Sherri Shepherd Joins Aladdin as Broadway's First Female Genie!

 

Sherri Shepherd, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Big news out of Agrabah this morning as Disney Theatrical announced that Sherri Shepherd will be joining the cast of Broadway's Aladdin as the Genie!!

Yes, we have our first female Genie! I'll admit I haven't posted on this blog as much as I should have in recent year, opting instead to focus more on social media, but for news this big a blog post is definitely in order!

First off, I just want to say a massive congratulations to Sherri on not just landing the role but on becoming the first female Genie in the show's professional history! This is something that feels like it's been coming for a long time. Back in 2017 Whoopi Goldberg appeared on stage in full Genie regalia alongside James Monroe Iglehart and they said at the time there was no reason that the Genie couldn't be female. It's taken almost another decade but we finally have a female Genie!

Second, I'm extremely excited to learn how this changes the "bromance" dynamic of the show. I'm  intrigued as it feels like something where nothing could change or everything could without even affecting the book of the show. Every Aladdin and Genie find their own relationship and I can't wait to see some clips of Sherri and Adi and what their dynamic is like. I wish I could see the whole thing in person.

Sherri's casting was announced on Aladdin's official Instagram page this morning when they posted the following video.

Writing on Instagram, Sherri said:

Well…THE SECRET IS OUT! I’ve got a whole new kind of magic up my sleeve!

I’m beyond excited, honored, and ready to rub the lamp and make some Broadway magic as the first woman to ever play the genie in Disney’s ALADDIN! 🧞‍♀️✨

That’s right… GENIE, BABY! 😂🙌🏾 Wishes do come true!

From comedy clubs to film & tv screens, to talk shows to the Broadway stage… what a journey! I cannot wait to bring my own brand of joy, laughter, BIG personality and a little bit of sass to this role.

Get your tickets to see me grant you all 3 wishes at sherrishepherd.com 😉

Now… somebody tell me where I can get a magic carpet!

Disney Theatrical's Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart added:

Throughout her career, Sherri has represented delight, wit, and loving good humor, making her the perfect entertainer to play the life force that is the Genie. We can’t wait to see what happens when Sherri’s authentic, brilliant comic energy meets the joyous escape of Aladdin. Audiences are going to adore her take on this iconic role.

Sherri will be bringing Genie to life for a limited run from October 16 through January 3 so make sure you grab your tickets fast to witness Broadway history being made!

Aladdin's current Genie, Caleb A. Barnett, will be the standby Genie during Sherri's run. It's unconfirmed but likely that Caleb will resume the role full time in January.

So, welcome to Agrabah Sherri, let's make some magic!

Welcome to the Lamp Caleb A. Barnett - Broadway's New Genie

 

Caleb A. Barnett as Genie, Photo by Matthew Murphy

There's a new Genie in the lamp today as Broadway welcomes Caleb A. Barnett as Aladdin's new Genie!

Of course Caleb isn't new to granting wishes having been Aladdin's standby Genie since 2023 (his Broadway debut) and now he takes on the role full time following the departure of Broadway's longest serving Genie, Michael James Scott on Sunday.

I just love that Aladdin frequently promotes standbys and understudies into the principle roles and I'm delighted to see Caleb continuing in that tradition.

Caleb, I wish you a magical run and hope that your time as Genie is as magical for you as it will be for all the audiences who are going to see you shine!

Cast Announced for West End's Hercules

 

Bless my soul, Herc is truly on a roll and here comes the West End cast of Disney's Hercules!!

Like Aladdin, Hercules' road to the stage hasn't always been easy. Premiering initially as a single act Public Works production in 2019, a long awaited two act version of Hercules finally premiered at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse for a limited run in 2023, but the show still wasn't quite where Disney felt it should be.

Enter Casey Nicholaw. Yes, that Casey Nicholaw! Brought in with a mandate to essentially rework the show from the ground up, Casey's vision of Hercules premiered in Hamburg last year and is now making its way to London this summer!

