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.
Brad Weinstock, Milo Alosi, and Zach Bencal as Omar, Kassim, and Babkak in Aladdin. Photo by Disney
For the first time in the Broadway show's history Aladdin's trio will take their final bows together as Zach Bencal, Brad Weinstock, and Milo Alosi end their incredible runs as Babkak, Omar, and Kassim today at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre.
These three pals, who are thick as thieves, have played the roles together since the show re-opened on Broadway in September 2021 when Zach Bencal brought his Babkak to New York having originated the role for the original US Tour.
The move to New York reunited him with Milo Alosi who originated role of Kassim for the US Tour before joining the Broadway production in February 2019.
And what can I say about Brad Weinstock? Brad has been Broadway's Omar since February 2016, when he took over from original Omar, Jonathan Schwartz, and is one of the longest serving cast members in the show!
These three have all been with the show for the best part of a decade. I have been blessed to see all them on tour and on Broadway multiple times over the years, and to finally meet them properly earlier this year, and we could not have asked for a greater trio.
To Brad, Milo, and Zach, I hope you have an incredible and emotional final show today. Thank you for everything you have done for this show, for all the laughs and memories over the years, and I wish you all the very best for what comes next. No matter how much you clean up your act and go legit, you'll always be street rats to me. Thanks for all the high adventures.
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.
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!
Clinton Greenspan as Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer
It's a new city and a new star next month as the US Tour of Aladdin moves to Denver with Clinton Greenspan taking on the title role!
Clinton has been with the show and understudied as Aladdin since the tour began last year, now he will make the role his own as he brings everyone's favourite street rat to life.
Speaking with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Clinton said "Aladdin is a story for anyone and all people. Families, students and adults come to see the show for a great time, and they all experience magic in their own ways. But most of all, this is a story of love between Aladdin and Jasmine. The show has these thrilling, magical and colourful elements to it that make it a perfect romantic evening for those with adult sensibilities. Just know that you're going into something unbelievable."
Clinton won't be the only star in Denver as Jay Paranada and Jed Feder are also joining the cast as Aladdin moves to the mile high city. They will star as Iago and Kassim respectively as Reggie De Leon and Mike Longo finish their runs in Los Angeles this weekend.
Welcome to Agrabah everyone! Here's wishing you a magical run! Aladdin opens at the Buell Theatre in Denver on April 7th and runs through April 28th. Tickets are available now.
On Saturday the original cast of London's Aladdin brought audiences to their feet one last time and even Abu the monkey got to make his West End debut as departing star Dean John-Wilson threw Aladdin's little buddy into the crowd of cheering fans before making his final bow.
Today its a whole new world at the Prince Edward theatre as a new cast begins granting wishes in the West End.
Speaking of wishes - leading the company will be Matthew Croke in the iconic title role of Aladdin and this really is a wish come true for our newest star!
Matthew Croke (Aladdin) with Trevor Dion Nicholas (Genie) in rehearsals, Photo by Johan Perrson
And did someone say promotion? Leon Craig (original Standby Genie/Babkak), Miles Barrow and Daniel de Bourg (original ensemble) will be taking on the roles of Aladdin's trio of pals full time as Babkak, Omar and Kassim respectively. I love to see hard work, dedication and talent rewarded so I'm really happy for these guys and excited to see what they bring to the trio next time I see the show.
Matthew Croke (Aladdin), Daniel de Bourg (Kassim), Leon Craig (Babkak) and Miles Barrow (Omar) in rehearsals, Photo by Johan Perrson
Completing new principal cast members is Nick Cavaliere, who will be taking over the role of Jafar's scheming henchman Iago.
Jade Ewen (Jasmine) with Don Gallagher (Jafar) and Nick Cavaliere (Iago) in rehearsals, Photo by Johan Perrson
And joining what is arguably the hardest working ensemble in the West End is Chanelle Anthony, Danny Becker, Cindy Belliot, Filippo Coffano, Nolan Edwards, Sinead Kenny, Travis Kerry, Dann Kharsa, Tarisha Rommick, Joshua Steel, Monica Swayne, Niko Wirachman and Damien Winchester.
Cindy Belliot in rehearsals, Photo by Johan Perrson
Sinead Kenny in rehearsals, Photo by Johan Perrson
Original ensemble member Oliver Lidert will now take on the Standby role for Genie, Babkak and Sultan.
