The Magic is Back! Aladdin Reopens on Broadway!

 

Michael Maliakel & Shoba Narayan as Aladdin & Jasmine., Photo by Matthew Murphy

"Come on down, come on in, let the magic begin..."

Tonight the magic begins again! After almost eighteen months Disney's Aladdin returns to Broadway, bringing with it that joyful energy that the world needs so much at the moment. Tonight, the historic New Amsterdam Theatre will once again be filled with an audience who loves theatre, with music, laughter, and applause. It will be one of the most exhilarating night's in the show's and the theatre's history.

I just want to wish everyone there tonight the very best of luck for this historic reopening. Whether it's your Broadway debut or if you've been with the show from the beginning. From the ushers and backstage crew to the orchestra and stars on stage. You've all earned this. This is your moment. Enjoy it, savor it, and, most importantly, have fun with it and let your joy radiate from that stage tonight. You deserve every success and I hope your reopening night audience is absolutely wild!

I wish we could be there, supporting you in person, but we are one hundred percent there in spirit and I can't wait to see you all in person in November. I'll make sure to give Friend Like Me a standing ovation when I watch the TikTok live stream tonight!

Make some magic everyone, and may all your wishes come true!

Michael Maliakel as Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Shoba Narayan as Jasmine, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Michael James Scott (Genie), Michael Maliakel (Aladdin) and the Broadway ensemble of Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Courtney's Back on Broadway!!

Courtney Reed as Princess Jasmine, Photo by Cylla Von Tiedemann

Who doesn't love a good encore? You just can't keep the girl out of Agrabah!

That's right, Courtney Reed is heading back to Broadway's Aladdin next week for a limited engagement. Catch the original Princess Jasmine's return from October 16th-27th at the historic New Amsterdam Theatre.

It was amazing having Courtney in London this summer, and I'm so excited for Broadway audiences to have her back on stage making Disney magic!

Arielle Jacobs Will Leave You Speechless

Let's be honest, we've all been waiting to hear this since the film came out. Arielle Jacobs has just released her single of Speechless and it's just as incredible as you'd expect from Broadway's very own Princess Jasmine!


I need to get to Broadway whilst Arielle is in the show because this was amazing. And whilst Speechless may not be in Broadway's Aladdin it's definitely a potential candidate for the Broadway Princess Party which Arielle is touring with later this month!


Anyway, what are you still reading this for?! Go get the song!!

A Broadway Princess in London

Saying goodbye is never easy, but if I've learnt anything these last few years it's that when someone says goodbye to Aladdin its never goodbye forever.

My heart is literally filled with joy to announce that Courtney Reed is making her West End debut as Princess Jasmine TONIGHT! That's right, our original princess is back in Agrabah for a limited run in London. West End you are not ready for this amazing woman. I wish we could be there tonight but we will be there very soon!

Gotta admit, it's going to be a little strange to see her play opposite anyone other than Adam Jacobs, but I'm really excited to see her Jasmine with Matt Croke's incredible Aladdin.

Courtney, we wish you an incredible West End debut tonight and can't wait to see you again. We're so excited!!!

Welcome (Back) to Agrabah!

Arielle Jacobs as Jasmine, Photo by Deen Van Meer

Tonight Aladdin welcomes a new royal family as Arielle Jacobs joins the Broadway cast as Princess Jasmine and JC Montgomery takes over as the Sultan!

It's a familiar role for both of them as Arielle originated the role for the Australian production whilst JC Montgomery originated the role for the US Tour but it's the first time both will play opposite each other in the Broadway production.

I just want to wish both of you a magical first night and long and successful runs at the New Amsterdam Theatre!  I look forward to seeing you both next time I see the show!

And if you can't wait until tonight, here's Arielle's Broadway Jasmine debut at 54 Below's latest Princess Party!

JC Montgomery as Sultan, Photo by Deen Van Meer

You'll Always be a Princess to Me

Courtney Reed as Jasmine, Photo by Angelo Soriano

Tonight, Courtney Reed will finish her EPIC eight year run as Broadway's original Princess Jasmine.  From the workshops to Seattle, from Toronto to Broadway, and finally to LA to reunite one last time with her original Aladdin.  Courtney has been with Aladdin since the beginning and has given so much to the show and to Jasmine.

I feel so lucky to have seen Courtney as Jasmine so many times over the last few years. To see her grow in the role and as an actress every time we went back to the show.  But more than that, I am so grateful to have gotten to know Courtney.  She is truly one of the most beautiful people you could ever hope to meet and an inspiration to so many.  Jane and I were both so happy that we were able to go to LA this week, to see Courtney as Jasmine one last time.  We're definitely going to miss seeing this incredible lady (and selfie Queen!) at stage door after the show.

Enjoy today Courtney, we truly hope you have the most magical final day and we're both so excited to see where you go next!  Wherever that is, know that we'll be supporting you and hopefully one day our paths will cross again.  You will always be a princess to us.

