James Monroe Iglehart Producing The Nightmare Before Christmas Charity Concert this Halloween

 

What's this? What's this? James Monroe Iglehart is producing something extra special this Halloween!

In support of The Actors Fund and the Lymphoma Research Foundation, Broadway's original Genie and current Hamilton star James Monroe Iglehart is teaming up with some of his friends to present a one night only charity concert version of The Nightmare Before Christmas!

"We're extremely grateful to Tim Burton, Danny Elfman and the Disney Music Group for allowing us the opportunity to bring our virtual concert interpretation of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas to everyone this Halloween," said James about the one night only event which will be available to stream for 24 hours starting at 7pm (ET) on Saturday, October 31st.

Joining James, who will of course be playing Oogie Boogie, will be Rafael Casal as Jack, Adrienne Warren as Sally, Danny Burstein as Santa, Nik Walker as Lock, Leslie Margherita as Shock and Rob McClure as Barrel. Bringing the rest of Halloween Town and Christmas Town to life is Kathryn Allison, Jenni Barber, Erin Elizabeth Clemons, Fergie L. Philippe, Jawan M. Jackson and Brian Gonzales! These Broadway stars will be getting into the fiendish festive spirit of things using only props and clothing from around the home as they recreate Burton's seasonal classic.

You can buy your ticket now via Vimeo on Demand for just $4.99, so get set for some ghoulish delights all whilst helping two incredible causes! Don't miss it!

Aladdin is Coming to Disney+!! Poster Revealed!

Ainsley Melham in the Australian production of Aladdin

"Hail! Your attention I pray. Oh, ye people of Agrabah. THIS IS OUR LUCKY DAY!!"

Your wish is granted! The magic of Disney Theatrical's Aladdin is coming to Disney+ later this year!

Whilst we're still awaiting the official announcement from Disney, a sharp eyed fan found the poster for the upcoming musical event and shared it on Twitter:

When Aladdin closed in London's West End last year, Disney took advantage of having an empty theatre to create a very special recording. Bringing together an all star international cast under the guidance of original director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw, the show was fine tuned for film and recorded across five days before bringing in a live audience for a special recorded performance.

This truly was a once in a lifetime event, bringing together original cast members from Broadway, Australia, the West End and the US Tour to create a timeless version of the show. Headlined by the West End's Trevor Dion Nicholas as Genie and Australia's Ainsley Melham as Aladdin, the cast stars the US Tour's Isabelle McCalla as Princess Jasmine, Broadway's Jonathan Freeman and Don Darryl Rivera as the villainous Jafar and Iago, Broadway's Brian Gonzales as Babkak, Australia's Robert Tripolino as Omar, and Broadway's Brandon O'Neill as Kassim, along with the West End ensemble of Aladdin.

I was lucky enough to attend the filmed performance last August and it was truly magical. It was a little surreal to see cameras and film crew on the stage so I can't wait to see how the final movie looks. After Newsies and Hamilton I have high hopes that this is going to be something truly special. The cast was fantastic, it was incredible to see these cast members come together and getting the chance to see people I've not seen before in the roles. It really was a one of a kind production and I'm insanely excited for it to be shared with the world.

I actually wrote a piece on this film performance for Movie News Net last year after Disney confirmed that the filming had taken place (I'm so glad they did as not talking about it for a year would have driven me insane). Looking back now I can see I didn't do a similar piece for this blog. I have no idea why that is and I'm so sorry that I didn't.

Back then I speculated that the plan would be for the recording to be shown in cinemas first before coming to Disney+ like Newsies did. But, as with Hamilton, if that was the plan then the current pandemic changed things. Whilst we're still awaiting an official date, the poster does confirm that Aladdin: The Broadway Musical will be arriving this year. Honestly, I think this is coming at the perfect time. If ever we needed a little joy and theatrical magic, now is the time.

Stay safe everyone. Broadway will be back, and now we have a little theatrical magic to look forward to.

An Evening with Alan Menken

July ended with a rare bit of good news for 2020 - Alan Menken finally won his Emmy and became one of only sixteen people in the world to be an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) for Tangled's Waiting in the Wings with Glenn Slater. Technically it's his second Emmy as he was already awarded an honorary Emmy in 1990. He's also, as D23 pointed out, a LEGOT as he is an official Disney Legend, and, as Menken himself points out, a REGOT as he won a Razzie for Newsies. I'm not sure which order you'd put all those letters in (LEGOTR? REGOTL?) but I'm pretty sure Alan Menken is the only one in the world to win them all!