Today we finally got the full cast announcement for the show and there's definitely some familiar faces in the mix!

The original West End cast of Hercules. Photo by Matt Crockett

Luke Brady (As You Like It, SuperYou, Assassins, The Prince of Egypt) stars as Hercules and he is joined by Mae Ann Jorolan (Hercules (Hamburg), Aladdin (Hamburg), Hamilton (Hamburg)) as Meg and Trevor Dion Nicholas (Hadestown, Next to Normal, Hamilton, Aladdin (Broadway & West End)) as Phil.

These three heroes will be up against Stephen Carlile (The Lion King, The Go-Between, The Producers) as Hades along with his evil minions Craig Gallivan (Frozen, School of Rock, Billy Elliot, Crime and Punishment) and Lee Zarrett (Harmony, My Fair Lady, On Your Feet!, Hair) as Bob and Charles?!?! Ok, I'll admit I was expecting Pain and Panic. Curious to see the how they're going to play these two!

And telling this legendary story will be the Muses. Candace Furbert (Six, TINA, Dreamgirls, The Color Purple) as Thalia, Sharlene Hector (Here & Now, Standing at the Sky's Edge, A Strange Loop, Derren Brown's Showman) as Clio, Brianna Ogunbawo (Hadestown, Oklahoma, Dreamgirls, The Lion King) as Melpomene, Malinda Parris (The Little Big Things, The Enormous Crocodile, & Juliet, Mary Poppins) as Calliope, and Robyn Rose-Li (Fly More Than You Fall, The Baker's Wife, Tammy Faye, Hairspray) as Terpsichore.

Kamilla Fernandes will be standby Muse.

The ensemble will feature Rhianne Alleyne, Lana Antoniou, Sarah Benbelaid, Joel Benjamin, Jack Butcher, Nicole Carlisle, Jemal Felix, Marie Finlayson, Cruz-Troy Hunter, Travis Kerry, Stefan Lagoulis, Ellie Mitchell, Saffi Needham, Matt Overfield, Ope Sowande, and Jason Leigh Winter with Daisy Barnett, Felipe Bejarano, Francessca Daniella-Baker, Ryesha Higgs, Jordan Livesey, Harriet Millier, Ingrid Olivia, Patrick John Robinson, and Rhys West as swings.

The creative team of the show consists of Alan Menken (Music), David Zippel (Lyrics), Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah (Book), Casey Nicholaw (Director, Choreographer), Tanisha Scott (Co-Choreographer), Dane Laffrey (Scenic & Additional Video Design), Gregg Barnes and Sky Switser (Costume Design), Jeff Croiter (Lighting Design), Adam Fisher (Sound Design), George Reeve (Video Design), Michael Kosarin (Music Supervision & Arrangements), Danny Troob and Joseph Joubert (Orchestrations), David Chase (Dance Music Arrangements), Mia M. Neal (Hair & Wig Design), Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche (Make-Up Design), Jeremy Chernick (Special Effects Design), Ariel Reid (Associate Director), Brendon Stimson (Associate Choreographer), Alvin Hough Jr. (Associate Music Supervision), Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting, Joshua Buscher (Puppet Movement Coordinator), Daniel Whitby (UK Music Director), Ben Clare (UK Associate Director & Choreographer), Kyle Seeley (UK Dance Supervisor).

Tickets for Disney's Hercules are on sale now with previews starting Friday 6th June, 2025 and the show's official opening night set for Tuesday 24th June, 2025. And you can get a first look at Luke Brady's incredible rendition of 'Go The Distance' below.

So Long, and Thanks for All the High Adventures!

Brad Weinstock, Milo Alosi, and Zach Bencal as Omar, Kassim, and Babkak in Aladdin. Photo by Disney

 

For the first time in the Broadway show's history Aladdin's trio will take their final bows together as Zach Bencal, Brad Weinstock, and Milo Alosi end their incredible runs as Babkak, Omar, and Kassim today at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre.