XOXO

Together Again!

Courtney Reed & Adam Jacobs as Jasmine & Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Happy Hollywood debut Courtney!!

Yes, Adam & Courtney are together again as Aladdin & Jasmine once more! And yes, this makes me insanely happy! I can't think if a better way for Courtney to end her run than with her original Aladdin :)

Make sure you catch them together while you can!

Aladdin Opens in Hollywood!

Michael James Scott as Genie, Photo by Michael James Scott

Tonight Aladdin opens in the one place that might have more glitz and glamour than Agrabah - Hollywood!  Finishing the first year of its US Tour in style, Aladdin is making the Hollywood Pantages Theatre its home from now until 31st March.

Did someone say reunion?!  Fresh from his incredible run as Genie in Australia, Michael James Scott is back in the US and back in blue as he takes on the role once again for the Tour's Hollywood run!  And, of course, Courtney Reed, is playing her final weeks as Jasmine on tour with her original Aladdin, Adam Jacobs, from 13th January to 18th February (I still can't put in to words how happy I am that these two will be back together for her final shows!)

Whilst Courtney is in LA, Isabelle McCalla will be making her Broadway debut as Jasmine!!!  Congratulations Isabelle!!

The Tour has been on fire so far and this Hollywood run promises to simply magical!  So make sure you don't miss out and get your tickets now.

Here's wishing everyone involved with the show an incredible run and a magical opening tonight!

One Last Night for Broadway's Princess

Courtney Reed as Princess Jasmine, Photo by Cylla Von Tiedemann

I keep telling myself that this isn't the end.  That Courtney still has one more month as Jasmine, reuniting with Adam Jacobs and Michael James Scott at Hollywood Pantages Theatre for the final leg of her Disney journey.  This isn't the end.  But it is an ending.  Tonight, Courtney Reed will play her last Broadway performance and take her final bow at the New Amsterdam Theatre after four incredible years as Broadway's original Princess Jasmine.

What can I say about Courtney that I haven't said before?  She is one of nicest, kindest people you could ever meet.  She's so incredibly giving to everyone, just look at all the social media memories that are pouring out today from fans, friends and cast mates alike.  And I'm biased but she's also the greatest Jasmine you'll ever see.  It breaks my heart that Jane and I couldn't be there to support her in person for this performance, but we're totally there in spirit (yes Courtney, I'm definitely crying along with you tonight!)

Tonight isn't the end.  It's a celebration of an incredible journey that's lasted 10 years!  From early workshops to Seattle Pilots, from Toronto previews to Broadway success, to launching her own business to singing at the White House.  Like her journey, Courtney is truly remarkable.  Tonight is a celebration of that journey so far. And once that final bow comes next month, I can't wait to see where she'll go in the future.

Enjoy tonight Courtney, I hope it's magical
xoxo

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!

Courtney Reed to Fly Beyond These Palace Walls in 2018

Courtney Reed as Jasmine, Photo by Angelo Soriano

To paraphrase the Sultan, "I always knew this day would come. Now I'm afraid that it has come all too soon."

Aladdin is saying goodbye to an original cast member next month as Courtney Reed will play her final Broadway performance on Wednesday January 10th.

But just because Broadway is saying goodbye to Courtney next month doesn't mean she's saying goodbye to Jasmine just yet as she's heading to LA to spend her final weeks with Jasmine on tour with her original Aladdin!!



Adam Jacobs & Courtney Reed, Photo by Disney

Yes, Adam and Courtney will be reunited on the magic carpet one last time as she joins the touring cast in Los Angeles for her final month from January 13th - February 18th!

Courtney and Adam have played these iconic characters with each other since the early work shops in 2010 right through to earlier this year when Adam left the Broadway cast to headline the National Tour so as heart broken as I am to see Courtney leaving the show, I'm overjoyed to learn that she'll be spending her final weeks as Jasmine with Adam on the tour.  It just feels right that she ends her run with him after all these years.

But that's not all!  Joining Adam and Courtney in LA will be none other than Michael James Scott!  Fresh off his incredible run as Australia's Genie, Michael is all set to join his original co-stars as Genie!  Talk about a reunion!  Michael will be with the tour for the entire Los Angeles run from 10th January through 31st March.

Whilst Courtney is reuniting with Adam in Los Angeles, Isabelle McCalla will be making her Broadway debut as Jasmine from 17th January through to 18th February before returning to the National Tour.


Courtney, I wish you all the very best for your final months as Jasmine.  I hope you've loved playing her as I have seeing you bring her to life.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for you as you fly beyond these palace walls.

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!

Courtney Reed at 54 Below - Confessions of a Broadway Princess

 

You've seen her as Broadway's Princess Jasmine, you've seen her at 54 Below's Princess Parties.  Now catch Courtney Reed in her first ever solo concert at 54 Below!!

