Welcome to the Lamp Caleb A. Barnett - Broadway's New Genie

 

Caleb A. Barnett as Genie, Photo by Matthew Murphy

There's a new Genie in the lamp today as Broadway welcomes Caleb A. Barnett as Aladdin's new Genie!

Of course Caleb isn't new to granting wishes having been Aladdin's standby Genie since 2023 (his Broadway debut) and now he takes on the role full time following the departure of Broadway's longest serving Genie, Michael James Scott on Sunday.

I just love that Aladdin frequently promotes standbys and understudies into the principle roles and I'm delighted to see Caleb continuing in that tradition.

Caleb, I wish you a magical run and hope that your time as Genie is as magical for you as it will be for all the audiences who are going to see you shine!

End of an Era! Michael James Scott Takes Final Bow as Broadway's Genie

 

Michael James Scott as Genie in Broadway's Aladdin

Today we bid a fond farewell to Michael James Scott. From an original cast standby in Toronto to the longest serving Genie on Broadway and every country in between.

How do you sum up a journey of over a decade?

I've been lucky enough to see Michael as Genie during his short run in the West End, just after the show reopened on Broadway, and, of course, during Broadway's magical 10th anniversary. He has truly made the part his own.

Every time I've seen him, Michael's Genie has been crackling with pure energy as he bounds across the stage, dancing, singing and just radiating a joy that makes you want to stand up and join in. Where does he get all that energy? That's probably the real Genie magic. For over 12 years Michael has brought joy and laughter to Aladdin audiences all around the world. His energy is simply infectious and that smile reaches everyone from the front of the orchestra to the back of the balcony. You just can't help but get swept along by the energy of his performance.

This has been the magic carpet ride of a lifetime. Michael, what can I say? Thank you isn't enough. You have absolutely made the Genie your own and you leave a very large lamp to fill. As you start the next chapter of your journey, on stage and on screen, I wish you all the best and every happiness. Thank you for making so many wishes some true. It has been truly magical and I hope your final show today is everything you could wish for. Happy trails.

The Magic is Back! Aladdin Reopens on Broadway!

 

Michael Maliakel & Shoba Narayan as Aladdin & Jasmine., Photo by Matthew Murphy

"Come on down, come on in, let the magic begin..."

Tonight the magic begins again! After almost eighteen months Disney's Aladdin returns to Broadway, bringing with it that joyful energy that the world needs so much at the moment. Tonight, the historic New Amsterdam Theatre will once again be filled with an audience who loves theatre, with music, laughter, and applause. It will be one of the most exhilarating night's in the show's and the theatre's history.

I just want to wish everyone there tonight the very best of luck for this historic reopening. Whether it's your Broadway debut or if you've been with the show from the beginning. From the ushers and backstage crew to the orchestra and stars on stage. You've all earned this. This is your moment. Enjoy it, savor it, and, most importantly, have fun with it and let your joy radiate from that stage tonight. You deserve every success and I hope your reopening night audience is absolutely wild!

I wish we could be there, supporting you in person, but we are one hundred percent there in spirit and I can't wait to see you all in person in November. I'll make sure to give Friend Like Me a standing ovation when I watch the TikTok live stream tonight!

Make some magic everyone, and may all your wishes come true!

Michael Maliakel as Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Shoba Narayan as Jasmine, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Michael James Scott (Genie), Michael Maliakel (Aladdin) and the Broadway ensemble of Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Aladdin's Broadway Return to Stream 'Friend Like Me' Live on TikTok!

 

Michael James Scott and the cast of Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

Tomorrow night Aladdin returns to Broadway and you can be in the virtual audience as Disney Theatrical will be taking fans back stage during the show before live streaming the pulse pounding extravaganza that is 'Friend Like Me' for everyone enjoy as the magic finally returns to the stage!

This incredible live performance and look behind the scenes will take place on Disney Theatrical's official TikTok page and follows on from the roaring success of The Lion King's 'Circle of Life' live stream when the show returned on September 14th.