These three pals, who are thick as thieves, have played the roles together since the show re-opened on Broadway in September 2021 when Zach Bencal brought his Babkak to New York having originated the role for the original US Tour.

The move to New York reunited him with Milo Alosi who originated role of Kassim for the US Tour before joining the Broadway production in February 2019.

And what can I say about Brad Weinstock? Brad has been Broadway's Omar since February 2016, when he took over from original Omar, Jonathan Schwartz, and is one of the longest serving cast members in the show!

These three have all been with the show for the best part of a decade. I have been blessed to see all them on tour and on Broadway multiple times over the years, and to finally meet them properly earlier this year, and we could not have asked for a greater trio.

To Brad, Milo, and Zach, I hope you have an incredible and emotional final show today. Thank you for everything you have done for this show, for all the laughs and memories over the years, and I wish you all the very best for what comes next. No matter how much you clean up your act and go legit, you'll always be street rats to me. Thanks for all the high adventures.

Adi Roy Takes Over as Broadway's New Aladdin

 

Adi Roy as Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

Fresh from the second US Tour, Adi Roy is heading to Broadway as our new Aladdin!

Adi, who made his Broadway debut in Jagged Little Pill, has already brought the title character to life for the last two years as he led Aladdin's second national tour from its opening in October 2022 to its closing last month, even taking in a quick stop in the Magic Kingdom to take part in a festive performance of Friend Like Me with Michael James Scott and ensemble members from both Broadway and the US Tour!

Adi's first performance as Broadway's new Aladdin will take place tomorrow night, taking over from Michael Maliakel who played his final performance yesterday.

Adi, I will you all the best for a long and magical run!

A Royal Welcome to Dennis Stowe, Aladdin's New Jafar!

 

All hail the new Grand Vizier! Tonight Dennis Stowe officially takes over as Aladdin's new Jafar!

A member of the original Broadway cast, Dennis has been Aladdin's standby Jafar since 2018 and now steps into the iconic role full time following the departure of the legendary Jonathan Freeman. It's a big turning point for the show as Jonathan was the original voice of Jafar and played the role on stage for more than a decade before passing on the staff in an emotional farewell on Sunday night at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

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The moment was also captured beautifully in this photo by Broadway World's Jennifer Broski (and be sure to check out the full gallery here). 

Having seen Dennis in two performances when we visited the show last month I can safely say that Jafar is in great hands. Dennis brings a wonderfully sinister touch to the character, and I'm excited to see him take over the role and for audiences to get to experience his Jafar.

 

Dennis, I wish you a long and magical run as Jafar, and can't wait to see you on stage again!

Cast Announced for Aladdin's Broadway Return!

 

The wait is almost over! After 18 months the magic is finally coming home to Broadway and today Disney Theatrical announced the cast who will be bringing Aladdin to life when the show reopens at the historic New Amsterdam Theatre next month!

First up is our brand new Aladdin, Michael Maliakel (The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary Tour) who will be making his Broadway debut as everyone's favourite street rat! Joining him on the magic carpet is Shoba Narayan (Wicked, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812) as Broadway's new Jasmine!

Returning to grant more wishes is, of course, Agrabah's fiercest Genie, and the only man to play the role in every English language production of the show, Michael James Scott!

Also returning is everyone's favourite villainous duo - Jonathan Freeman and Don Darryl Rivera as Jafar and Iago! Jonathan and DDR have been with the show since the very beginning, all the way back to the world premiere in Seattle, so I'm delighted to see them returning to these iconic roles!

JC Montgomery returns as the Sultan, a role he originated for the US Tour before taking over on Broadway in 2018.

Milo Alosi and Brad Weinstock are returning as Kassim and Omar, and joining them for some high adventures is Zach Bencal as Babkak! Zach originated the role for the US Tour so I'm incredibly excited for him to make his Broadway debut in the role when the show reopens next month.