"Having spent the past five years creating the iconic role 'Princess Jasmine' in Seattle, Toronto, and on Broadway, Courtney is ready to share her own story in her first concert, Confessions of a Broadway Princess, with music director Benjamin Rauhala.  Audiences can expect songs and stories from throughout her theatrical career, as well as her favorite pop and theater songs as Courtney Reed steps off of the magic carpet to give you a glimpse of her life beyond the palace walls."

I really wish I could be there for this (I know I say that every time but it's true!)  Tickets are on sale now at 54 Below and I'm sure this will be a magical night for all involved.

Welcome to Agrabah! Hiba Elchikhe Joins Sydney's Aladdin as Princess Jasmine!

Tonight Australia's Aladdin will welcome a new princess as Hiba Elchikhe makes her Australian debut, joining the cast as Jasmine.

Best wishes for your first night Hiba!  I hope you have a long and magical run with the show!

Salaam Worthy Friend - Arielle Jacobs Says Goodbye to Aladdin

Arielle Jacobs as Princess Jasmine, Photo by Deen Van Meer

Today is Arielle Jacobs' final flight on the magic carpet as she ends her run as Princess Jasmine in Sydney.  Arielle moved to Australia earlier this year to originate the role in the Australian production of Aladdin which opened to fantastic reviews this summer.  During her time with the show Arielle has brought Jasmine to life over 100 times for thousands of fans of all ages and this afternoon she will take her final bow at Sydney's Capitol Theatre.

Good luck Arielle, enjoy your final high adventure in Agrabah!  Thank you for everything and I wish you all the best for whatever the future may hold!

Courtney Reed was #LiveAtFive with Broadway.com

Last month Courtney Reed launched her Broadway collection of Gagged Chokers to fantastic sell out success and in case you missed it she also appeared on Broadway.com's #LiveAtFive to discuss her new venture and you can catch the full show right here!!

And that's not all!  She's now launched a new Halloween Collection as well!  So make sure you check them out and give Courtney your support!

Aladdin Comes to Once Upon a Time TONIGHT!

Now here's a day I never thought would come!  Tonight ABC's Once Upon a Time begins it's sixth season and Aladdin is finally making his debut on the show!!

Thank God for Netflix as I can legally watch the show tomorrow, less than 24 hours after it airs in the US!  I've loved this show since the beginning and can't wait to see my favourite Disney character join the cast!

And then in episode 4 a certain Disney Princess will be making her debut played by none other than Galavant's Karen David!  Oh how I wish OUAT could do a musical number right now!!

Here's a little tease at what's in store tonight;

Never thought I'd be happy for it to get to Monday!  CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Courtney Reed Talks Gagged Chokers with Big City Little Blog

As part of New York City Fashion Week, Disney Style invited several fashion bloggers to a special performance of Broadway's Aladdin (and why not, the costumes in the show are absolutely gorgeous!)

After the show the guests got a chance to meet the cast and discuss the show.  During the Q&A Big City Little Blog got a chance to sit down with Courtney Reed to discuss her newly launched Gagged Chokers brand and you can read all about it at their blog right here!

It's always great hearing from Courtney and if you want a choker of your own make sure you use the discount code at the bottom of the interview!

Courtney Reed Launches Gagged Chokers

Courtney Reed, Photo from GaggedChokers.com

The cast of Broadway's Aladdin showcase their incredible talents on stage every night, capturing the magic of Disney's beloved classic with singing and dancing that brings audiences to their feet in well deserved standing ovations.  But what we don't always see is how talented they are off stage.  From arts and crafts to photography and film direction, the skills of this cast are simply incredible.

Now you can add fashion design to that list as this summer Courtney Reed launched her very own line of hand made chokers with Gagged Chokers!  That's right, you can now buy chokers designed by Princess Jasmine herself!  And with ranges inspired by everything from Disney to celebrities there's something for everyone's unique style and personality.

Earlier this month Courtney took over Disney Style's Instagram story as she launched The Mouse Collection and shared how she gets ready for a night on stage at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre and tonight on Twitter she'll be previewing the new Broadway Collection set to launch later this month!

So make sure you give Courtney lots of love and support, check out her new website and follow Gagged Chokers on Twitter and Instagram!

Arielle Jacobs is Australia's Princess Jasmine!

After months of searching Australia finally has its princess as Arielle Jacobs joins the cast of Aladdin!

Whilst her brother brings Aladdin to life on Broadway, Arielle will be a million miles away bringing Jasmine to life in the land down under!

And how do you tell your parents that you've just landed such an amazing role?  If you're anything like the Jacobs siblings you do it like this;

I just want to say a massive congratulations to Arielle.  I know you've going to be an amazing Jasmine and I hope to one day see you soaring on that magic carpet.

Aladdin opens in Sydney in August.