I just want to say a massive congratulations to all the new and promoted cast members and to wish everyone, new cast and original cast alike, the very best for tonight's show. I know it's going to be absolutely magical and I can't wait to get back to London and see you all on that stage! Makes some magic!!
Matthew Croke and Jade Ewen as Aladdin and Jasmine, Photo by Disney
Brandon O'Neill as Kassim with Jonathan Schwartz, Brian Gonzales and the cast of Aladdin
Once a citizen of Agrabah, always a citizen of Agrabah!
There's been a lot of comings and goings recently at New York's New Amsterdam Theatre, with Adam Jacobs and James Monroe Iglehart leaving and Joshua Dela Cruz and Major Attaway stepping up to lead the show. Sometimes illness or injury can leave the cast a little short handed - last year I saw Michael Mindlin really step up and do double duty, playing both Omar and his ensemble role in the same show! And that's what's happened recently, with Steel Burkhardt currently out of the show due to an injury and his understudy Manny Stark (who was a fantastic Kassim when I saw the show last month) leaving to do the tour, Brandon O'Neill returned last week to step in! Yes, the ORIGINAL KASSIM is back!!
I guess this proves you can never be sure that it's a "final" performance as you just never know when someone's going to come home to Agrabah! This just makes me even more hopeful that one day the band will all get back together to do a live recording like the awesome one they did for Newsies last year.
For now you can catch Brandon and James one more time at today's show! So if you're in NYC you know where you need to be!
Everyone's favourite evil sidekick is returning home as Don Darryl Rivera heads back to Seattle to star in The 5th Avenue Theatre's production of Man of La Mancha as Sancho!
And he's not alone! Joining DDR back on The 5th's stage is none other than Aladdin's original Kassim, Brandon O'Neill, as Pedro and fellow Disney Theatrical alum Norm Lewis (The Little Mermaid) in the leading role of Don Quixote!
Don Darryl Rivera along with Sean G. Griffin and Jonathan Freeman in 5th Avenue's Aladdin
Man of La Mancha marks Don Darryl's return to the 5th Avenue for the first time since making his Iago debut there in 2011. Brandon O'Neill has starred in both Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King) and Carousel (Billy Bigelow) at The 5th since returning home from Broadway but this marks the first time the two have shared a stage since 2014!
Brandon O'Neill as the Pirate King in 5th Avenue's Pirates of Penzance
You can read the full cast announcement right here. As always, there's an incredible amount of talent gracing the stage at 5th Avenue for this production! So make sure you don't miss out and grab your tickets now!
I wish I could be there to see this! DDR & Brandon, I hope you both have an incredible time!
Brandon O'Neill with Brian Gonzales & Jonathan Schwartz as Kassim, Babkak & Omar, Photo by Cylla Von Tiedemann
Today is Brandon O'Neill's final adventure in Agrabah. Having originated the role for both Seattle and Broadway, Brandon will take his final bow as Kassim this afternoon at the New Amsterdam Theatre.
Good luck Brandon, and thanks for all the high adventures.
Disney Theatrical announced this week that Steel Burkhardt is to return to Broadway as Aladdin's new Kassim.
Steel is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace and most recently starred in this year's off-Broadway production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. He last appeared on Broadway as Berger in the 2011 revival of Hair (a role he had previously played in London's West End and on the US National Tour) and other stage credits include Murder Ballad, Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me Kate and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Steel will take his first bow as Kassim on Monday December 22nd 2014.
Congratulations Steel, and welcome to the Aladdin family! I wish you a long and happy run in Aladdin and look forward to seeing you bring Kassim to life when I see the show again next year.
Brandon O'Neill, Brian Gonzales & Jonathan Schwartz as Kassim, Babkak & Omar, Photo by Cylla Von Tiedemann
This week Disney Theatrical announced that on Sunday 21st December Brandon O'Neill would take his final bow as Kassim in Aladdin on Broadway.
Brandon has been a part of the Aladdin family since the show's pilot production at The 5th Avenue Theatre in his native Seattle back in 2011. Already cast as Sky Masterson in 5th Avenue's Guys and Dolls, Brandon was initially unavailable to audition for Aladdin but after being the reader in auditions the casting team liked what they saw and asked Brandon to audition for the show. Scheduling conflicts were worked out and the rest, as they say, is history.