Hot on the heels of that tremendous award, last night Alan took part in a special charity event for the Walt Disney Family Museum, playing his incredible song book for a virtual fundraiser in support of the museum's At-Promise Youth Animation Academy.

And what a performance it was! Two incredible medleys encompassing almost off of Alan's work for Disney, plus a few extra gems like Little Shop and Galavant thrown in for good measure. This was literally the soundtrack of my life. And I could listen to Alan and Lin-Manuel Miranda talk about musicals in animation all day. That was just a delightful discussion and some great advice from two masters.

And, yes I did tear up when he started singing Proud of Your Boy. Every time I hear Alan sing it, it just gets me. No one sings it quite like he does.

If you missed the performance last night you can watch it now on YouTube and donations for the fundraiser will be open for the next week if you're able to support it.

And if you haven't seen the incredible Tangled: The Series (and if not check it out on Disney+, it's Disney's best animated series in years and even features Aladdin's own James Monroe Iglehart!) here's the song that finally won Alan his competitive Emmy Award!

I just want to say a massive thank you to the Disney Family Museum for hosting this event (living in the UK I never get to see Alan in concert so this was the opportunity of a life time for me) and a massive congratulations to Alan on his EGOT!

Disney Family Singalong, Disney on Broadway 25th Anniversary Concert and More Bring Joy Amdist Ongoing Lockdowns

As the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak sees much of the world remain on lockdown, the theatrical community has pulled together to provide some light and joy in these dark times. From Instagram live chats and concerts to dance choreography lessons and even full shows, the theatrical community has shown that the show will always go on as they keep a song in our hearts.

As part of ABC's "Day of Hope" last week, Disney Theatrical stars past and present, including Aladdin's James Monroe Iglehart and Michael James Scott, joined together to perform Alan Menken and David Zippel's Go The Distance in honour of all of those on the frontlines of the pandemic.

Tonight, James Monroe Iglehart will reunite with the cast of Broadway's Aladdin to lead them in the show stopping Friend Like Me as part of ABC's Disney Family Singalong at 8pm Eastern. They will be joined by an all star celebrity line up singing some of the most beloved songs in the Disney canon to bring the magic of music into your homes.

Then, tomorrow night, Broadway Cares will be presenting a special presentation of last year's 25th anniversary concert. Recorded live last November, the concert celebrated 25 years of Disney on Broadway with songs and stars from every production from Beauty and the Beast to Frozen. Now, Broadway Cares will be streaming the concert to help all of those in the Broadway community affected by the current crisis. The live stream will be hosted by Ryan McCarton and begins at 7pm Eastern. And from 6pm make sure you check out the Broadway Cares Facebook Live where Syndee Winters will be hosting a Q&A with some of the nights stars including Aladdin's Adam Jacobs and Marisha Wallace. The concert will be available to watch for one week.

On Saturday, April 18th, Adam and Arielle Jacobs will take part in Rising Talent Magazine's Instagram Live Concert where stars will appear for five to fifteen minutes to sing a song and take a few questions to help raise money for The Actors Fund. Adam's set is scheduled for 12:30 EST, I'm not sure on Arielle's time yet but will add it here if it's announced ahead of time.

And there's so much more.

Aladdin's Dance Captain Nikki Long joins with Jennifer Rias and Donald Jones to teach some of the dance choreography for Arabian Nights:

Matt Croke shared this fantastic video of his final performance of Proud of Your Boy that was taken last year;

View this post on Instagram

#WorldTheatreDay What a difference a year makes! Thinking back to a time when people could enjoy theatre all over the world. Never did I not feel like the luckiest guy in the world to perform this iconic song every night in @aladdinlondon. The positive thing is this crazy uncertain time will pass and Theatre will open again and all the shows that had to sadly close will reopen and our amazing industry will be back better than ever!!!! (Thank you to the person in the audience that sent me this video. It was actually taken on my very last performance in Aladdin - 24th Aug 2019.) Extremely grateful to have this on film.

