewitt, Travis Kerry, Dann Kharsa, Mitch Leow, Oliver Lidert, Richard Murphy, Ian Oswald, Tarisha Rommick, Kyle Seeley, Ricardo Spriggs, Joshua Steel, Kayleigh Thandani, Niko Wirachman and Damien Winchester.

You were all phenomenal at this afternoon's dress rehearsal (and a massive shout out to the amazing Leon Craig for that invite! Thank you so much!!). Tonight is your night, enjoy it, have fun with it, and make some magic! 

Saturday 2 June 2018

Salaam Worthy Friends! Wishing a Magical Final Day to Aladdin's 2nd Year London Cast

Matthew Croke and Jade Ewen as Aladdin and Jasmine with the London Cast of Aladdin

Has it really been a year already?

Here's wishing a magical final day in Agrabah to Don Gallagher (Jafar), Nick Cavaliere (Iago), Miles Barrow (Omar), Chanelle Jasmine Anthony, Cindy Belliot, Albey Brookes, Lauren Chia, Filippo Coffano, Kade Ferraiolo, Sinead Kenny, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Katie Singh and Monica Swayne!

I've been lucky enough to see Aladdin's second year West End cast twice and I wish it had been a lot more.  This cast has been a joy to watch.  Matthew Croke is a fantastic Aladdin and I'm so happy that he'll be continuing in the role for another year. Trevor Dion Nicholas continues to prove that he's a super star and the West End is lucky to have him.  I've loved the pairing of Don Gallagher and Nick Cavaliere as Jafar and Iago, I've loved Jade Ewen's Jasmine and Irvine Iqbal's Sultan, who both just keep getting better. The trio of Leon Craig, Miles Barrow and Daniel de Bourg had a tough act to follow as Babkak, Omar and Kassim but they more than rose to the challenge. And this show would be nothing without it's incredible ensemble. I can't say this enough, the ensemble make this show. Aladdin is just a joy to watch.

And I just want to give a special shout out to the standbys, understudies and covers! I was lucky enough to see Monica Swayne in one of her final Jasmine performances, Oliver Lidert as Babkak and (finally!!) Leon Craig as Genie! They were all incredible. I loved the lead trio of Matt, Monica and Leon when I saw the show the other week, the chemistry between them was fantastic and the friendship of Matt and Leon really shone through. I don't want Trev to go anywhere but if Aladdin does a UK Tour then Leon is their Genie! Yeah, I'm greedy, America has two productions with amazing Genies and I want the UK to have that too!

Make some magic today everyone, and thanks for all the high adventures!

Saturday 28 April 2018

Aladdin Bids Farewell to Denver!

Clinton Greenspan as Aladdin, Photo by Deen Van Meer
Here's the part where I realise I've been a bad fan & didn't wish the Aladdin tour a happy opening in Denver!

So instead here's wishing you all a magical final show tonight! I hope it's been an incredible run!  Next stop, Cleveland!!

Monday 2 April 2018

End of an Era! Adam Jacobs Says Salaam to Aladdin!

Adam Jacobs as Aladdin on Broadway's Opening Night, Photo by Walter McBride/Broadway World

So this is it.  After an incredible seven year run from Seattle to Broadway and beyond, Adam Jacobs bid farewell to Aladdin on Saturday as he and the cast brought their incredible run at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre to a close.

Adam has been with the show from the very beginning.  In fact, if you count the 2010 workshops then his seven year run becomes an eight year epic adventure as he saw both this character and this show from concept to stage.  This magical show simply wouldn't be the same without him.  It's a journey he shared with his Jasmine, Courtney Reed, who was also part of those early workshops, so it was only fitting that the original Aladdin and Jasmine were reunited on stage last month as Courtney finished her own Agrabah adventures.

After all the wishes that Adam has made come true with this show, it was only fitting that Adam was presented with his very own magic lamp as the cast and crew gathered to sing him happy trails after his final bow as Disney's heroic street rat.

I was blessed to be in the audience for Adam's final Broadway performance last year.  I honestly thought that would be the last time I saw him as Aladdin.  I will be forever grateful that fate intervened and I got to see him again last month.  I know I have said this before, but it truly has been a privilege and a joy to see Adam grow in this role over the last 4 years, and Adam I am so grateful for all your support over the years, it's appreciated more than I can say.

