Disney's Broadway Hits to Air on Christmas Day!

The cast of Disney's Broadway Hits, Photo by Manuel Harlan

Last week BBC Radio 2 aired the fantastic Disney's Broadway Hits concert as part of their Friday Night is Music Night series (and you can still listen to the full show right here!)  I can't put into words how much I loved hearing this concert again, but now Sky Arts is going one better with a real Christmas treat for you!

Tomorrow morning Sky Arts will be airing Backstage with Disney on Broadway: Celebrating 20 Years at 9am followed by Disney's Broadway Hits at London's Royal Albert Hall at 10am!!  What a Christmas present!!

I can't wait to watch this again and again!  As someone who had tickets to see Tarzan but the show closed a month before I was due to see it, seeing Josh Strickland sing some of those songs in person was something I'd waited over 10 years for and he didn't disappoint.  Finally seeing Ashley Brown live was electrifying.  Hearing songs from Aida and King David live was something I never thought would happen.  The Aladdin finale with Trevor Dion Nicholas and the West End cast raising the roof and bringing the audience to their feet is out of this world.  And, of course, Alan Menken himself singing "Proud of Your Boy", dream come true.  This concert is truly magical so make sure you don't miss it!

Merry Christmas!

Disney's Aladdin Celebrates Christmas on Broadway and in the West End

James Monroe Iglehart as Genie, Photo by Cylla Von Tiedemann

It's the most wonderful time of year once again! And to help put you in the festive mood the Broadway and West End casts of Disney's Aladdin have been carolling for two incredible causes.

The Broadway company of Aladdin have once again teamed up with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to take part in the annual Carols for a Cure album which can be purchased on iTunes or from http://broadwaycares.org/store with all proceeds going to this fantastic cause.

This year they're singing a beautiful rendition of "Angels We Have Heard on High"

And on this side of the world, Dean John-Wilson has joined forces with other West End stars along with ensemble members from Aladdin and other shows to record an incredible new rendition of "If We Only Have Love" to raise money for Childline.  The song is available now to download with all proceeds going to this amazing cause.

And if that's not enough Christmas magic for you, then here's last year's fantastic medley from Broadway's Courtney Reed, Nathan Lucrezio, Jaz Sealey and Angelo Soriano!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Disney's Broadway Hits Airs Tonight on BBC Radio!

In October Disney Theatrical premiered the incredible Disney's Broadway Hits concert at London's Royal Albert Hall.  Featuring the incredible talents of Disney's Broadway and West End stars past and present this wonderful evening showcased some of the greatest songs from over 20 years of Disney on stage and included a beautiful performance by Alan Menken himself.

Now the BBC is sharing this one night event with the world as part of their Friday Night is Music Night Series.  The concert will air tonight at 8pm on BBC Radio 2 and then be available online on the BBC iPlayer.  So if you couldn't see it live or if you want to recapture the magic make sure you tune in!

For me, the concert was one of the best theatrical events I've ever had the pleasure of seeing and I can't wait to hear it all again (and again and again!) I really hope they make a CD of this!

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!