A post shared by ᴍᴀᴛᴛʜᴇᴡ ᴄʀᴏᴋᴇ (@mattcroke) on Mar 27, 2020 at 9:35am PDT

An incredible performance of Go The Distance;

View this post on Instagram

Singing a bit of #Disney always brightens your day! Sung by - Me Piano - my old pal @alanwilliamsmd Cello - @hornbergercello Violin - @kathjames Alto flute - @mikeydavis.flute

A post shared by ᴍᴀᴛᴛʜᴇᴡ ᴄʀᴏᴋᴇ (@mattcroke) on Apr 4, 2020 at 9:26am PDT

And a beautiful duet of A Whole New World with none other than Courtney Reed!

View this post on Instagram

Happy Easter everyone. Another fun one with pal @alanwilliamsmd and this time extra special to sing with my #princessjasmine @rhodesreed By @alanmenken and #timrice Vocals - @rhodesreed and Me Keys - @alanwilliamsmd Cello - @hornbergercello Flute - @mikeydavis.flute Harp - @interestingharpalex @aladdin @aladdinlondon Created by @acapellaapp #aladdinlondon #reunion #aladdin #jasmine #originaljasmine #disney #awholenewworld #lockdowndisney #alanmenken #londondonaladdin #westend #broadway #collab #collaboration #lockdown #makingmusic #eastertreat #eastersunday #carpetride #aladdinduet #disneysaladdin #disneyaladdin #waltdisney #magiccarpet #magiccarpetride #threewishes #theshowmustgoonczj #originalprincessjasmine @catherinezetajones

A post shared by ᴍᴀᴛᴛʜᴇᴡ ᴄʀᴏᴋᴇ (@mattcroke) on Apr 12, 2020 at 5:37am PDT

The princesses may be on lockdown but that didn't stop Courtney, Susan Egan and Laura Osnes from working some magic with their fairy godfairy for this fun little twist on Go The Distance;

James Monroe Iglehart performed a Disney medley on Good Morning America

And I've already posted the 5th Avenue's long distance master class on theatrical comedy with Don Darryl Rivera!

Alan Menken himself has been singing from his legendary songbook on The Rosie O'Donnell Show in aid of The Actors Fund (and confirms that yes they are still working on the stage adaptation of Hercules!)

Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre shared some of Gregg Barnes' original costume concepts for Aladdin's Pilot Production back in 2011.

There's even some Zoom backgrounds available to make you feel like you're right in the heart of magical Agrabah!

Just remember, somebody always has your back, as James, Michael, Telly Leung and Arielle Jacobs proved when they answered Trevor Noah's call to recreate the hopeful singing that was heard in Italy.

Yo @Trevornoah! The #Broadway & @aladdin family has got your back bruh! @iamMJScott @ArielleJacobs @tellyleung #AWholeNewWorld #SingYourHeartOut #TrevorNoahNewDisneyPrince pic.twitter.com/qo8aowIsfy

— james m. iglehart (@jamesmiglehart) March 23, 2020

And there's so much more. Make sure you keep you eyes on Michael James Scott and the official Disney Broadway Instagram as Agrabah's fierce Genie has been hosting frequent Instagram Take Overs with his fabulous friends.

Stay at home. Stay safe. There will be a whole new world waiting for you to return to when this is over.

Michael James Scott Instagram Take Over TODAY!

Who's up for an Instagram take over? Aladdin's resident Genie, Michael James Scott is hosting a fierce take over of Disney Theatrical's official Instagram account TODAY!

Taking place at 4:30PM EST, Michael will be going live with special guest Ciara Renee (Hunchback of Notre Dame's Esmeralda and Broadway's new Elsa). In these dark times this is bound to be a bright spot of Disney magic so don't miss it!

James Monroe Iglehart Guests On Angelique Roche's Creative Quarantine

If you're looking for some brightness in this dark time, the chances are you've already turned to James Monroe Iglehart. From his search for soup on Instagram to his Disney Medley on Good Morning America, James has been keeping people laughing even as Broadway's lights are dark.

So make sure you check out Angelique Roche's Creative Quarantine podcast tonight for a live streamed conversation with the man behind the magic at 3PM EST/12PM PST

You can listen along at bit.ly/creativeq2020

Don Darryl Rivera Host's 5th Avenue's First Cloud Edition of Friday's at The 5th

Let's be honest, we could all use some good news and a laugh at the moment. So why not sign up for The 5th Avenue's Friday at the 5th?

With the theatre closed The 5th are taking their student program online with a series of webinars on Zoom. And the first is a workshop and discussion with Aladdin's Don Darryl Rivera - Make 'Em Laugh! Musical Comic Relief in Uncertain Times.