According to Broadway World the live stream will begin at 8pm ET/5pm PT when "Aladdin will bring followers backstage during intermission on their reopening night at the New Amsterdam Theatre, culminating in a live performance of 'Friend Like Me'."

I'm assuming the "during intermission" is just an error as 'Friend Like Me' comes during Act One of the show and tomorrow night's reopening performance is scheduled to begin at 7pm so the timing fits perfectly for about half an hour of behind the scenes followed by the live performance.

Since international travel has reopened too late for so many, myself included, to be there in person, I am so grateful that Disney Theatrical are sharing part of this historic night with fans all around the world. The magic is ready to return!

Bigger. Stronger. Fiercer. Michael James Scott is Back as Broadway's Genie!

 

Whilst we'll have to wait a little longer for the full cast announcement, Good Morning America revealed this morning that Michael James Scott will be returning once more as the Genie when Aladdin reopens on Broadway this September!

Appearing in GMA's first in person interview since the pandemic began (!) Michael and The Lion King's L. Steven Taylor discussed how they felt learning Broadway was coming back, what it means for them, Disney's Double the Magic offer, and bringing the light of Broadway back to NYC.

‘GMA3' exclusive: @aladdin and @TheLionKing stars @iamMJScott and L. Steven Taylor share some big news about a Broadway return! #GMA3 pic.twitter.com/xoU5wPN9si

— GMA3: What You Need To Know (@ABCGMA3) May 11, 2021

The magic is back everyone!!

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.

From Aladdin to Hamilton

Tonight, there's going to be a touch of Disney magic in the air at Hamilton as Aladdin's Trevor Dion Nicholas and Travis Kerry join the West End cast of Lin-Manuel Miranda's smash hit musical.

Trevor, who dazzled audiences night after night with his boundless joy and enthusiasm as Genie for the show's entire run, steps into the role of George Washington, the first President of the United States of America. Travis, who joined Aladdin's energetic ensemble in 2017, is now joining the ensemble of Hamilton, trading the high octane production numbers of Agrabah for revolutionary America.

I've been meaning to see Hamilton for a while now, so now I have no excuse! I'm really excited to see Trev in a new show, I'm sure he'll bring the same passion and energy to Washington as he did to Genie and really make the role his own.

Best wishes to both of you, and the rest of the new cast, as you make your debuts tonight!

Major Attaway Returns to Broadway

Major Attaway as Genie, Photo by Matthew Murphy

The Genie Swap is over! Following Michael James Scott's fierce Broadway finale, and fresh from a few months on the road with the US Tour, Major Attaway is back on Broadway!

Major's return reunites him with Clinton Greenspan's Aladdin after Clinton took over the title role earlier this month.

Welcome back Major! Now let's make some magic!!

A Warm Agrabah Welcome to Jonah & Korie as the US Tour's New Aladdin & Genie!

Korie Lee Blossey as Genie and Ensemble, Photo by Deen van Meer

Tonight, Aladdin's US Tour welcomes a new street rat and a new Genie as Jonah Ho'okano joins the cast as our new Aladdin and Korie Lee Blossey takes on the phenomenal cosmic role of Genie as the show opens in North Carolina!

To celebrate, Disney Theatrical have released new production images featuring Jonah and Korie along with their incredible castmates;

Jonah Ho'okano as Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

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

Zach Bencal, Ben Chavez, Jonah Ho'okano & Colt Prattes as Babkak, Omar, Aladdin & Kassim, Photo by Deen van Meer

For Jonah this is his Agrabah debut, whilst Korie has been with the US Tour from the start as Standby Genie and Sultan. I saw Korie a Sultan in LA and he was fantastic, I'm sure he'll be a truly magical Genie. They join a cast featuring Kaenaonalani Kekoa as Jasmine, Patrick R. Brown as Jafar, Reggie de Leon as Iago, Jerald Vincent as Sultan, Zach Bencal as Babkak, Ben Chavez as Omar, and Colt Prattes as Kassim.

Aladdin opens at the Belk Theater tonight and runs through to September 29th. Tickets are available here.

Make some magic everyone!

