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.
Here's wishing a magical opening night to both Hiba Elchikhe and Leon Craig as they make their debut in the West End's Everybody's Talking About Jamie tonight!
Leon of course played Babkak in London's Aladdin whilst Hiba played Princess Jasmine in the Australian production (a production I sadly never got to see). I hope you both have a wonderful first night and can't wait to see you soon!
Yesterday the cast of London's Aladdin played to a packed audience at West End Live!
If you couldn't make it, or if you just want to re-live the magic, Official London Theatre have posted the full performance for you to enjoy!
You've gotta love Leon, Julian and Daniel wearing shirts that match their Babkak, Omar and Kassim costumes!
West End Live continues today, with Disney's The Lion King at 12:10pm, and Aladdin's own Trevor Dion Nicholas joining a host West End stars to take it home at 4:00pm.
UPDATED!
I'm well overdue adding this! Here's the always amazing Trevor Dion Nicholas from West End Live!
And here's London's original Babkak, Nathan Amzi bringing even more Disney magic to West End Live with Hunchback's 'Out There'
It's Eurovision time again! No, not the one where all the votes are political and we had to bring out Andrew Lloyd Webber to help crack the top 5 (though Jade is now our Jasmine!), the good one, WEST END EUROVISION!
Yes, next month sees the return of Theatre Mad's West End Eurovision in support of the fight against HIV and AIDS. Next month 8 shows will compete to be crowned the winner, but right now you can help Aladdin win best video indent by texting AL to 82727 (texts cost £3 plus standard message costs, Theatre Mad receives 98% of the donation).
You can check out Aladdin's hilarious indent right here;
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