This free online workshop and discussion takes place TODAY but you might still have time to sign up at The 5th's website. As they say, "our favorite shows have a remarkable way of bringing up important issues while never forgetting that humor and joy are a crucial part of the human experience. How have musicals brightened your day? Who are your favorite musical theater sidekicks? What's feeding YOUR musical theater spirit these days?" After playing Broadway's Iago to hilarious perfection for six years (yes, happy sixth anniversary today Aladdin) DDR is the perfect guy to discuss those questions and their answers.

So join DDR and the 5th for a Q&A and "tech-facilitated group hug" this afternoon at 4PM PST!

UPDATE

If you missed it live you can watch the webinar right here on The 5th Avenue's YouTube channel!

Remaining Aladdin Tour Dates Cancelled Due to COVID-19

Following Thursday's announcement that the Austin leg of the Aladdin tour was being postponed it has now been confirmed that both the San Antonio and Kansas City runs have also been postponed.

Whilst I cannot find the official announcement for the San Antonio postponement, San Antonio Theater's independent guide is listing the production as cancelled. For Kansas City, Broadway in KC has issued the following statement:

"Due to the growing concern over COVID-19, and out of an abundance of caution, Broadway in KC will be postponing all performances of Disney's Aladdin (April 15-26) until further notice.

PLEASE HOLD ON TO YOUR TICKETS AS WE WORK TO RESCHEDULE THIS ENGAGEMENT. We are navigating an unprecedented situation in real time, and ask for your patience as we work to bring Disney's Aladdin back to Kansas City as quickly as possible. We will be in touch as soon as possible with more information on the status of this event.

Thank you for your patience and your continued support. For updates, visit BroadwayInKC.com"

Whilst both Austin and Kansas City state that they are working to bring Aladdin back as quickly as possible it will most likely NOT be this current production. Reggie De Leon posted on Instagram that "the Aladdin tour unexpectedly played its last performance on Thursday … Love you all, and stay safe everyone!!!"

The first National Tour, which began in Chicago in 2017, was set to conclude it's three year run in Kansas City with a newly configured tour set to launch in fall next year. Best guess (and it is just a guess) is that when Aladdin comes to Austin and Kansas City it will be as part of this new tour.

Korie, Jonah, Kaena, Reggie, Jonathan, Jerald, Zach, Ben, Colt, and everyone involved in bringing this magical show to life these last three years, thank you so much. I'm so sorry it ended in this way, but the magic and joy you have brought to millions is priceless. If I know anything, it's that with Aladdin it's never truly goodbye so I hope to see you all in Agrabah again some day. Thank you for all the high adventures, I wish you all a magical future wherever your paths may lead.

Korie Lee Blossey as Genie with the cast of Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

Johan Ho'okano and Kaena Kekoa as Aladdin and Jasmine, Photo by Deen van Meer

Zach Bencal, Ben Chavez, Jonah Ho'okano and Colt Prattes as Babkak, Omar, Aladdin and Kassim,

Photo by Deen van Meer

Merwin Foard, Aladdin's Original Standby, Passes Away

Merwin Foard as Jafar (pictured with Don Darryl Rivera as Iago)

It was with great sadness that I learnt this week of the passing of Merwin Foard, who passed away on Monday aged 59.

A Charlotte native, Foard once told the Charlotte Observer "I've never had a normal job." Instead his job was bringing music and joy to millions around the world. Even if you've never seen him on stage, you've almost certainly heard his voice. Foard lent his impressive vocals to the ensembles of almost a dozen of Disney's animated features from Beauty and the Beast to Frozen Fever and, most notably, performed the singing voice for Aladdin's father Cassim in Aladdin and the King of Thieves.

Whether on tour or on Broadway, the stage was his home and Merwin appeared in shows  ranging from Les Miserables to Anne, The Sound of Music to The Addams Family. In 2012 he was the focus of the documentary The Standbys, highlighting the demanding, and little known, world of standbys and understudies on Broadway.

His relationship with Disney Theatrical goes right back to the beginning, appearing in the original ensemble of Beauty and the Beast and as the original Pilot in The Little Mermaid before taking over the role of Chef Louis. Aladdin was Merwin's final Broadway production. As part of the original cast he was Standby for both Jafar and Sultan. I was lucky enough to see him perform as Sultan in 2015, something I'd wanted to see since learning he was Cassim's singing voice, and he was spectacular.

