End of an Era! Adam Jacobs Says Salaam to Aladdin!

Adam Jacobs as Aladdin on Broadway's Opening Night, Photo by Walter McBride/Broadway World

So this is it.  After an incredible seven year run from Seattle to Broadway and beyond, Adam Jacobs bid farewell to Aladdin on Saturday as he and the cast brought their incredible run at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre to a close.

Adam has been with the show from the very beginning.  In fact, if you count the 2010 workshops then his seven year run becomes an eight year epic adventure as he saw both this character and this show from concept to stage.  This magical show simply wouldn't be the same without him.  It's a journey he shared with his Jasmine, Courtney Reed, who was also part of those early workshops, so it was only fitting that the original Aladdin and Jasmine were reunited on stage last month as Courtney finished her own Agrabah adventures.

After all the wishes that Adam has made come true with this show, it was only fitting that Adam was presented with his very own magic lamp as the cast and crew gathered to sing him happy trails after his final bow as Disney's heroic street rat.

I was blessed to be in the audience for Adam's final Broadway performance last year.  I honestly thought that would be the last time I saw him as Aladdin.  I will be forever grateful that fate intervened and I got to see him again last month.  I know I have said this before, but it truly has been a privilege and a joy to see Adam grow in this role over the last 4 years, and Adam I am so grateful for all your support over the years, it's appreciated more than I can say.

Adam, I wish you all the very best for your future, whatever lies in store, but for now I wish you "a well earned rest", you've earned it!  I hope our paths will cross again.  Whatever happens, you will always be a prince to me.

Salaam Worthy Friend! Reggie DeLeon Says Goodbye to Iago

Reggie De Leon as Iago

This Saturday saw Aladdin finish it's incredible Los Angeles run at the Hollywood Pantages, bringing to an end the tour's first year and, sadly, Reggie De Leon's run as Iago.

I was lucky enough to see Reggie as Iago last month and he was incredible in the role.  I loved his take on the character, as I am sure countless others have over the last year.

Reggie, I hope you've enjoyed your time in Agrabah!  Here's wishing you all the best for the future!

Adam Jacobs to take Final Bow in Los Angeles

Adam Jacobs as Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

This is it.  The end of an era.  After originating the title role in workshops and the Seattle Pilot production, leading the Broadway company for three years and the national tour for a year, Adam Jacobs will take his final bow as Aladdin this weekend.

It's been an incredible run and I am so grateful to have seen Adam bring my childhood hero to life on stage.  Every time I thought he couldn't get any better and he'd just prove me wrong the next time.  I can't wait to see where he goes next, because I know I don't want to miss it!

For now though, make sure you catch Aladdin at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre this week!  It's your last chance to see Broadway's original Aladdin bringing this Disney hero to life and it's going to be truly magical.

Together Again!

Courtney Reed & Adam Jacobs as Jasmine & Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Happy Hollywood debut Courtney!!

Yes, Adam & Courtney are together again as Aladdin & Jasmine once more! And yes, this makes me insanely happy! I can't think if a better way for Courtney to end her run than with her original Aladdin :)

Make sure you catch them together while you can!

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!

Courtney Reed to Fly Beyond These Palace Walls in 2018

Courtney Reed as Jasmine, Photo by Angelo Soriano

To paraphrase the Sultan, "I always knew this day would come. Now I'm afraid that it has come all too soon."

Aladdin is saying goodbye to an original cast member next month as Courtney Reed will play her final Broadway performance on Wednesday January 10th.

But just because Broadway is saying goodbye to Courtney next month doesn't mean she's saying goodbye to Jasmine just yet as she's heading to LA to spend her final weeks with Jasmine on tour with her original Aladdin!!



Adam Jacobs & Courtney Reed, Photo by Disney

Yes, Adam and Courtney will be reunited on the magic carpet one last time as she joins the touring cast in Los Angeles for her final month from January 13th - February 18th!

Courtney and Adam have played these iconic characters with each other since the early work shops in 2010 right through to earlier this year when Adam left the Broadway cast to headline the National Tour so as heart broken as I am to see Courtney leaving the show, I'm overjoyed to learn that she'll be spending her final weeks as Jasmine with Adam on the tour.  It just feels right that she ends her run with him after all these years.

But that's not all!  Joining Adam and Courtney in LA will be none other than Michael James Scott!  Fresh off his incredible run as Australia's Genie, Michael is all set to join his original co-stars as Genie!  Talk about a reunion!  Michael will be with the tour for the entire Los Angeles run from 10th January through 31st March.

Whilst Courtney is reuniting with Adam in Los Angeles, Isabelle McCalla will be making her Broadway debut as Jasmine from 17th January through to 18th February before returning to the National Tour.


Courtney, I wish you all the very best for your final months as Jasmine.  I hope you've loved playing her as I have seeing you bring her to life.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for you as you fly beyond these palace walls.