This blog is dedicated to Disney's Aladdin: Broadway's New Musical Comdey. Following a successful Pilot Production at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre in 2011, and regional and international productions in 2012, Disney announced that Aladdin would be coming to Broadway in 2014. Aladdin had it's pre-Broadway engagement at Toronto's Ed Mirvish Theatre and opened on Broadway 20th March 2014.
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.
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.
Another era ends today as Aladdin's Australian tour packs up the flying carpet and returns to the lamp as the cast take their final bows in Singapore.
It's been an incredible high adventure over the last three and a half years. After travelling across Australia, the Oz production took the magic to New Zealand, back to South Australia, and finally to Singapore where the show bid audiences goodbye after an incredible 1,034 shows in 7 cities.
I just want to say a massive thank you to the incredible cast and crew who have brought the magic to life each night since 2016. Now it's time for a well earned rest. Hopefully the magic will be back down under one day. We'll always cherish the joy and the passion you gave that made this show a wish come true.
Ainsley Melham and Michael James Scott in the Australian production of Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer
Disney Theatrical announced yesterday that Ainsley Melham will be returning to Agrabah next month as he takes over the title role in Broadway's Aladdin from February 19th!
Ainsley, who originated the role in the Australian production back in 2016, will take over from current Aladdin Telly Leung, who announced last year that he would be taking his final bow at the New Amsterdam Theatre on February 17th.
Ainsley will be surrounded by familiar faces as he makes his Broadway debut, reuniting with his original Jasmine, Arielle Jacobs, and his original Genie.
That's right! Michael James Scott is returning to Broadway! Michael must hold the record for the number of productions he's starred in. After making his Aladdin debut as Broadway's Stand By Genie and Babkak, he went on to originate the role of Genie for Australia before taking over the US Tour, then heading to London for a little Genie Swap with Trevor Dion Nicholas, back to the US Tour, and now taking over the role on Broadway!
Michael will play a limited engagement on Broadway from February 15th through to September 15th whilst Major Attaway, Broadway's current Genie, takes the show on the road with the US Tour. Yep, it's another Genie Swap!
Ainsley and Michael aren't the only guys returning to Agrabah! Mike Longo, who originated Kassim in the US Tour, will make his Aladdin Broadway debut on February 19th following the final bow of Steel Burkhardt, who has played Kassim since 2014!
It's going to be an exciting year in Agrabah! Congratulations and welcome (back) to Ainsley, Michael and Mike, and congratulations on fantastic runs to both Telly and Steel!
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 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!
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!
Michael James Scott as Genie, Photo by Deen Van Meer
I feel like I've not posted enough about Australia's Aladdin and it's well past time that changed! Earlier this month Michael James Scott was on Australia's Studio 10 morning show talking about the show, seeing Australia and bringing the Genie to life!
Tomorrow night (well, actually tonight for everyone at Sydney's Capitol Theatre due to the time difference) Disney's Aladdin officially opens in Australia!
I just want to take this opportunity to wish the cast, crew, creative and everyone at the Capitol Theatre the very best of luck for their opening performance! This is your moment, I hope you enjoy every second of it. Make some magic!
It's almost midnight here in the UK which means it's already morning in Australia. That means that Aladdin opens today at Sydney's Capitol Theatre!
I just want to take this moment to wish the very best of luck to everyone involved whether on stage or off. You've all worked so hard for this moment, enjoy it and let your passion and energy shine on stage. This is your night - make some magic! I hope all of your wishes come true!
And speaking of wishes coming true if you've dreamed of walking the purple carpet at Aladdin's official Australian opening night next week then head on over to Ticket Master as Disney Theatrical have released a limited number of tickets for this extra special performance!
To celebrate Aladdin's Australian debut make sure you check out the video of their Sitzprobe that was released this weekend! I just love seeing a show come together!
The Australian Cast of Aladdin loving their first day in Agrabah! Photo by @rosechocolatebeauty
Ok, not even the time difference can make up for how late this post is! Last week Disney's Aladdin began rehearsals for it's upcoming Australian premiere!
I just want to, very belatedly, wish everyone involved the very best of luck and I hope you all enjoy this creative process and make the show your own! You look like you're off to an incredible start!
Make some magic everyone!
Tickets for the Australian production of Aladdin are now on sale. You can book yours right here! Previews begin Wednesday 3rd August and the show will officially open Thursday 11th August.
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.