Also transferring from the Tour to Broadway is Frank Viveros as standby for Genie, Sultan, and Babkak. He will be joining returning standbys Dennis Stowe (Jafar/Sultan) and Juwan Crawley (Genie/Sultan).

Aladdin's incredible ensemble will feature Tia Altinay (who has been with the show since the world premiere in Seattle), Mary Antonini, Netanel Bellaishe, Michael Callahan, Mike Cannon, Matthew deGuzman, Jacob Dickey, Mark DiConzo, Olivia Donalson, Josh Drake, Samantha Farrow, Jacob Gutierrez, Heather Makalani, Stanley Martin, Paul HeeSang Miller, April Holloway, Amber Owens, Jaime Kasey Patterson, Bobby Pestka, Ariel Reid, Tyler Roberts, Jaz Sealey, Charles South, Angelo Soriano, and Katie Terza.

It's an exciting mix of new and familiar faces, and I can't wait to see them all bringing that joyous energy back to the New Amsterdam stage! So please join me in wishing them all a very warm welcome/welcome back, and a massive congratulations to all of the new members of the Aladdin family, especially those making their Broadway debut during this historic return!

One of the best parts about new castings is seeing those joining the cast sharing their reactions to the news. So here's our new Aladdin, Jasmine, and Babkak in their own words!

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Aladdin will begin granting wishes once more on September 28th. Tickets are on sale now.

Bigger. Stronger. Fiercer. Michael James Scott is Back as Broadway's Genie!

 

Whilst we'll have to wait a little longer for the full cast announcement, Good Morning America revealed this morning that Michael James Scott will be returning once more as the Genie when Aladdin reopens on Broadway this September!

Appearing in GMA's first in person interview since the pandemic began (!) Michael and The Lion King's L. Steven Taylor discussed how they felt learning Broadway was coming back, what it means for them, Disney's Double the Magic offer, and bringing the light of Broadway back to NYC.

‘GMA3' exclusive: @aladdin and @TheLionKing stars @iamMJScott and L. Steven Taylor share some big news about a Broadway return! #GMA3 pic.twitter.com/xoU5wPN9si

— GMA3: What You Need To Know (@ABCGMA3) May 11, 2021

The magic is back everyone!!

Cast Changes for Broadway's Aladdin

Ainsley Melham, Michael James Scott, and the Australian Cast of Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

It's about to be all change in Agrabah as Broadway's Aladdin bids salaam to three principal actors and welcomes some new and some familiar faces.

First up, Clinton Greenspan will take his final bow as Aladdin this Sunday! Clinton, who took over the title role last September, will pass the fez back to Rodney Ingram for a limited run starting on Monday, February 17th. Rodney of course is a familiar face at the New Amsterdam Theatre, having made his Broadway debut in Aladdin and being one of the original understudies for the role.

Rodney's limited run will last roughly a month before another familiar face returns to Agrabah in March. The date is still to be confirmed but Ainsley Melham will once again be bringing Aladdin to life on the Broadway stage. Ainsley of course originated the role in the Australian production before joining the Broadway production for a six month run last year.

Broadway's Genie, Major Attaway, is also taking his final bow this month, bringing his three year run to a close on Thursday, February 27th. Taking over as Genie (again!) will be another familiar face as Michael James Scott returns once more to Agrabah! Michael originally ended his international run on Broadway last year, but even before he took that final bow a brief encore was already planned for his home town of Florida earlier this month. And now he's heading back to Broadway! You just can't keep that man away from the lamp!

And finally, Arielle Jacobs will fly beyond these palace walls as she takes her final bow as Princess Jasmine on Sunday, March 22nd. Depending on the date of Ainsley's return it's extremely likely that Arielle will get to take her final bow alongside her original Aladdin and Genie which is really nice to see.

Making her Broadway debut Marina Pires (On Your Feet! national tour) will take over as Princess Jasmine from March 23rd through May 31st. Playbill notes that a permanent successor for the role will be announced at a later date.