If you have chance to see Brandon in Aladdin before he leaves then make sure you take it! December 21st is the last time you will see the complete original Broadway cast of Aladdin and I promise you that it's an experience you'll never forget!
I just want to say a big thank you to Brandon for everything he did for the show, taking the concept of Kassim and, with the creative team and his fellow cast members, turning him into a fully realised character and bringing him to life on stage every night. On a personal note I also want to say thank you for your support these last few years, it's meant a lot.
Brandon, I hope you enjoy your final nights in Agrabah and wish you all the best for your future career. Keep making some magic!
Brandon O'Neill with Brian Gonzales, James Monroe Iglehart, Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Adam Jacobs in the 5th Avenue's Pilot Production of Aladdin, Photo by Chris Bennion
Adam Jacobs and Courtney Reed as Aladdin and Jasmine, Photo by Deen Van Meer
After the exciting news of Aladdin's upcoming Japanese Premiere and a special bonus episode of JMI's I Dream of Genie it's back to business as usual here with another news round up from the magical world of Agrabah.
Firstly, good luck to Marisha Wallace who is appearing in concert today at Illinois' The Little Theatre on the Square!
In the last news round up Adam Jacobs took Business Insider through a day in the life of a Broadway star, this time he talks about how he made it on Broadway and the road to becoming Aladdin.
In the interview Adam expresses an interest in teaching and on 9th November Adam will be taking part in A Class Act NY's Musical Theatre Workshop! The event is currently sold out but it's always worth checking in case a space opens up.
Later this month the New World Stages will play host to the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's 26th Annual Festival of New Musicals. Taking place from 23-24 October the annual event showcases the talents of emerging and established writers in 45 minute presentations featuring the talents of Broadway and off Broadway actors. This year two of the productions feature cast members from Broadway's Aladdin! Beautiful Poison will feature Brandon O'Neill and Stu for Silverton will feature Don Darryl Rivera. Both Brandon and Don made their Broadway debuts with Aladdin earlier this year, so it's great to see their talent being recognised and showcased in events like this! Congratulations to you both!!
Next up is a series of fan made videos where the poster has created model version of the show's sets. You can view the 4 videos at the following YouTube channel. They're pretty cool!
It's been announced that Aladdin will be part of next year's Broadway Student Summit, a program by the Broadway Teaching Group that brings together theatre students and the cast and creative teams of some of Broadway's top shows. Full details haven't yet been confirm but Aladdin's session dates are January 17-19th 2015. Further information can be found here http://www.broadwaystudentsummit.com/
James Monroe Iglehart and Adara Bryan, Photo by Playbill/Monica Simoes
Last Monday James Monroe Iglehart and #MyDreamDuet winner Adara Bryan took part in Celebrity Karaoke. More details and photos can be found at Playbill and, even better, you can check out the videos! James and Adara singing I Want You Back, James and Lena Hall sing Proud Mary and James, Lena Hall, Justin Guarini and Ramin Karimloo sing Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
The Daily Geekette posted a report from last month's Broadway Flea Market including the Aladdin table and the always awesome Don Darryl Rivera!
In 2012 I had the pleasure of seeing Aladdin at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Utah. This year they're doing another Disney musical, The Little Mermaid. I've mentioned this before but now Playbill posted photos from the show. Being an outdoor amphitheatre means that the Tuacahn can do a lot of things that a traditional theatre can't, like flooding the stage to sail a ship across! If you can go I'm sure this production will be every bit as magical as their Aladdin was so it's well worth the trip. Here's a sneak peak;
As you know I'm a huge Disney fan and a huge Alan Menken fan so it should come as no surprise that I'm really looking forward to the upcoming US premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I've mentioned it a few times on this blog (even going so far as to say it has the potential to be Disney's Les Miserables) and with the US premiere now only weeks away, I've decided to add a Hunchback section to these weekly news updates.
It's been a long time coming. The original Berlin production ran from 1999-2002 and a US production has been talked about on and off ever since. Now it's finally real. Like Aladdin and Newsies before it, a Broadway production of Hunchback hasn't been announced but I fully believe that if the upcoming productions at La Jolla Playhouse and Papermill Playhouse do well then Quasimodo will be joining his Disney cousins on the Great White Way.