Welcome to the latest Aladdin musical news round up for all the latest goings on in the fabled city of Agrabah! It's been a busy few weeks for the cast and creative teams on both sides of the Atlantic (I really need to start doing these posts more often!) so let's get started!
Aladdin Broadway - Show News
First up I just want to say a belated farewell to both Giuseppe Bausilio and Donald Jones Jr. who have both left the show recently and wish them both the very best for the future. And of course to Trevor Dion Nicholas who's flown the magic carpet to London to make his West End debut!
Now, let's look at what is possibly my favourite video that Disney on Broadway have posted to their YouTube channel so far. James and Don's Scare War was hilarious to watch (and still continues!) but here James just takes it to the next level for April Fools Day!
I love how much fun James is having here!
You can read a little more about the event at People.
And speaking of having fun, yesterday was May 4th, traditionally recognised as Star Wars Day so the Aladdin gang decided to get in on the fun with a little back stage lightsaber action! I just love this picture!
Now you may be aware that some performances of Aladdin are interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL). But in a touching video James recently showed that he doesn't need an interpreter to say you've never had a friend like him. Check it out here.
Aladdin's had it's fair share of guest stars in its first two years and the latest is Telemundo's Veronica Albornoz who appeared in the show last month! You can see some back stage pictures right here courtesy of Adam Jacobs' Instagram.
And just in case you missed it - last month Aladdin made the switch to a digital lottery. This is, of course, much more convenient for most people (if you aren't lucky enough to win you'll know in the morning so you can plan something else for you evening) but I've got to admit I'll miss the videos of James and other cast members occasionally granting lottery wishes in person before the show. Those moments were always magical to see.
Aladdin Broadway - Cast News
First up some big news for Aladdin fans - Brian Gonzales will be taking a break from Agrabah in August as he stars as Francis Henshall in One Man, Two Guvnors at WaterTower Theatre in Addison, Texas. Congratulations Brian on your new production!
Aladdin himself is due to teach a musical theatre workshop next month as Adam Jacobs and his sister Arielle Jacobs teach A Class Act NY's Dynamic Duo Broadway Workshop on 7th May, coaching 7-18 year olds on Broadway audition techniques. You can get on the wait list for the workshop right here.
Have you ever wondered what a Broadway star keeps in their dressing room? Well wonder no more as Adam shows Broadway.com around his dressing room and his favourite back stage items.
In March, Adam performed at Lancaster Bible College and spoke about getting in to musical theatre and his career so far with Lancaster Online and KpopStarz.
If you read this blog then you have no excuse not to own this yet!
If you can't get enough of Adam's amazing voice on Aladdin's original cast recording and his own debut album, Right Where I Belong, then I've got exciting news for you - Adam is going to be lending his vocals to Daniel and Laura Curtis' new album, Overture. The album is due to be recorded in both England and New York and feature some of Broadway and the West End's biggest stars. It's due to be released in October and you can read more about it right here! Can't wait? Then check out the Studio Cast Recording of An American Victory which stars Adam along with Ashley Brown (Broadway's original Mary Poppins) and many more and is on sale now!
And you can catch James right now in the Talk 4 Two podcast! I've not had chance to listen to it all yet but it promises to be insightful, funny and just a good time so check it out!
As the majority of the creative team is gathered in London, rehearsing for the West End debut of Aladdin, Director/Choreographer Casey Nicholaw is celebrating a feat unequalled on Broadway since 2001. With the debut of Tuck EverlastingCasey now has 4 shows running on Broadway simultaneously! Congratulations Casey on this astonishing achievement!!
But that's not all - it could soon be 5! Casey's next show, The Prom, will premiere at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre on 18th August where it will run through 25th September. Could Broadway be next? Keep your fingers crossed! The book is by Bob Martin and Aladdin's Chad Begulin with music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Begulin. You can read more details at Broadway Buzz, it sounds like a funny and touching show and I really hope it makes it to Broadway.
And speaking of Chad Beguelin - Aladdin's fantastic book writer recently joined with other Broadway writers to speak with Broadway World about the role a writer plays in creating a musical.
Now back to Casey (what you thought 4, potentially 5, Broadway shows was enough?). Playbill is reporting that Casey will collaborating with songwriter David Yazbek on a musical adaptation of Tootsie, but don't expect it any earlier than late 2017 due to Casey's busy schedule!
Yes, London Theatre's new profile is right - Casey Nicholaw "is potentially the hardest working man currently working in musical theatre." In fact, I think you can take out that "potentially"!!