Welcome (back) to Agrabah everyone! And congratulations on your fantastic runs to all those preparing to take their final high adventures!

New and Returning Cast Announced for Aladdin on Broadway and on Tour

Clinton Greenspan as Aladdin, Photo by Deen Van Meer

Clinton Greenspan has headlined the US Tour of Aladdin since taking over the title role from Adam Jacobs last April. Now, he's taking Prince Ali to New York and making his Broadway debut as Broadway's new Aladdin, taking over the role from Jacob Dickey on September 13th.

And Clinton's not the only one making the trip from Tour to Broadway. After playing the Genie in every English speaking production around the world, Michael James Scott will take his final bow at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Sunday, September 22nd, bringing his historic run to a close. And on September 23rd, Major Attaway will make his triumphant return to Broadway after spending the last seven months on the road.

Major Attaway as Genie

Of course, you can't have Aladdin without Aladdin and Genie! So the US Tour will be welcoming Jonah Ho'okano as Aladdin and Korie Lee Blossey as Genie when the Tour hits North Carolina on September 10th! Korie has been with the tour since the beginning as standby Genie and Sultan, we saw Korie as Sultan when the tour was in LA and he was fantastic so the lamp is in great hands.

Can't wait to see you all making magic!!

Korie Lee Blossey as Genie

Jacob Dickey is Broadway's New Aladdin!

Jacob Dickey as Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Make way for Broadway's new Aladdin! Jacob Dickey will be taking over as Disney's beloved street rat next week!

Jacob is certainly no stranger to playing the young hero. He's been Broadway's Aladdin before, playing the role between Adam Jacob's departure and Telly Leung's debut back in 2017, covering for Adam on the US Tour, and he currently understudies both Aladdin and Kassim in the Broadway production. Now he gets the chance to take the title role and truly make it his own!

Jacob will replace Ainsley Melham, who originated the role in Australia and made his Broadway debut in Aladdin earlier this year. Ainsley's final performance will be on July 14th so make sure you see him while you have the chance!

Congratulations Jacob! Make some magic!!

It's an Aladdin Australia Reunion! Broadway Cast Change Announced!

Ainsley Melham and Michael James Scott in the Australian production of Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

Disney Theatrical announced yesterday that Ainsley Melham will be returning to Agrabah next month as he takes over the title role in Broadway's Aladdin from February 19th!

Ainsley, who originated the role in the Australian production back in 2016, will take over from current Aladdin Telly Leung, who announced last year that he would be taking his final bow at the New Amsterdam Theatre on February 17th.

Ainsley will be surrounded by familiar faces as he makes his Broadway debut, reuniting with his original Jasmine, Arielle Jacobs, and his original Genie.

That's right! Michael James Scott is returning to Broadway! Michael must hold the record for the number of productions he's starred in. After making his Aladdin debut as Broadway's Stand By Genie and Babkak, he went on to originate the role of Genie for Australia before taking over the US Tour, then heading to London for a little Genie Swap with Trevor Dion Nicholas, back to the US Tour, and now taking over the role on Broadway!

Michael will play a limited engagement on Broadway from February 15th through to September 15th whilst Major Attaway, Broadway's current Genie, takes the show on the road with the US Tour. Yep, it's another Genie Swap!

Mike Longo as Kassim in Aladdin's US Tour, Photo by ecdiiiphoto

Ainsley and Michael aren't the only guys returning to Agrabah! Mike Longo, who originated Kassim in the US Tour, will make his Aladdin Broadway debut on February 19th following the final bow of Steel Burkhardt, who has played Kassim since 2014!

It's going to be an exciting year in Agrabah! Congratulations and welcome (back) to Ainsley, Michael and Mike, and congratulations on fantastic runs to both Telly and Steel!

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! 

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.

Arielle Jacobs is Broadway's Princess Jasmine!!!