And this week both Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menken spoke with Playbill about re-imagining Hunchback for stage. What stands out most to me is that for many years fans have speculated that the "trouble" Disney Theatrical have had with bringing Hunchback to America has been that the show (at least as it was in Berlin) is much darker than what is traditionally expected from Disney, yet here Alan is quoted as saying "It's emotionally deeper. We're liberated from needing to ... reach a family audience as we did in animation. Even though I believe this can reach a family audience, this definitely lives much more on the adult side of Hunchback." They also confirm that the stage show has a different ending from the film. Does this mean they're keeping the ending from the Berlin production or is this something new again? We'll have to wait a few more weeks to find out!
In the interview Stephen Schwartz says that this new adaptation will feature about 10 new songs/pieces of songs, some of which come from Der Glockner Von Notre Dame and some of which were written especially for this new production. I'm not even going to begin to speculate on this as the song list on Wikipedia for Glockner is much longer than the cast recording of the show, featuring numerous additional reprises. What I am happy to say is that yesterday Jeremy Scott Lapp, the show's Associate Director, very kindly confirmed that the song Esmerelda is in the show! I am so happy as it's probably my favourite song from the Berlin cast recording! I've listened to it that much I practically hear it in English now.
So in honour of its inclusion I'm going to leave you tonight with a rare English performance of the song (I didn't even know this existed until yesterday!) from Epcot's Encore 2010 - Dream Our Dreams: A Musical Tribute to the Legacy of Disney
The US Premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is at San Diego's La Jolla Playhouse, running October 26th through December 14th 2014, and New Jersey's Papermill Playhouse, running March 4th through April 5th 2015.
This week's Press Day saw a LOT of information released about Disney's Aladdin. In addition to the official First Look video and character portraits there's been a ton of interviews and images coming out from the event. I'll be posting a big round up post this weekend but I couldn't wait to share this video from Broadway World.
The 15 minute video features interviews with stars Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed, James Monroe Iglehart and Jonathan Freeman along with Director and Choreographer Casey Nicholaw and Writer and Lyricist Chad Beguelin. It's a great video and well worth watching, but part way through Casey Nicholaw drops a small bombshell - Babkak, Omar and Kassim are no longer the narrators of the show!!
For those who don't know, Babkak, Omar and Kassim are Aladdin's 3 friends from the streets of Agrabah. The original version of Aladdin was envision by Howard Ashman as much more of a Hope-Crosby road movie with his 3 friends serving as both characters and narrators. During the development of the movie these characters, along with Aladdin's mother and a wealth of Ashman/Menken music, were cut from the film. When developing the show for Broadway the creative team went back to the original vision for Aladdin and restored Babkak, Omar and Kassim as Aladdin's friends and narrators.
Brian Gonzales, Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Brandon O'Neill as Babkak, Omar and Kassim in the 5th Avenue Pilot Production of Aladdin with James Monroe Iglehart and Adam Jacobs as Genie and Aladdin, Photo by Chris Bennion
It stayed that way from the 5th Avenue's Pilot Production back in 2011 right the way through to the recent pre-Broadway run in Toronto. Not any more. According to Nicholaw, whilst Babkak, Omar and Kassim are still Aladdin's friends, in the Broadway production they will no longer be narrators.
This is a pretty major change. As narrators, Babkak, Omar and Kassim consistently broke the 4th wall to joke with the audience and also helped moved the show along as they sang several reprises of Arabian Nights throughout the show. Whilst removing them as narrators won't affect the story it has the potential to make a massive difference to both the tone and the pace of the show.
It also raises several questions;
If the trio are no longer narrators does that mean there is no longer a narrator in the show or has that role been given to the ensemble?
If the whole narrator idea has been cut (or reduced to just the start of the show/lead in to the original Arabian Nights) does that mean that the Arabian Nights reprises are cut?
If the reprises are cut will there be any new songs to replace them? How Quick They Forget maybe, or new material for the lead characters?
Has the cast album been recorded and, if so, was it recorded before or after these changes?
We won't have to wait too long for answers as Broadway previews begin in less than a week! That said, I won't be looking for or posting any plot details here until after the show opens in March. I'm lucky enough to be seeing the show next month and, since it sounds like it's changed a lot since I saw it at the Tuacahn, I want to be surprised. I'll still be covering all the news in the run up though!
