Salaam Worthy Friend - Michael Maliakel Bids Farewell to Aladdin

 

Michael Maliakel as Aladdin, Photo by Michaelah Reynolds/Theatrely

I can't believe this day is here already. Tonight, Michael Maliakel will take his final bow at the New Amsterdam Theatre as he brings his historic run as Aladdin to a close.

Michael took over the title role when Aladdin re-opened on Broadway on September 28th, 2021 and has led the cast from the joy of that return, through the turbulence of that first winter, to the heights of this year's 10th anniversary (a long overdue write up of which is coming soon, I promise!).

I've had the joy of seeing Michael perform as Aladdin three times over his three years with the show. First in December 2021, just after the show had re-opened, and then twice this year for the 10th anniversary.

When I first saw him, Michael was already a fantastic Aladdin, but seeing him again this year I was blown away by just how much he had grown into the role and some of the subtle choices he made with his performance. He truly made the part his own.

I always wish that people could stay with the show forever, but part of the beauty of live theatre is that it exists in the moment, that every performance is unique and over time you get to see how the show grows and changes with every cast member who steps out onto that stage.

Michael leaves some incredibly big shoes to fill, and I am excited to see what comes next for both him and the show.

Michael, thank you for all the high adventures these last 3 years. They have been truly magical.

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 Friends - Telly Leung & Steel Burkhardt Take Final Bows on Broadway

Telly Leung as Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Another era has come to an end, as Broadway's second Aladdin bids farewell to Agrabah.

Today Telly Leung and Steel Burkhardt will both take their final bows at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre. Telly, who took over from original Aladdin Adam Jacobs, has been with the show since 2017, whilst Steel, who took over the role of Kassim from Brandon O'Neill, has been part of the show since 2014!

Steel Burkhardt as Kassim, Photo by Steel Burkhardt

Speaking with Playbill earlier this week, Telly said "Being a part of this beautifully talented, diverse, dynamic company at The New Am has been pure joy for me. I want to thanks Casey for the opportunity, and Tom and Anne at Disney for letting me lead this company these last two years. It's been a privilege and an honor. I will miss all the citizens of Agrabah, and I will definitely miss this beautiful show that gives such magic and happiness to 1,700 people a night. What a ride! A magic carpet ride I will never forget."

For my part, I wish I could have seen Telly in the role. From everything I have seen, I know he's been an incredible Aladdin who has truly done the show proud. Steel, I have been lucky enough to see several times and I know he's an incredible performer who has been an integral part of the show for over four years. I just want to say thank you to you both, for everything you have given to these characters and to Aladdin.

I wish you both the very best for the future. Thanks for all the high adventures, and here's to many more to come!

Salaam Worthy Friends! 15 Original Cast Take Final Bows at London's Aladdin

The cast of London's Aladdin, Photo by Johan Perrson

All good things must end and tomorrow night fifteen members of Aladdin's original London cast will be taking their final bow at the Prince Edward Theatre, including Aladdin himself, Dean John-Wilson.

Also departing are Aladdin's fantastic trio, Nathan Amzi, Stephen Rahman-Hughes and Rachid Sabitri, Peter Howe's villainous Iago and the insanely talented ensemble members Ivan de Freitas (Razoul), Seng Henk Goh, Michelle Chantelle Hopewell (Attendant/Fortune Teller), Ethan Le Phong, Thierry Picaut, Alex Pinder, Briony Scarlett, Katie Singh, Dawnita Smith and Marsha Songcome.

I just want to wish everyone all the best for tomorrow's final shows and whatever the future has in store.  I can't wait to see you all making magic one last time tomorrow afternoon.  Thanks for all the high adventures!

Salaam Worthy Friend - Arielle Jacobs Says Goodbye to Aladdin

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!

Salaam Worthy Friend - Adam Kaokept Bids Farewell to Aladdin

Adam Kaokept in Broadway Aladdin, Photo by Angelo Soriano

It's always a sad day when someone leaves the Aladdin family and last night Adam Kaokept took his final bow on the New Amsterdam's stage.

Adam made his Broadway debut in Aladdin and has been with the show since it first opened on Broadway, playing in over 1,000 performances and bringing joy and laughter to over 1 million guests.

I just want to wish Adam the very best of luck for the future and say thanks for all the High Adventures!

Salaam Worthy Friend - Jonathan Schwartz Says Goodbye to Aladdin

Jonathan Schwartz, Brandon O'Neill, Brian Gonzales and the cast of Aladdin, Photo by Disney

Whilst there's been no official cast change announcement from Disney Theatrical, Aladdin's Instagram account this week posted a rehearsal photo which several cast members quickly reposted welcoming new cast members with hashtags for Genie and Omar.  You can see our new stand by Genie (replacing Trevor Dion Nicholas who is coming to open the show in London) and Omar in the photo.

That means that today is Jonathan Schwartz's final performance as Omar!  Jonathan originated the role for this new Broadway production and has brought Omar to life for over 700 performances, bringing smiles and laughter to over 1 million guests!

Good luck Jonathan (and any other citizens of Agrabah who may also be taking their final bow this afternoon), enjoy your final high adventure!  Thank you for everything and I wish you all the best for whatever the future may hold.
 

Jonathan Schwartz, Brandon O'Neill and Brian Gonzales, Photo by Cylla Von Tiedemann