Arielle Jacobs as Princess Jasmine, Photo by Deen Van Meer

Arielle Jacobs is Broadway's new Princess Jasmine!

After originating the role in the Australian production, Arielle is all set to join the Broadway company of Aladdin on 20th February next year following the departure of Courtney Reed.

Honestly, I think this is one of the best cast replacements Disney Theatrical have ever done.  I seriously can't think of anyone I would rather see take over the role and I hope she has a long and magical run with the show.  Welcome back to Agrabah, Arielle!

Casting Announced for Disney's Live Action Aladdin at D23

There's always big news out of Disney's D23 Expo and this year certainly didn't disappoint as Disney Studios officially announced the stars of Guy Ritchie's live action Aladdin to a packed Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Centre yesterday.

Mena Massoud will be bringing to life my favourite Disney hero in the title role, Naomi Scott will be Princess Jasmine and Will Smith be the Genie.

First impressions?  I've got to say I really happy with this cast.

Full disclosure - it's no secret I've championed Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed and James Monroe Iglehart for these roles.  Heck, I've been shouting it all over Twitter since The Hollywood Reporter's claims that Disney was struggling to find its Aladdin and Jasmine last week.  I stand by that 100%.  I've followed them in these roles for 6 years, from Seattle to Broadway, and they are perfect to me.  I always knew it was a crazy long shot but it was a beautiful dream.  And I'll still continue to champion Jonathan Freeman and Don Darryl Rivera as Jafar and Iago until those castings are revealed.  But just because my dream castings weren't chosen doesn't mean I can't be happy with the people who were cast.

So let's start with Aladdin and Jasmine.  What excites me the most about Mena Massoud being cast as Aladdin is one simple thing - I've never heard of him.  I know that sounds crazy but it really is.  Because this means he's been cast for one simple reason, Disney believe he's the right man for the job.  Heck, they even delayed production trying to find him as filming was originally due to start this month!  The same goes for Naomi Scott.  Outside of this year's Power Rangers movie (which I actually really enjoyed) she's unknown.  Disney have made good on their promise from earlier this year and cast newcomers rather than stars, cast on ability rather than name.

Now, this is a musical just like Beauty and the Beast was, so the first thing I do whenever Disney announce the cast for these live action remakes is search for videos of the new stars singing.  Normally you can at least find something but you try searching for Mena Massoud videos - the first five pages on Google are all just video news/reactions to the Aladdin casting.  I did manage to find his acting demo reel (I'm not the best at judging based on short scenes but I think he shows a good range) but nothing of him singing.  This worried me when Emma Watson was cast in Beauty and the Beast but it doesn't with Mena Massoud.  He wasn't cast for his name, so if he couldn't sing he wouldn't have got the job.  Plus, Naomi Scott can sing!  Like, seriously sing.  Check out her YouTube channel!  There's no way they're casting an Aladdin who can't vocally match with Jasmine.  If she's a strong singer then I'm sure he is to.

So, yeah, I'm really excited by these two and can't wait to see them in costume and hear something of them singing together.

And now the announcement that seems to have split the internet.  After months of rumours it's finally official, Will Smith is the Genie.  And I think he'll be great.

Let's get one thing straight, he's not Robin Williams.  No one is.  No one is ever going to replace or replicate that iconic performance.  But he won't play it like Robin Williams.  When recreating the Genie for Broadway, James Monroe Iglehart was given the freedom to put his own spin on it, bringing the character closer to his original Fats Waller/Cab Calloway inspiration he maintained the spirit of the character Robin created whilst creating something new and uniquely his own that saw him take home a Tony Award for the role.

As long as Will Smith is given this same freedom, to truly make Genie his own whilst honouring the spirit of what Robin created, then I believe he could do something equally special with the role.  The man oozes star power and charisma, for all the movie's flaws he (along with Margot Robbie) pretty much carried Suicide Squad and even succeeded in making Deadshot a more likable character than Superman in the DCEU.  Plus, he can sing.  Genie was always going to be a big name, especially once it was confirmed Disney wanted unknowns for Aladdin and Jasmine.  Will Smith brings that star power to the movie but also has the skills to do a good job with the role as long as he's allowed to make it his own.