Personally, I'm a little sad to hear that Babkak, Omar and Kassim are no longer narrators, I really enjoyed them in that role when I saw the show. That said, all the comments out of Toronto were that the changes made during its pre-Broadway run made the show stronger. I trust the creative team and know that they've done this to make the show better. I can't wait to see what they have in store next month!
"Based on the much loved animated film, Aladdin: The New Stage Musical tells the story of a street-smart commoner whose whole life changes with one rub of a magic lamp. This new Aladdin incorporates all of the beloved songs from the film's Oscar®-winning score plus never-before-heard Menken/Ashman songs restored from early drafts of the score. It marks a return to the authors' original vision: a loving homage to the Hope-Crosby road pictures with a score invoking the jazz sound of stars like Cab Calloway and Fats Waller."
For those who are successful at the auditions (and those of us who want to know when we can expect to hear the first real hints about the new production) the show dates given are;
Rehearsals begin in NYC: Fall 2013.
Playing in Toronto: Early Winter 2013/2014
Rehearsals in NYC: Winter 2014.
Begin performances in NYC: Spring 2014
The principal roles on offer are;
Aladdin
20s, any ethnicity. Clever, resourceful street urchin with a heart of gold; best friends with Babkak, Omar and Kassim; seeks a life beyond the confines of poverty. Soaring bari-tenor voice.
Jasmine
20s, any ethnicity. Intelligent young princess with insight beyond her years and station; seeks a life beyond the confines of privilege. Fantastic belter that can mix through the break to soprano.
Babkak
20s, any ethnicity. Chubby, romantic desert dweller, part of Aladdin’s band; the “Crosby” of this Arabian “Road” picture, although perhaps with a bit more flair. Power tenor.
Omar
20s, any ethnicity. Nervous, thin, reedy desert dweller, part of Aladdin’s band; the “Lamour.” Bari-tenor.
Genie
30s-40s, any ethnicity. Quick-witted, fast-talking, ancient genie who knows all time and place; an old-school song-and-dance man.
Sultan
50s, any ethnicity. Kind-hearted, widowed ruler of Agrabah; gets so caught up in following the law and tradition that he overlooks his daughter Jasmine’s desires and gets swindled by his own vizier.
For those of you who can remember these listings are almost identical to those released for 5th Avenue's Pilot Production back in January 2011. The only additions are "any ethnicity" and the vocal descriptions.
More interesting is who's missing. Namely Jafar, Iago and Kassim.
Back when 5th Avenue's Casting Calls were released only Jafar was missing and the role was famously filled by Jonathan Freeman, making him the first actor from one of Disney's animated classics to bring his own character to life on stage. Obviously nothing has been confirmed (or even rumoured) but my best guess is that Jonathan Freeman will once again be bringing Jafar to life when Aladdin hits Broadway. Now that really would be a wish come true!
Could Jonathan Freeman be bringing Jafar to life on stage once more?
Jonathan Freeman and Don Darryl Rivera as Jafar and Iago in 5th Avenue's Pilot Production
But what about Iago and Kassim? Does this mean that they've already been cast too? In the 5th Avenue's Pilot Production the parts were played by Don Darryl Rivera and Brandon O'Neill and, whilst I'd love to believe that they've both already been confirmed for the roles (they did originate them after all), it seems strange that Disney Theatrical would make the rest of the original cast re-audition if this was the case. Either way, Disney Theatrical clearly has people already in mind for these roles. I can't find any rumours on who they might have approached to play the parts (so I'm going to continue championing the original cast), but if they are recasting then only one name comes to mind - Gilbert Gottfried!
For all the lastest news on the show, including casting, make sure you like the show on Facebook, follow @AladdinBroadway on Twitter and sign up for email updates from the show's official website www.aladdinbroadway.com!
And finally two quick updates from around the web. Firstly The New York Times confirms that Proud of Your Boy WILL be in the show (didn't really doubt it but with the re-writes it's great to have that confirmed) and says that the expected budget for the new production is between $12 and $15 million dollars, which is significantly more than budget of the Pilot Production in 2011. And secondly, Yahoo News' Mark Kennedy has posted an interview with Disney Theatrical's Thomas Schumacher where he says that he wants the show to have a lot of humour and a lot of heart. If it's anything like the production I saw at the Tuacahn last year, it will certainly have both.