Even as he returned home to Charlotte to seek treatment for liver disease, Merwin continued to perform. His final performance was another Disney production, as Joseph Pulitzer in North Carolina Theater's production of Newsies.

And, no matter how busy he was on stage, Merwin never forgot his roots. Even when working on Broadway he would find time to visit Charlotte Christian School, his alma mater, to talk to the students there about musical theatre and voice acting.

Rest in peace Merwin, thank you for sharing your gifts with the world.

Salaam Worthy Friend - Arielle Jacobs Takes Final Bow as Jasmine

Arielle Jacobs as Princess Jasmine

It's always sad when someone comes to the end of their run, but it's much more so when that run is cut short. Arielle was scheduled to take her final bow next weekend, presumably alongside her original Aladdin, Ainsley Melham, who was due to return to the show this month. Due to the shutdown of Broadway following the outbreak of COVID-19 Arielle played her final performance as Broadway's Princess Jasmine on Wednesday, March 11.

As Arielle said herself, "I didn't know it was my last show and now it's done."

Just hearing that my heart breaks for her. This isn't the ending she deserved.

But, I want this post to be a thank you and a celebration. Arielle has been part of the Aladdin family for four incredible years. After an international search, Arielle was chosen to originate the role of Jasmine for the Australian production of Aladdin. Her casting was first announced in a heart warming video of her and her brother Adam, Broadway's original Aladdin, surprising their parents with the news as they sang A Whole New World together.

After winning the hearts of audiences across Australia in 2016, Arielle joined the Broadway production of Aladdin in 2018 and it wasn't long before she was sharing the stage again with her original Australian co-stars Ainsley Melham and Michael James Scott.

It's been an incredible journey and, whilst this isn't the ending anyone imagined, I just want to say thank you for four magical years and all that you have given to the role and to the show. I wish you all the best for Between the Lines and whatever the future holds. And, who knows, with Aladdin it's never goodbye, it's always until we meet again. So maybe one day you'll get the final bow you deserve.

Broadway Performances Suspended, Austin Tour Postphoned

From the official Facebook page;

"Under the direction of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and for the health and well-being of our theatregoers, cast and crew, Broadway performances of Aladdin have been suspended from March 12 to April 12. For Broadway ticket refund information, please visit aladdinthemusical.com"

The refund page advises that all affected tickets will be refunded at the original point of purchase. Please follow the link for further details.

The refund page also advised that the Austin, Texas engagement of the North American Tour has been postponed. The Texas Performing Arts site advises:

"In further response to the growing concerns over COVID-19 (coronavirus), The University of Texas at Austin has decided to postpone events at its largest campus venues, including Bass Concert Hall, for the immediate future. As result, Texas Performing Arts will postpone all remaining performances of Disney's Aladdin occurring the evenings of March 12 through March 22, 2020 following this decision.

If you are a ticket holder, please hold on to your tickets as we work to bring Disney's Aladdin back to Austin. We will be in touch in the next 7-14 days with more information on the status of this event.

We appreciate the leadership of university and public officials and will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves to ensure the health and well-being of our audience, staff, cast and crew before anything else.

When we are ale to resume performances, we look forward to welcoming you back into a clean and safe gathering space for our community to enjoy the shared experience of seeing stories unfold live on stage.

Thank you for your patience and continued support."

As an Aladdin fan I feel sad that Arielle Jacobs will now no longer get to play her final performance (scheduled for next weekend) and reunite with her original Aladdin, Ainsley Melham, one last time. And for those in Austin who, depending on how this develops, may not get to see the original tour. That said, this is unquestionably the right call as the safety of the cast, crew, and audience must always come first. Stay safe everyone, Agrabah will be back before you know it.

Happy Opening to Courtney Reed in Cambodian Rock Band

Courtney Reed and the cast of Cambodian Rock Band, Photo by Joan Marcus

Here's wishing a magical opening to Aladdin's original Jasmine Courtney Reed as her new show Cambodian Rock Band opens on off-Broadway tonight!

The rock epic direct by Chay Yew, features music by Lauren Yew and songs by the band Dengue Fever, and stars Courtney alongside Joe Ngo, Francis Jue, Abraham Kim, Jane Lui, and Moses Villarama. The story sees a Khmer Rouge suvivor (Ngo) returning to Cambodia for the first time in 30 years as his daughter (Courtney) prepares to prosecute one of the country's most infamous war criminals.