Michael James Scott - Life In The Lamp

Michael James Scott as Genie, Photo by Deen Van Meer

After traveling with Genie around the world, Michael James Scott is back home on Broadway. And this summer Broadway's Genie took fans behind the scenes at the New Amsterdam Theatre as he hosted Life in the Lamp for Broadway.com.

And now you can relive all of the behind the scenes action from Broadway's most magical musical with every episode;

Episode 1 - Welcome

Episode 2 - Happy Pride

Episode 3 - Holiday Week

Episode 4 - B'Way Friends

Episode 5 - Disney Love!

I love this series! Thank you Michael for sharing part of your Genie life with us all!

5 Genies Celebrate 5 Years

Disney's Aladdin celebrated 5 magical years on Broadway earlier this month and Disney Theatrical couldn't let such an incredible milestone pass uncelebrated!

Yesterday, in a special "Act 3", Genie's past and present gathered to perform a surprise musical medley of Aladdin's famous numbers for an unsuspecting audience. Current Broadway and US Tour Genie's Michael James Scott and Major Attaway were joined by Broadway Stand Bys Juwan Crawley and Deonte L Warren, and the man who started the magic - Broadway's original Genie James Monroe Iglehart! And James finally got his ballad!

Oh how I wish I could have been in the audience for this! I was grinning ear to ear with pure joy.

Following the special performance cast past and present united to celebrate the show's anniversary and the incredible journey so far.

Here's to five magical years, and, as James said, "see you at the tenth anniversary y'all!"

A Warm Agrabah Welcome (Back!)

Ainsley Melham, Michael James Scott and the cast of Aladdin

Tonight, Broadway welcomes a new Aladdin. Having originated the part for the Australian production, Ainsley Melham is making his Broadway debut in the title role of Aladdin! Joining the cast at the New Amsterdam reunites Ainsley with his original Jasmine, Arielle Jacobs, and with his original Genie, Michael James Scott.

Michael made his own triumphant return to the Broadway show last Friday, having starred as the Genie all around the world and on the US Tour.

And he's not the only star of the US Tour who's come to Broadway! Mike Longo, the US Tour's original Kassim, makes his Aladdin Broadway debut tonight!

Michael James Scott is playing a strictly limited run as Genie from now until September 15th so make sure you see him whilst you have the chance! He was fantastic when I saw him in London last year!

I just want to wish all three (and the rest of the amazing cast, some of who are now in their 5th year!) magical runs on Broadway! May all your wishes come true.

It's an Aladdin Australia Reunion! Broadway Cast Change Announced!

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!

Mike Longo as Kassim in Aladdin's US Tour, Photo by ecdiiiphoto

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!

The Genie is Taking Over Instagram!

Trevor Dion Nicholas as Genie, Photo by Deen Van Meer

The Genie is here!

Or at least he will be tomorrow!

Trevor Dion Nicholas is taking over Aladdin's West End Instagram at 1pm (that's 8am for all you New Yorkers!) and answering your questions.

The take over will be happening right here - https://www.instagram.com/aladdinlondon/ - so make sure you check it out.  Maybe you'll even have your wish granted.

Genie Swap!

Trevor Dion Nicholas' lamp is all packed and ready to head back home to Pittsburgh this summer!

For a limited time only, the West End's original Genie is trading places with the US Tour's incredible Michael James Scott so that he can bring this iconic character to life in his home town.

Speaking about the move Trevor said, "My time here in the West End has been absolutely incredible so far, and I am beyond proud to call London my new home. Still, being presented with the chance to perform this phenomenal show as Genie in Pittsburg is something I cannot pass up.  In a city so close to where I grew up, having an audience full of family and friends, is another dream come true."

Michael James Scott, who's journey mirrors Trevor's from Broadway standby to leading an international production, is just as excited to be switching lamps! Saying "Playing this iconic role of Genie has taken me all over the world, something I never even dreamed of. My 'Genie Brother' Trevor Dion Nicholas has raved about his time in London, so to be a part of this awesome Genie swap and return to play the West End again is an enormous Genie-sized gift. I just can't wait!"