Adam, I wish you all the very best for your future, whatever lies in store, but for now I wish you "a well earned rest", you've earned it!  I hope our paths will cross again.  Whatever happens, you will always be a prince to me.


Salaam Worthy Friend! Reggie DeLeon Says Goodbye to Iago

Reggie De Leon as Iago

This Saturday saw Aladdin finish it's incredible Los Angeles run at the Hollywood Pantages, bringing to an end the tour's first year and, sadly, Reggie De Leon's run as Iago.

I was lucky enough to see Reggie as Iago last month and he was incredible in the role.  I loved his take on the character, as I am sure countless others have over the last year.

Reggie, I hope you've enjoyed your time in Agrabah!  Here's wishing you all the best for the future!


Wednesday 28 March 2018

Aladdin's Matthew Croke Nominated for Mousetrap Award

Matthew Croke as Aladdin
A massive congratulations to Matthew Croke as the entire West End Aladdin team on their recent Mousetrap Award nominations!!

Matthew has been nominated for best male performer and the show has been nominated for Best Design and Soundtrack of My Soul!

Congratulations everyone!  Here's hoping all your wishes come true when the awards are presented on Sunday 13th May!

And if you're a young theatre goer age 15-24 then you can join in the vote right here!

Vote for Aladdin in the West End Eurovision!



It's Eurovision time again!  No, not the one where all the votes are political and we had to bring out Andrew Lloyd Webber to help crack the top 5 (though Jade is now our Jasmine!), the good one, WEST END EUROVISION!

Yes, next month sees the return of Theatre Mad's West End Eurovision in support of the fight against HIV and AIDS.  Next month 8 shows will compete to be crowned the winner, but right now you can help Aladdin win best video indent by texting AL to 82727 (texts cost £3 plus standard message costs, Theatre Mad receives 98% of the donation).

You can check out Aladdin's hilarious indent right here;


And if you want to take be there for the event itself, West End Eurovision takes place on Sunday 22nd April at the Shaftesbury Theatre and you can get tickets and more details at the Theatre Mad website!

Clinton Greenspan is the US Tour's New Aladdin

Clinton Greenspan as Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

It's a new city and a new star next month as the US Tour of Aladdin moves to Denver with Clinton Greenspan taking on the title role!

Clinton has been with the show and understudied as Aladdin since the tour began last year, now he will make the role his own as he brings everyone's favourite street rat to life.

Speaking with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Clinton said "Aladdin is a story for anyone and all people.  Families, students and adults come to see the show for a great time, and they all experience magic in their own ways.  But most of all, this is a story of love between Aladdin and Jasmine.  The show has these thrilling, magical and colourful elements to it that make it a perfect romantic evening for those with adult sensibilities.  Just know that you're going into something unbelievable."

Clinton won't be the only star in Denver as Jay Paranada and Jed Feder are also joining the cast as Aladdin moves to the mile high city.  They will star as Iago and Kassim respectively as Reggie De Leon and Mike Longo finish their runs in Los Angeles this weekend.

Welcome to Agrabah everyone!  Here's wishing you a magical run!

Aladdin opens at the Buell Theatre in Denver on April 7th and runs through April 28th.  Tickets are available now.

Adam Jacobs to take Final Bow in Los Angeles

Adam Jacobs as Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

This is it.  The end of an era.  After originating the title role in workshops and the Seattle Pilot production, leading the Broadway company for three years and the national tour for a year, Adam Jacobs will take his final bow as Aladdin this weekend.

It's been an incredible run and I am so grateful to have seen Adam bring my childhood hero to life on stage.  Every time I thought he couldn't get any better and he'd just prove me wrong the next time.  I can't wait to see where he goes next, because I know I don't want to miss it!

For now though, make sure you catch Aladdin at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre this week!  It's your last chance to see Broadway's original Aladdin bringing this Disney hero to life and it's going to be truly magical.

Thursday 22 March 2018

Tell the Guards to Open Up the Gates! FROZEN Opens on Broadway!

Caissie Levy as Elsa and Patti Murin as Anna with the Broadway cast of Frozen, Photo by Deen van Meer

After last year's Denver try out and a month of previews in NYC, tonight Disney's Frozen officially opens on Broadway!

Here's wishing the cast, crew and creative team at Disney Theatrical and St. James' Theatre a truly magical evening as they celebrate this incredible event and all the best for a long and successful run!