Salaam Worthy Friends! Aladdin Australia Closes International Run in Singapore

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.

Salaam Worthy Friend - Aladdin Bids Farewell to Nikki Long

Nikki Long at Aladdin's Opening Night, Photo from Broadway World by Linda Lenzi

This week Aladdin said goodbye to another original cast member as Nikki Long took her final bow at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

Nikki has been with the show for it's entire journey, from Seattle to Toronto to Broadway as both a Dance Captain and a member of the show's incredible ensemble.

I just want to wish Nikki the very best of luck and to say thank you for everything she has done for the show.

Ending the Tale of Your Poor Balladeer

Michael Arden and Ciara Renee as Quasimodo and Esmeralda, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Tonight the cast of The Hunchback of Notre Dame will take their final bow as the Paper Mill Playhouse's production reaches the end of its run.

Since I posted my review the other day it has sadly been confirmed that this production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame will not be transferring to Broadway.  That doesn't mean it won't come to Broadway someday (Aladdin had it's Pilot Production in 2011 and didn't come to Broadway until 2014 following several additional, non-Disney, regional and international productions) but it won't be making a fast transfer like many, including myself, hoped for.  So this is it.  Two more chances to see this glorious production.  If you can, go.  You'll be glad that you did.

For myself I'm so glad I had the opportunity to see this show.  Michael Arden, Patrick Page, Ciara Renee, Andrew Samonsky, Erik Liberman, everyone in the incredible ensemble and choir, the creative team and everyone who helps bring this show to life, thank you so much for this moving and inspirational piece of theatre.  It's an experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.  Thank you, and all the best for the future, whatever it may hold.

Salaam Worthy Friends - Aladdin Bids Farewell to Marisha Wallace, Bud Weber & Michael James Scott

Marisha Wallace backstage at Aladdin

Bud Weber at Aladdin's Opening Night, Photo from Playbill Vault



 

Michael James Scott at Aladdin's Opening Night, Photo from Broadway World by Linda Lenzi

Today three more original cast members will take their final bow at the New Amsterdam Theatre as the bid the kingdom of Agrabah and Broadway's Aladdin goodbye.

As well as being part of Aladdin's incredible ensemble you may have been lucky enough to see Bud and Marisha in two of the show's main roles as Bud was one of Aladdin's understudies and Marisha was an understudy for Babkak (which I really wish I could have seen).

Michael James Scott was one of the show's amazing Stand Bys and has been on as both Genie and Babkak.  I had the pleasure of seeing Michael as Babkak last year and he gave a fantastic performance.

All three will be back on Broadway later this month as they join Aladdin's
 Director/Choreographer Casey Nicholaw to help him bring a little Something Rotten! to the stage.

I just want to wish all three the very best of luck and say thank you for all that they have done for the show.

Salaam Worthy Friend - Brandon O'Neill Says Goodbye to Aladdin

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.

Brandon O'Neill to Take His Final Bow as Kassim

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