If you're in St Louis and planning to see Aladdin: The New Stage Musical you now have just two chances left to see the show before the end of its run! Tickets for tonight and tomorrow are available here.
If you're still undecided here's another review, this one from KDHX, calling Aladdin "everything a stage musical should be" and "a treasure of fun and surprises for everyone".
So if you want to see some live camels...
Eddie Korbich and Jason Graae as Babkak and Omar, Photo by The Muny
Call her a princess...
Samantha Massell as Jasmine with ensemble, Photo by The Muny
Watch some fantastic villains plotting...
Thom Sesma and Curtis Holbrook as Jafar and Iago, Photo by The Muny
Or just see two friends makin' some magic...
Robin de Jesus and John Tartaglia as Aladdin and Genie, Photo by The Muny
Then make sure you grab your tickets now and catch this amazing show before the magic carpet flys away!
Edit - Last night tonight!! I just want to take this opportunity to wish everyone at The Muny all the best for their final show of Aladdin tonight. I hope they've all had a magical time with the show.
Firstly, I want to say a big thank you to Heidi from the Tuacahn for her kind words in the comments of an earlier post, and for advising me that Deanna Dys will be Choreographer for the Tuacahn's production of Aladdin: The New Stage Musical. If you want to know more about Deanna, her past experience and some teases about her work with on Aladdin then be sure to check out this radio interview that the Tuacahn posted on their YouTube channel;
And also make sure you check out the Tuacahn's latest blog post where Todd Dubail (Kassim), Randy Aaron (Omar) and Paul Vogt (Babkak) pose for press photos with some their new co-stars...
Updated - The Tuacahn have very kindly given me permission to post the picture here as well
Todd Dubail as Kassim, Randy Aaron as Omar and Paul Vogt as Babkak, Photo by Tuacahn
As promised the final part of my more in depth look at the Tuacahn's cast of Aladdin: The New Stage Musical;
Paul Vogt is Babkak
Best known for his film and TV work, especially MADtv, Paul actually has an extensive background in live theatre, having starred in a wide variety of productions from musical theatre to Shakespeare, including playing the title role in Sweeney Todd, and of course starring as Edna in Hairspray first in Las Vegas, then on the first regional tour before making his Broadway debut in the role. Paul is no stranger to Disney either, last year appearing in The Muny's production of The Little Mermaid as the sea witch Ursula (in a fantastic nod to Divine's inspiration of the character's design).
Randy Aaron is Omar
A graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Randy has appeared in the national tour of 9 to 5 and a wide variety of regional productions including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Peter Pan, The Tin Pan Alley Rag, Memphis, Dreamgirls, A Chorus Line, Once on this Island, Dame Edna Back with Vengeance, and Junie B. Jones amongst others. Like others in the cast he is no stranger to Disney, having appeared in a regional production of Beauty and the Beast.
Todd Dubail is Kassim
Last seen at the Tuacahn in 2010's production of Tarzan where he played the role of the villain Clayton, this time Todd is playing one of the heroes. Perhaps best known for playing the role of Pharaoh in that national tour Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to much critical acclaim (a role he first played seven years earlier in Elvis' hometown of Memphis!), Todd has also appeared in national tours of Grease, Leader of the Pack and Jesus Christ Superstar as well as in a wide range of regional productions including Ashman and Menken's Little Shop of Horrors.
Bob Walton is the Sultan
A veteran of stage and screen, Bob has previously appeared on Broadway in The Drowsy Chaperone, 42nd Street, Once Upon a Mattress, Show Boat and City of Angels. On TV he has appeared on Law and Order: SVU, Hope and Faith, Picket Fences and Newhart amongst others. In addition to this Bob and his brother Jim having been writing and performing new musicals together since 1991, including My Brother's Keeper, Double Trouble and Mid-Life! (The Crisis Musical). More information on their works can be found at their website here.
And that wraps it up! More information about the rest of the cast and creative team is expected to be annouced shorty so please keep checking back and remember to keep reading the Tuacahn's blog here for all the lastest news and updates direct from the theatre (you can also find the Tuachan on Facebook and follow them on Twitter). Tickets for Aladdin: The New Stage Musical are now on sale and the show runs from June through to October. It's currently breaking Tuacahn sales records so make sure to grab your tickets fast to be sure of a good seat!
