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;

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#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;

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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

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

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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

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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.

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.

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!

Broadway Princess Party This Week! Courtney Returns in September!

Feels like it's been forever since I did a Broadway Princess Party post but Broadway's royalty have a packed schedule from now right through to next year as the Princesses travel the US to bring magic and joy to everyone.

This week Laura Osnes (Broadway's original Cinderella), Susan Egan (Broadway's original Belle), Christy Altomare (Broadway's original Anastasia), and Ariel Jacobs (Broadway's current Jasmine) are in Utah and California with their Fairy Godfairy Benjamin Rauhala.

Next month sees the return of Broadway's original Jasmine, Courtney Reed (and I have to say, thanks for letting Aladdin London borrow her, we've loved having her here these last few months!). And the Princesses return to New York in October for an extra special performance at 54 Below featuring Laura, Susan, and Courtney alongside Jodi Benson (the original Ariel), Aisha Jackson (standby Anna in Broadway's Frozen), and Krysta Rodriguez (Broadway's original Meg).

There's plenty more dates on their tour page, culminating in what's sure to be an extra special Disney Magic Cruise!

I'm going to keep wishing and maybe one day the Fairy Godfairy will bring the Princesses to the UK. I think London might have a spare magic lamp I can borrow after this weekend...

Broadway in Bryant Park 2019

Disney on Broadway at Broadway in Bryant Park 2019, Photo by Broadway World

Last month Disney Theatrical put on quite a show at the 20th annual Broadway in Bryant Park as the casts of Aladdin (Arielle Jacobs, Michael James Scott, Brian Gonzales, Brad Weinstock, Mike Longo, and Jacob Gutierrez), The Lion King (Bradley Gibson, Tshidi Manye, Grant Braddock, John Benthal, and Pearl Khwenzi) and Frozen (Ryann Redmond, Aisha Jackson, Alyssa Fox, Jacob Smith, Jake David Smith, Lauren Nicole Chapman, Nicholas Ward, and Nina Lafarga) came together for a musical tour de force celebrating 25 years of Disney on Broadway!

And you can enjoy the full half hour performance right here!

From Beauty and the Beast to Frozen, that 25th anniversary finale is epic!!

Arielle Jacobs Will Leave You Speechless

Let's be honest, we've all been waiting to hear this since the film came out. Arielle Jacobs has just released her single of Speechless and it's just as incredible as you'd expect from Broadway's very own Princess Jasmine!


I need to get to Broadway whilst Arielle is in the show because this was amazing. And whilst Speechless may not be in Broadway's Aladdin it's definitely a potential candidate for the Broadway Princess Party which Arielle is touring with later this month!


Anyway, what are you still reading this for?! Go get the song!!

Welcome (Back) to Agrabah!

Arielle Jacobs as Jasmine, Photo by Deen Van Meer

Tonight Aladdin welcomes a new royal family as Arielle Jacobs joins the Broadway cast as Princess Jasmine and JC Montgomery takes over as the Sultan!

It's a familiar role for both of them as Arielle originated the role for the Australian production whilst JC Montgomery originated the role for the US Tour but it's the first time both will play opposite each other in the Broadway production.

I just want to wish both of you a magical first night and long and successful runs at the New Amsterdam Theatre!  I look forward to seeing you both next time I see the show!

And if you can't wait until tonight, here's Arielle's Broadway Jasmine debut at 54 Below's latest Princess Party!

JC Montgomery as Sultan, Photo by Deen Van Meer

A Little Christmas Magic from Aladdin

Whoopi Goldberg & Major Attaway, Photo by Lou Rocco

It's the most wonderful time of year again!

And what better way to celebrate this magical season than with some musical magic from the cast of Broadway's Aladdin!!

Earlier this week Major Attaway teamed up with Whoopi Goldberg and One Simple Wish, singing songs around the piano at a special surprise party for foster children in New York City and helping to spread some real festive joy.

Major also joined forces with the incredible ensemble of Aladdin, including Genie's past and present, to sing Carols for a Cure! You can hear their fantastic new rendition of O Come All Ye Faithful in Angelo Soriano's Facebook video and you can pick up the CD, in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, right here.

Who needs a magic carpet when you can ride Soarin'?! @tellyleung & @ariellejacobs from Disney’s @Aladdin see “A Whole New World” without leaving Epcot. Catch them in Disney Parks' Magical Christmas Celebration, Christmas Morning on @ABCNetwork. #DisneyChristmasCelebration pic.twitter.com/l4yiWxR0cv

— Walt Disney World (@WaltDisneyWorld) December 21, 2017

The magic doesn't stop there! Telly Leung and Arielle Jacobs recently visited Walt Disney World to give a special performance of A Whole New World which will air tomorrow morning as part of Disney Parks: Magical Christmas Celebration on ABC.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Arielle Jacobs is Broadway's Princess Jasmine!!!

Arielle Jacobs as Princess Jasmine, Photo by Deen Van Meer

Arielle Jacobs is Broadway's new Princess Jasmine!

After originating the role in the Australian production, Arielle is all set to join the Broadway company of Aladdin on 20th February next year following the departure of Courtney Reed.

Honestly, I think this is one of the best cast replacements Disney Theatrical have ever done.  I seriously can't think of anyone I would rather see take over the role and I hope she has a long and magical run with the show.  Welcome back to Agrabah, Arielle!

Adam & Arielle bring Sibling Disobedience to San Francisco!

The Jacobs siblings are taking over the Bay!

Fresh off his star performance in the first national tour of Aladdin, Adam Jacobs is returning home to San Francisco and he's bringing his sister Arielle, fresh off her own star turn as Australia's Jasmine, with him as they present Sibling Disobedience at the Bay Area Cabaret!

You've seen them both on Broadway and both in Aladdin (just on different continents), now see them both in a more intimate environment as they take you on their journey from the Bay to Broadway and back again in this special homecoming concert.

Tickets are on sale now and you can even buy a meet and greet and photo op with the stars.  Make sure you don't miss this!

Updated - This concert is in San Francisco not Chicago (Oops! Sorry everyone!)

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!

Next Stop - Melbourne!

Ainsley Melham as Aladdin, Photo by Deen Van Meer

The Australian production of Aladdin is going on tour!

Next April Ainsley Melham (Aladdin), Arielle Jacobs (Jasmine) Michael James Scott (Genie) and the gang will fly the magic carpet from Sydney's Capitol Theatre to Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne!

There's still time to catch them in Sydney where the show is running through to January 8th but make sure you get your tickets now as they're sure to sell out over the holiday season and as the end of the run approaches!

Tickets for both are on sale now from the show's official website so grab yours today!

Aladdin begins performances in Melbourne on 26th April 2017 and is currently booking through to 4th June 2017.

And now for an extra special treat!  This morning Ainsley Melham and Arielle Jacobs performed A Whole New World on The Morning Show and you can watch it right here!

Arielle Jacobs is Australia's Princess Jasmine!

After months of searching Australia finally has its princess as Arielle Jacobs joins the cast of Aladdin!

Whilst her brother brings Aladdin to life on Broadway, Arielle will be a million miles away bringing Jasmine to life in the land down under!

And how do you tell your parents that you've just landed such an amazing role?  If you're anything like the Jacobs siblings you do it like this;

I just want to say a massive congratulations to Arielle.  I know you've going to be an amazing Jasmine and I hope to one day see you soaring on that magic carpet.

Aladdin opens in Sydney in August.