Aladdin and Something Rotten! star Marisha Wallace recently took part in the Broadway Sings Whitney Houston concert. Here she is nailing "So Emotional";
Marisha is taking a break from Something Rotten! this summer to star as Effie White in Dreamgirls in Dallas (so make sure to check that out if you're in Dallas this summer) but she'll be back with Broadway's Team Rotten in August!
It's been a busy month for Giuseppe Bausilio as he recently did an interview with Keith Price on Curtain Call which you can check out right here, appeared on Seth Rudetsky's Seth Speaks in a 3 part interview that you can watch here - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 - and an interview with Telebaern which you can watch here!
Aladdin on Tour
Aladdin's first US Tour may not begin until next April but the magic carpet will be making a quick stop in Chicago this summer as part of the Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert on Monday 15th August. There's no word yet on whether this will be the Broadway or Touring cast but I'd imagine it will be the original Broadway cast due to the date of the event. If you're in Chicago make sure you check it out for a fantastic preview of the magic that's heading your way next year! More details and tickets can be found at the Broadway in Chicago website.
Aladdin International
Myrthes Monteiro & Enrico De Pieri at the LEA Awards, Photo by Morris Mac Matzen
First up a massive congratulations to the Hamburg production of Aladdin for winning Best Show of the Year at the LEA Awards last month! What an incredible and well deserved achievement!
And another congratulations on your cast recording!
I'm pretty sure that the Tokyo cast of Aladdin have also released a cast album but I can't find a link right now!
Now, has it really been over 3 weeks since this magical moment?!
Time seems to fly faster than a magic carpet these days! The Aladdin London gang have now completed their 2nd day of full run through rehearsals and are preparing to move into the Prince Edward Theatre and begin tech rehearsals next Monday!
Dean John-Wilson and Jade Ewen, Photo by Helen Maybanks
London's very own Aladdin, Dean-John Wilson, recently spoke with Digital Spy about earning his stripes and how Aladdin is allowing him to achieve his life-long goal of originating a role.
Before taking on the title role of Aladdin Dean starred in Miss Atomic Bomb. You can catch an interview with him on The Curtain Up Show right here.
Jade Ewen, recently spoke with Sunday World about landing "a dream role" as London's Princess Jasmine.
But that's not all! When Dean and Jade went to visit the Broadway cast of AladdinWhat's On Stage went with them and now you can check out their video where they talk with the stars about the show!
Now here's something really special. If you live in the UK and follow this blog then chances are you've already seen this but for those who missed it or live elsewhere here's the incredible Trevor Dion Nicholas bringing down the house with "Friend Like Me" on Tonight at the London Palladium;
And here's a special look behind the scenes of this one night only event;
Nathan Amzi with Christine Allado, photo by Bonnie Britain
Rachid Sabitri (London's Omar) recently guest starred in the new series Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. Well, recently if you live in America - here in the UK we'll be seeing it in a few weeks on W! If you want to watch out for it in the UK or watch it on catch up/on demand in the US then it's episode 7, Citizens of the World.
Aladdin's Daniel de Bourg recently posted a video update to his YouTube Channel to keep his fans up to date with his work so naturally Aladdin came up! Check it out right here;
And in addition to starring in Aladdin, Daniel will also be teaching at Rise Studios summer school this year where the performing arts class will be an Aladdin style workshop! You can read more details here.
And if you're not following the London production of Aladdin on Twitter and Instagram then make sure you start following them today!
The Sydney Morning Herald posted an interesting article recently about Sydney's recent musical boom and the wave of shows due to open this season, including Disney's Aladdin.
Other Disney Stuff
Ok, first I just have to say, if you haven't seen The Jungle Book yet, why the heck not?! Seriously, that film is beyond amazing and, dare I say it, even better than the original animated classic. Disney have experimented a lot with adapting their classic animated movies to live action with mixed results but with The Jungle Book they've truly cracked it and the result is nothing short of a masterpiece. I can't wait to see what next year's Beauty and the Beast has in store for us! And, if it's done to this quality, bring on Aladdin!!
The next D23 Expo has officially been announced for 2017! The Expo will once again take place at the Anaheim Convention Centre and will run July 14-16. Tickets will go on sale July 14th this year. Here's hoping they have another Disney on Broadway concert and bring back James Monroe Iglehart! And on that note I need to seriously consider going to this one! It'd be nice if Anaheim didn't cost twice as much as Florida when you visit from the UK (otherwise I'd have definitely already been as I'd love to see the original Disneyland) but some things are worth it!
