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;
An incredible performance of Go The Distance;
And a beautiful duet of A Whole New World with none other than Courtney Reed!
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.