Today I am very honoured to be able to present an interview with Brandon O'Neill. Brandon has been extremely busy since originating the role of Kassim in Aladdin: The New Stage Musical last summer, playing the dual role of Mac and Kenneth Ormiston in Saving Aimee and recently concluding his run as Prince Christoper in Cinderella (both at 5th Avenue), and has very kindly taken the time to answer some questions about his career and his time as Kassim.
How did you originally get into musical theatre, and who (or what) would you say have been your biggest influences?
I got into musical theatre on accident. I was a musician first. I moved to Seattle from my hometown of Spokane, WA looking to meet other musicians and start a new band. The first guy I met was a pianist and composer named Rob Knopp who told me he was writing a grunge era rock opera called "Diana Moves". I had no idea what a rock opera was. He invited to sing on the demo recording and then we ended up doing several live readings of the piece around town. I was noticed by several casting directors- including the then Artistic Director at the Village Theatre - Brian Yorkey (Tony Award and Pulizter Prize for "Next to Normal") He encouraged me to give this theatre thing a shot. I listened and within a year I was full time.
As far as influences, musically speaking, they all lie outside of theatre. Artists like Donny Hathaway, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Fred Hammond and Bobby McFerrin are big. Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson are up there as well. As far as acting goes- I always find myself intrigued with guys like Robert Downey Jr., Edward Norton, and Kevin Spacey- men who can transform themselves on screen. The only influences I really have in the theatre are the incredible actors I've had the pleasure of working with over the years. Seattle powerhouses like Allen Fitzpatrick, David Pichette, Peter Crook, Anne Allgood, Amy Thone, and Timothy McCuen Piggee among others.
Do you remember Aladdinfrom its original release? Were you a fan of the film before you got the part?
I absolutely remember Aladdin! He was a Disney hero who kinda looked like me:) I remember trying to do all the voices along with the Genie. And who didn't love Abu?
How did you come to be involved in the Seattle production and what was the audition process like?
Initially, I was officially "unavailable" to audition for Aladdin. I had already been cast as Sky Masterson in the 5th Avenue's production of Guys and Dolls which conflicted with the Aladdin schedule. Granted, a good problem to have, but I was SUPER bummed to not get a shot at a show I was at least "ethnically right" for. (ha ha). The casting director at the 5th was kind enough to let me be the "Reader" in the auditions so at least I could meet the people at Disney and Tara Rubin Casting. After 4 days of auditions, I had read as all of the principal characters including Jasmine. After the final audition I was asked to leave the room. I was then approached by the casting associate and told that they wanted to audition me. Stunned but willing, I was then given 20 minutes to learn a song. I came back and sang and they asked me to stay for the movement call. I must have done alright.
Brandon O'Neill as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls
When did you learn you’d been successful and what was your reaction to the news?
I was on a family vacation when I got the call form the 5th about Aladdin. I couldn't believe they had worked something out with Guys and Dolls. It would mean alot of work on my part- double duty- Guys and Dolls performances at night and Aladdin rehearsals during the day. I actually gave it a week of thought before answering. I didn't want my role as Sky Masterson to suffer. I wanted to be sharp and give my best in both endeavors. With some helpful prodding from friends and family- I accepted, and I'm so glad I did.
What’s it like creating a totally "new" character in such a well loved story?
Creating a new character in a well loved story means you always have to keep the story and tone of the world of the play in mind when making your choices. But otherwise, I found great creative freedom in adding depth to what was already written for Kassim. This sense of freedom to create was most definitely nurtured by the director- Casey Nicholaw and Chad Beguelin, the writer. They dared us to come up with new and funny material. It was also vital that the trio had chemistry. It turned out to be a match made in heaven. Brian Gonzales (Babkak) is one of the funniest and bravest actors I've ever worked with and Andrew Keenan Bolger (Omar) simply emits light and talent everywhere he goes. We became inseparable and relied heavily on one another. A great trust and love was developed over the weeks and we would back each other up with our crazy, stupid ideas. Some of them are permanently written into the script! "STREET RATS ON 3..."
For those of us who can’t make it to Seattle, can you please tell us a bit about Kassim, your approach to the character and his role in the show.