I just love that Disney Theatrical gives its cast members opportunities like this, allowing them to switch between productions so they can play their home towns. It's an amazing gift, not just to the actors but to their friends and families as well.

The US Tour of Disney's Aladdin is currently playing in Philadelphia, with stops in Boston and Buffalo this summer. Trevor will join the tour for it's runs in Pittsburgh from August 22nd - September 9th, Atlanta from September 12th - 23rd and New Orleans from September 26th - October 7th!

Michael James Scott is joining the West End production of Aladdin from August 17th - September 30th.

And here's the announcement from the Genie himself!

🇺🇸 here I come! #GenieExchange #Pittsburgh #Atlanta #NewOrleans pic.twitter.com/Hprtl8ox65

— Trevor Dion Nicholas (@astonishingtrev) 14 June 2018

US audiences are in for an incredible treat when this home town superstar hits the stage of the Benedum Center later this year!  And I can't wait to finally see Michael James Scott as Genie!  He was sensational as Babkak when I saw him in the original Broadway production and I missed him in LA earlier this year, so I'm really excited to see what he brings to the role!

Aladdin Opens in Hollywood!

Michael James Scott as Genie, Photo by Michael James Scott

Tonight Aladdin opens in the one place that might have more glitz and glamour than Agrabah - Hollywood!  Finishing the first year of its US Tour in style, Aladdin is making the Hollywood Pantages Theatre its home from now until 31st March.

Did someone say reunion?!  Fresh from his incredible run as Genie in Australia, Michael James Scott is back in the US and back in blue as he takes on the role once again for the Tour's Hollywood run!  And, of course, Courtney Reed, is playing her final weeks as Jasmine on tour with her original Aladdin, Adam Jacobs, from 13th January to 18th February (I still can't put in to words how happy I am that these two will be back together for her final shows!)

Whilst Courtney is in LA, Isabelle McCalla will be making her Broadway debut as Jasmine!!!  Congratulations Isabelle!!

The Tour has been on fire so far and this Hollywood run promises to simply magical!  So make sure you don't miss out and get your tickets now.

Here's wishing everyone involved with the show an incredible run and a magical opening tonight!

Gareth Jacobs is Australia's New Genie

Gareth Jacobs as Genie, Photo by Disney

Just a quick post to say a (belated) warm Agrabah welcome to Australia's newest Genie - Gareth Jacobs!!

Gareth took over the role on 19th December. Here's wishing him a long and magical run!

Casting Announced for Disney's Live Action Aladdin at D23

There's always big news out of Disney's D23 Expo and this year certainly didn't disappoint as Disney Studios officially announced the stars of Guy Ritchie's live action Aladdin to a packed Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Centre yesterday.

Mena Massoud will be bringing to life my favourite Disney hero in the title role, Naomi Scott will be Princess Jasmine and Will Smith be the Genie.

First impressions?  I've got to say I really happy with this cast.

Full disclosure - it's no secret I've championed Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed and James Monroe Iglehart for these roles.  Heck, I've been shouting it all over Twitter since The Hollywood Reporter's claims that Disney was struggling to find its Aladdin and Jasmine last week.  I stand by that 100%.  I've followed them in these roles for 6 years, from Seattle to Broadway, and they are perfect to me.  I always knew it was a crazy long shot but it was a beautiful dream.  And I'll still continue to champion Jonathan Freeman and Don Darryl Rivera as Jafar and Iago until those castings are revealed.  But just because my dream castings weren't chosen doesn't mean I can't be happy with the people who were cast.

So let's start with Aladdin and Jasmine.  What excites me the most about Mena Massoud being cast as Aladdin is one simple thing - I've never heard of him.  I know that sounds crazy but it really is.  Because this means he's been cast for one simple reason, Disney believe he's the right man for the job.  Heck, they even delayed production trying to find him as filming was originally due to start this month!  The same goes for Naomi Scott.  Outside of this year's Power Rangers movie (which I actually really enjoyed) she's unknown.  Disney have made good on their promise from earlier this year and cast newcomers rather than stars, cast on ability rather than name.

