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.