Kassim was written as a streetwise, tough guy with a heart of gold. As part of the trio that replaced Abu, he is at the center of the Narration but he also upholds Abu's mistrust of Aladdin falling for Jasmine. (remembering the scene where Abu bats his eyes at Al and pretends to be Jasmine) Kassim loves the freedom of life on the streets and acts as strategic leader of the 4 Streetrats. They look to him to call the shots, while Aladdin remains the moral leader and central heart and keeps them from too much trouble. Even if he doesn't admit it, Kassim will always give Aladdin's words the most weight.
I wanted to play Kassim as a guy who has seen alot for his age (violence, injustice, heartache, and hunger) but chooses to laugh and live life to the fullest anyway. I kept his world view pretty simple- a fatalism that gives him a foolish sense of invincibility. Life has thrown a lot of crap his way so he doesn't trust many people but those he does trust he loves and protects with fierce loyalty.
Brandon O'Neill as Kassim (right), with Brian Gonzales, James Monroe Iglehart, Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Adam Jacobs
What’s it like working with Alan Menken and bringing to life the lost Howard Ashman songs?
For a man with his resume, Menken is remarkably humble and approachable but I'm not gonna lie, I was in awe anytime he was in the room. His genius is SO apparent. It's truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to do what we did. Bringing songs like "High Adventure" back from the dead and to hear Alan say, "...that's just how it's supposed to sound."
You’re a regular at 5th Avenue, starring in everything from Miss Saigon to Joseph, and you just finished playing the lead in Guys and Dolls before starting Aladdin. How does your experience with Aladdincompare with the other productions you’ve done?
Aladdin may be my all time favorite theatre experience. While the show itself may not have the title of "the perfect musical" like Guys and Dolls, Kassim is probably the most fulfilling role I've ever performed. It just felt "right". On top of that, the cast was exceptional, the music thrilled me every night. I truly hope I get the chance to play the part again.
You’ve just had your official opening night, how’s the show going and how much has it changed since your first preview?
I'll skip this since I'm WAAAAY late. (just so you know- we were changing lyrics everyday -even on opening night)
How do you prepare before a show? Do you have any superstitions or routines that you do before you go on stage each night?
Vocal warm up was a must. We were required to perform in 3 or 4 different singing styles. I also had to perform the Tiger God/Cave of Wonders voice each night so I had to pay close attention to vocal health.
Each night before curtain, I went over the Arabian nights "Bollywood" dance section. Dancing is not my strongest suit and for that number I am DEAD CENTER stage -so I had to be very conscious with my efforts and stay sharp.
What is the most rewarding part of the show for you, and which part do you find most challenging?
Making people laugh was the most satisfying part of the show for me and the "new work" schedule was most challenging.
Looking to the future, do you have any dream roles that you would love to do?
Tons- I haven't been doing this long so my list is long-ish...among others: Sweeney Todd, Billy Bigelow in Carousel, Che in Evita, Aldolpho in Drowsy Chaperone, Kassim on Broadway :)
And finally, looking back over your career so far, do any moments or performances really stand out as something truly special that you’ll always remember?
In 2010 I had the honor of performing songs from the Sondheim canon with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Marvin Hamlisch. That weekend will forever stand out as a turning point in my career. From that moment forward I set my path deliberately towards success in this business whereas before, I felt as I was just stumbling along. My accidental theatre career found purpose.
Brandon, thank you so much for your time. I wish you all the best for the future and I hope to see you playing Kassim on Broadway one day soon!
I would also like to once again thank The 5th Avenue Theatre, not only for arranging this interview, but also for all the help and support that they gave me last year.
Just as I was about to call it a night 5th Avenue kindly pointed me in the direction of a new video on their youtube channel!
Brian Gonzales (Babkak), Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Omar), Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) and Brandon O'Neill (Kassim) performed "Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim" at 5th Avenue's Spotlight Night last week. Replaced by "One Jump Ahead" in the original animated classic when Aladdin's friends were cut from the script, the song was later released in demo form in The Music Behind the Magic collection. It's great to hear this song with all the harmonies!
Interesting to note is that whilst the song has gone through a few changes, it still makes reference to Baghdad as the setting. What this means for Agrabah is currently unclear, but I can't see it being cut from the script completely. Maybe Baghdad is the capital city in the kingdom of Agrabah? Then again, I never saw them adding "Call Me a Princess" back into the story, so what do I know!