The Hunchback of Notre Dame's Patrick Page will be starring as Hades in the New York Theatre workshop production of Hadestown. The new musical will run May 6th to June 12th.
Hunchback and current Fiddler on the Roof star Samantha Massell recently joined with her Fiddler co-stars to share alumni stories with the Birthright Israel Foundation for Passover. And you can see a great video of Samantha and Monica Swayne (who's starring in Fiddler in Syndey) interviewing each other over at Broadway World.
And whilst we're on Hunchback - The Paper Mill Playhouse is to be honoured with this year's Regional Theatre Tony Award! Massive congratulations to the entire Paper Mill team! And another huge congratulations to Hunchback star Michael Arden for his best director Tony nomination for Spring Awakening! What an incredible achievement!
The Little Mermaid's Tituss Burgess (perhaps better know these days for Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) will be making his West End debut at the London Hippodrome this September! Now that's going to be an amazing show!
We're still over a year away from the Denver preview run of Frozen but casting has already begun with Betsy Wolfe as Elsa and Patti Murin as Anna according to the latest reports from around the web. I'm really interested to see how this show develops and hopefully I'll get to see it in 2018.
And finally, if you're a Disney fan, this is just incredible to listen to!
There's no stopping Disney's Broadway mega-hit Aladdin! After welcoming two new faces to the recording breaking Broadway show, Disney Theatrical last week announced the cast for the upcoming Australian production of Aladdin!
Starring in the title role is newcomer Ainsley Melham as Aladdin!
And joining him from the original Broadway cast is Michael James Scott as the Genie!! Michael was the original Stand By Genie and Babkak for the Broadway production of Aladdin and after a short time away (during which he starred in Casey Nicholaw's Something Rotten!) he's returning to Agrabah to star as Genie!
Michael James Scott as Genie in the Broadway production of Aladdin
Starring as the villainous Jafar will be Adam Murphy, whose evil deeds (and laughter) will be assisted by Aljin Abella as Iago.
Completing the principal cast are Adam Jon Fiorentino, Robert Tripolino and Troy Sussman as Aladdin's friends Kassim, Omar and Babkak, with George Henare as the Sultan.
The coveted role of Princess Jasmine has not yet been cast and will be announced at a later date (presumably along with cast of the ensemble).
Disney Theatrical's Thomas Schumacher was at the theatre for the announcement, saying that Sydney had been chosen as it was a "world theatre capital". Indeed, Sydney has long been Disney's Australian home with Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Mary Poppins all having successful productions there.
Disney aren't the only ones hoping that Aladdin will continue that winning streak. The Lion King's recent production attracted over 600,000 guests and Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres is hoping that Aladdin will do the same, telling The Sydney Morning Herald "It's got such a fantastic track record. It's not just for children, it's for everyone. It's a genuine Broadway comedy, it will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will inspire you. It does all the things that Disney has been doing to families and people around the world for many, many years now."
Tickets will go on sale next March.
Australia is Aladdin's fourth international production (of the new Broadway production) following Japan (now open), Germany (opening December 15th) and the UK (opening Summer 2016) which means there's still at least one more announcement to come!
Jonathan Freeman as Jafar, Photo by Cylla Von Tiedemann or Deen Van Meer
Welcome to another news round up for Disney's Aladdin on Broadway! I'm aware that I've not done one of these for a while so there's a lot to catch up on, but first something to get you all in the festive mood since we've reached December! Here's James Monroe Iglehart putting an Agrabah twist a Christmas classic. And after Thanksgiving Disney Theatrical certainly have a lot to be thankful for as both Aladdin and The Lion King broke house records again during Broadway's highest-grossing Thanksgiving weekend in history! Aladdin pulled in $1,759,955 as it broke the New Amsterdam's house record for the third time (or is it fourth now? I've honestly lost track!)
But before that Broadway World is reporting that Adam Jacobs and James Monroe Iglehart will be on The View this Tuesday morning (9th December) so make sure to check it out!
Continuing the 20th anniversary celebrations of Disney Theatrical NY1 News went behind the scenes at Aladdin to speak with Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed, James Monroe Iglehart and Jonathan Freeman. They also spent time with the touring cast of Newsies attended the opening night of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in San Diego and spoke with the head of Disney Theatrical, Thomas Schumacher.
The Burlington County Times (a New Jersey community newspaper) has a new review of the show. (subscription required)
Broadway World reports that Aladdin's Bud Weber is taking part in an industry reading of Sing Me Home (and also give an email address where you can request complimentary tickets!)