Now the waiting begins and it's gonna be a long one.  Disney revealed their production slate through to 2019 yesterday and Aladdin wasn't on it.  That means this movie is likely to be a 2020 release!  Best start saving for 2019's D23 as that's likely where we'll get a first look!

Telly Leung Debuts as Broadway's New Aladdin!

Telly Leung as Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

It's finally time!  Tonight, Telly Leung will take his first bow as Broadway's new Aladdin!

It's been an interesting road to Agrabah for Aladdin's newest star.  First reported by Playbill back in January, Telly's casting wasn't officially confirmed by Disney Theatrical until May 5th.  Since original Aladdin, Adam Jacobs, departed to headline the national tour the title role has been played by both Joshua Dela Cruz and Jacob Dickey, and now it's Telly Leung's turn to make a wish, say a prayer and make the title role his own.

Speaking with ET Online on Friday, Telly showed that he already has a great grasp on the character and his emotional journey in the show saying "Aladdin has to learn that his own worth is not something that's material, it's not something that's outside of him, it's something that's inside of him ... Your worth is not the clothes you wear, your worth is not the big house you live in, or how much money you have in the bank.  It's something deeper than that"

I just want to wish Telly a fantastic opening night and a magical run in this incredible show.  Have fun and make some magic!

A New Dawn at London's Aladdin

Matthew Croke as Aladdin, Photo by Disney

On Saturday the original cast of London's Aladdin brought audiences to their feet one last time and even Abu the monkey got to make his West End debut as departing star Dean John-Wilson threw Aladdin's little buddy into the crowd of cheering fans before making his final bow.

Today its a whole new world at the Prince Edward theatre as a new cast begins granting wishes in the West End.

Speaking of wishes - leading the company will be Matthew Croke in the iconic title role of Aladdin and this really is a wish come true for our newest star!



Matthew Croke (Aladdin) with Trevor Dion Nicholas (Genie) in rehearsals, Photo by Johan Perrson

And did someone say promotion?  Leon Craig (original Standby Genie/Babkak), Miles Barrow and Daniel de Bourg (original ensemble) will be taking on the roles of Aladdin's trio of pals full time as Babkak, Omar and Kassim respectively.  I love to see hard work, dedication and talent rewarded so I'm really happy for these guys and excited to see what they bring to the trio next time I see the show.



Matthew Croke (Aladdin), Daniel de Bourg (Kassim), Leon Craig (Babkak) and Miles Barrow (Omar) in rehearsals, Photo by Johan Perrson

Completing new principal cast members is Nick Cavaliere, who will be taking over the role of Jafar's scheming henchman Iago.

Jade Ewen (Jasmine) with Don Gallagher (Jafar) and Nick Cavaliere (Iago) in rehearsals, Photo by Johan Perrson

And joining what is arguably the hardest working ensemble in the West End is Chanelle Anthony, Danny Becker, Cindy Belliot, Filippo Coffano, Nolan Edwards, Sinead Kenny, Travis Kerry, Dann Kharsa, Tarisha Rommick, Joshua Steel, Monica Swayne, Niko Wirachman and Damien Winchester.

Cindy Belliot in rehearsals, Photo by Johan Perrson

Sinead Kenny in rehearsals, Photo by Johan Perrson

Original ensemble member Oliver Lidert will now take on the Standby role for Genie, Babkak and Sultan.

I just want to say a massive congratulations to all the new and promoted cast members and to wish everyone, new cast and original cast alike, the very best for tonight's show.  I know it's going to be absolutely magical and I can't wait to get back to London and see you all on that stage!  Makes some magic!!

Matthew Croke and Jade Ewen as Aladdin and Jasmine, Photo by Disney