The show, which has previously been played in regional theatres across the US, began previews at the Signature Theatre on February 4th and officially opens tonight! The limited run ends on March 14th and is almost sold out so make sure you get your tickets fast if you want to see the show!

Have an incredible opening night Courtney!

Salaam Worthy Friends - Major Attaway and Clinton Greenspan Take Final Bows as Genie and Aladdin

Clinton Greenspan and Major Attaway as Aladdin and Genie with Aladdin US Tour Cast, Photi by Deen van Meer

This Sunday saw another end of an era in Agrabah as both Major Attaway and Clinton Greenspan took their final bows at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New Year.

For both actors it was the end of a years long magic carpet ride. Major first joined the cast as stand by Genie (and Babkak) back in 2016 before taking over the role full time in 2017. Since then he's been making magic every night. Last year he took part in a little Genie Swap with Michael James Scott, joining the US Tour for seven months and playing to audiences across the country, including his home state of Texas, but he still found time to make it back for the epic five Genie team up to celebrate the show's fifth anniversary. Whilst on tour he also met his new Aladdin, and fellow Texan, Clinton Greenspan.

Clinton was part of Aladdin's US Tour from the beginning. First as a member of the ensemble and understudy Aladdin, then taking over the title role in 2018. After a year and a half on the road, Clinton took over as Broadway's new Aladdin, but not before a quick stop at Disney's D23 Expo where he took part in a special panel celebrating the music of Aladdin from screen to stage and back again.

I was fortunate enough to see Major once, way back in his first year as stand by Genie, but sadly never got chance to see Clinton's Aladdin. From what I have seen online I can see that Clinton was a fantastic Aladdin and Major went from strength to strength as Genie. I wish I could have seen them both together.

I just want to thank you both for all that you have brought to these characters over the last few years and all the magic and joy you have given to audiences. I wish you both the very best for whatever the future holds.

Live Action Aladdin Sequel Officially Moving Forwards

Wish granted!

Now this is the movie news I've been waiting for. First reported by Variety, Disney are officially moving forward with a sequel to the live action Aladdin. Once the first film hit a billion dollars (and incredibly had a longer cinema run than Avengers: Endgame!) this pretty much became inevitable but it's nice to have it officially confirmed at last.

According to The Hollywood Reporter Disney set up a writers room over the summer to generate ideas for the sequel. That's right, this will be an original tale and not an adaptation of The Return of Jafar or Aladdin and the King of Thieves. It's currently not known what the story will be, but it is known that during the writers room Disney and producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich (returning from the last film) were looking at other stories from One Thousand and One Nights as inspiration. Now that they have settle on a story direction, John Gatins (Flight, Real Steel) and Andrea Berloff (Straight Outta Compton, The Kitchen) have been hired to pen the script for the sequel.

The Hollywood Reporter says that Guy Ritchie is set to return as director and the principal cast of Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, and Will Smith are all expected to return. Variety is a little more cautious, saying it's "unknown at this time" whether or not Ritchie will return to the director's chair and noting that, whilst the leads are hoped to return, "offers won't be extended to the cast until a script is ready." Producer Dan Lin did note over the summer that Ritchie returning would be their first choice so lets hope all the stars align and they're able to get the gang back together for the sequel.

The film will be a theatrical release (rather than straight to Disney+) but no mention is made on whether or not this will be a musical. I can't imagine it not being, and the prospect of a new Alan Menken score and several new songs (likely to written with Benj Pasek and Justin Paul who wrote the lyrics for Speechless and the deleted song Desert Moon) fills me with more joy than I can put into words, but I must admit I'll be a little bit nervous until it's officially confirmed.

No release date has been set (best guess would be filming next year for a 2022 release) but for now I'm just happy to know that the film is officially moving forwards. Let's make some magic!!

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!

Aladdin Cast Join West End's Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Here's wishing a magical opening night to both Hiba Elchikhe and Leon Craig as they make their debut in the West End's Everybody's Talking About Jamie tonight!

Leon of course played Babkak in London's Aladdin whilst Hiba played Princess Jasmine in the Australian production (a production I sadly never got to see). I hope you both have a wonderful first night and can't wait to see you soon!