The New Amsterdam Theatre will be host to the 26th annual Gypsy of the Yearon Monday 8th December (4:30pm EST) and Tuesday 9th December (2pm EST) which will celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Wiz. The show will feature special appearances by a number of Broadway stars, including Aladdin's James Monroe Iglehart, and the panel of judges includes Aladdin and Jasmine themselves, Adam Jacobs and Courtney Reed.
Adam Jacobs and James Monroe Iglehart's appearance on Seth Rudetsky's Chatterbox is now on the SethTV website. (subscription required)
Last month Adam Jacobs taught a musical theatre workshop with A Class Act NY and Broadway World has the photos.
And speaking of Adam Jacobs, the readers of Broadway.com recently voted Adam into the Top 10 sexiest men alive on Broadway. Congratulations Adam.
Disney Channel stars Ben Savage and Rowan Blanchard (Girl Meets World) recently went backstage at the New Amsterdam Theatre and met the cast of Aladdin;
The West End rumours keep on coming as the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye wrote last month "the Broadway show Aladdin arrives at the London Palladium in early 2016. The folks at Disney were meeting with Palladium executives this week for another round of discussions that will, eventually, seal a deal." No sources were quoted, not even the usual anonymous Broadway/West End executives/producers that normally get mentioned in reports like this (as happened in January 2013 when Aladdin was first rumoured for Broadway) but with 2 international productions already announced and more confirmed to be coming it's extremely likely that this report is accurate. That said, Baz Bamigboye does lose some credibility when he goes on to state that "Rice wrote the lyrics for the animated film version then worked with Director Casey Nicholaw and other writers on numbers for the stage iteration" as Tim Rice was not involved with the Broadway production of Aladdin nor the earlier Seattle Pilot production in 2011. And when he says "they need to calm it down a bit for London" well, let's just say I respectfully disagree.
Not exactly Aladdin related but the Tuacahn (who staged a fantastic production of Aladdin in 2012) has been nominated in several categories of the 2014 Broadway World Salt Lake City Awards for this year's production of The Little Mermaid including a Best Actress nomination for Heidi Anderson for her portrayal of Ursula. Heidi was Marketing Manager at the Tuacahn during their production of Aladdin and was a big supported of this blog so please take a moment to vote for her and the Tuacahn's production of The Little Mermaid.
And finally Disney Theatrical recently announced a new ticket exchange program for their Broadway shows. Recognising that people these days often have hectic and unpredictable schedules you can now exchange your ticket right up to 2 hours before the performance! Playbill have all the details.
Next week is the final week of the US premiere production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at San Diego's La Jolla Playhouse and if the tweets that have been filling my homepage these last 3 weeks are any indication then it's been an absolutely incredible run and Broadway is almost certainly looming on the horizon after the Paper Mill's run next March.
But don't take my word for it! Here's some more fantastic reviews to tell you just what you're missing if you haven't seen this show! (Big thanks to Alex for sending me a lot of these links!)
Broadway World calls it "a feast for the eyes... and the soul". Disney Examiner says "it's not an exact replica of Disney's film version, but if you're looking for a complex, alternate look at the story, you have to watch this musical production that brings the tale to an epic, darker level." Disney Club of UCLA calls it "unforgettable" stating that "Scott Schwartz's masterful presentation at La Jolla Playhouse has greatly exceeded any preconceived expectations." Neon Tommy calls the show "an absolute triumph" before going on to say "It is tragic, sweet, disturbing, inspiring, and revelatory. The exciting work that La Jolla Playhouse has done to bring this old and classic tale to the stage may finally bring The Hunchback of Notre Dame to the forefront of American theatre on the Broadway stage, and sets the gold standard for musical theatre adaptations to come." Entertainment Today says "there is little doubt that this production of Hunchback will have a long run on Broadway"" and advises readers to see it now during it's San Diego run. Examiner gives the show 5 stars saying it "is both spectacular and a spectacle, and is alive and well." The Guardian also gives the show 5 stars saying it's the show's "newfound complexity that will put this musical right on track to becoming a Broadway hit."
NY1 took a look at the show and spoken with Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz and Scott Schwartz about Hunchback.
Disney's D23 fan club reflects on the recent D23 Member Night at The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
And on a lighter note Hunchback's Samantha Massell and Nora Menken have been posting some unique backstage videos as the girls of Hunchback play the kazoo. Check them out here and here.