Now, this is a musical just like Beauty and the Beast was, so the first thing I do whenever Disney announce the cast for these live action remakes is search for videos of the new stars singing.  Normally you can at least find something but you try searching for Mena Massoud videos - the first five pages on Google are all just video news/reactions to the Aladdin casting.  I did manage to find his acting demo reel (I'm not the best at judging based on short scenes but I think he shows a good range) but nothing of him singing.  This worried me when Emma Watson was cast in Beauty and the Beast but it doesn't with Mena Massoud.  He wasn't cast for his name, so if he couldn't sing he wouldn't have got the job.  Plus, Naomi Scott can sing!  Like, seriously sing.  Check out her YouTube channel!  There's no way they're casting an Aladdin who can't vocally match with Jasmine.  If she's a strong singer then I'm sure he is to.

So, yeah, I'm really excited by these two and can't wait to see them in costume and hear something of them singing together.

And now the announcement that seems to have split the internet.  After months of rumours it's finally official, Will Smith is the Genie.  And I think he'll be great.

Let's get one thing straight, he's not Robin Williams.  No one is.  No one is ever going to replace or replicate that iconic performance.  But he won't play it like Robin Williams.  When recreating the Genie for Broadway, James Monroe Iglehart was given the freedom to put his own spin on it, bringing the character closer to his original Fats Waller/Cab Calloway inspiration he maintained the spirit of the character Robin created whilst creating something new and uniquely his own that saw him take home a Tony Award for the role.

As long as Will Smith is given this same freedom, to truly make Genie his own whilst honouring the spirit of what Robin created, then I believe he could do something equally special with the role.  The man oozes star power and charisma, for all the movie's flaws he (along with Margot Robbie) pretty much carried Suicide Squad and even succeeded in making Deadshot a more likable character than Superman in the DCEU.  Plus, he can sing.  Genie was always going to be a big name, especially once it was confirmed Disney wanted unknowns for Aladdin and Jasmine.  Will Smith brings that star power to the movie but also has the skills to do a good job with the role as long as he's allowed to make it his own.

Now the waiting begins and it's gonna be a long one.  Disney revealed their production slate through to 2019 yesterday and Aladdin wasn't on it.  That means this movie is likely to be a 2020 release!  Best start saving for 2019's D23 as that's likely where we'll get a first look!

Major Attaway and Clifton Davies to Star in A Broadway Musical at 54 Below

Major Attaway as Genie

The amount of times I write about 54 Below I swear that place must be a home away from home for the Aladdin cast!

On July 16th Major Attaway and Clifton Davies will be trading Agrabah for New York as they bring to life Strouse and Adams' "lost" work A Broadway Musical at Broadway's favourite supper club.

According to Playbill A Broadway Musical had a rocky road to Broadway (with both cast and creative changes following its out of town preview run) and closed on its opening night in New York!  Joining our two Aladdin stars will be a cast of new talent and veterans of the original one night wonder original cast, recreating their original roles for another one night only performance.

It's always a treat to see Aladdin's incredible cast sink their teeth into new material and the addition of cast members from original production of the show mean this is sure to be a night to remember.  Tickets are available now from 54 Below.

Clifton Davis as Sultan, Photo by Walter McBride

Trevor Dion Nicholas to Premiere What's On Stage Live Solo Concert Series!

Hot off his incredible West End Live performance and the release of Neighbourhood Goliath's debut album last month (not to mention his What's On Stage Award winning day job as Aladdin's sensational Genie) Trevor Dion Nicholas will premiere the brand new What's On Stage Live tomorrow night!

Described by What's On Stage as intimate events that offer the chance to hear exclusive performances from some of the top West End talent, What's On Stage Live will also offer guests the opportunity to take part in special Q&A sessions with the stars during the evening.

Taking place at Above the Arts Studio Theatre (which, as its name suggests, is located above the Arts Theatre in central London) tomorrow's special event will begin at 7:30pm and you can get tickets right here!

I wish everyone going an incredible time, Trev is an amazing performer and a wonderful guy so I know this is going to be an unforgettable evening.