Salaam Worthy Friend - Michael James Scott Ends International Run... For Now!

Michael James Scott as Genie

On Sunday an Aladdin legend took his finale bow at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre.

Michael James Scott began his Agrabah journey as the original stand by Genie and Babkak when the show premiered in Toronto for it's pre-Broadway run in 2013. I was fortunate enough to see him playing Babkak the week the show opened on Broadway. After a year on Broadway, Michael left Aladdin and joined the original Broadway cast of Something Rotten, another musical comedy from Casey Nicholaw. But Agrabah was calling to him. In 2016 could finally call the lamp his own as he headed to the land down under to originate Genie for the Australian production where earned mid-show standing ovations and won a Helpmann Award for his performance (Australia's equivalent to a Tony).

Since then he's never looked back. From Australia to the US Tour, then to London (where I finally got to see him as Genie!), back to the US Tour, and, finally, back to Broadway. Not as a stand by, but as the only man who has headlined the show in every English speaking production around the world!

It's an achievement I don't think anyone else will ever match. Michael, Agrabah is going to miss you. Thanks for all the high adventures, all the magic, all the energy and passion you have given to this show for over 5 years. Enjoy your "well earned rest." And that EPIC cake!

But...

"Till another Arabian Night" is right. Agrabah keeps calling! And this time it's calling him home. Michael will return to Agrabah one more time next year as the US Tour hits his home state of Orlando.

"The pride, joy and fierce excitement of having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring this iconic role, in a show I'm so proud to be a part of, back to the city where it all started for me feels like the biggest dream come true," Michael said in a press release, "I'm the product of Orlando, a city that is a big supporter of the arts and gives young artists the tools and opportunities needed to pursue their dreams. So many people have helped me, and my family, make this dream a reality. I can't believe I have the chance to come back home to show my beautiful city their return on investment."

Despite appearing on stages around the world, this will be Michael's first professional appearance on an Orlando stage. Even though he's officially finished as Genie, playing the role in his home town is a "gift" from Disney Theatrical he told the Orlando Sentinel.

Aladdin, with Michael granting his final wishes as Genie, will play at Orlando's Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from January 22nd to February 9th, 2020. Tickets are on sale now.

Aladdin's US Tour is currently playing in Charlotte, North Carolina until this Sunday, next stop is Durham, North Carolina.