End of an Era! Michael James Scott Takes Final Bow as Broadway's Genie

 

Michael James Scott as Genie in Broadway's Aladdin

Today we bid a fond farewell to Michael James Scott. From an original cast standby in Toronto to the longest serving Genie on Broadway and every country in between.

How do you sum up a journey of over a decade?

I've been lucky enough to see Michael as Genie during his short run in the West End, just after the show reopened on Broadway, and, of course, during Broadway's magical 10th anniversary. He has truly made the part his own.

Every time I've seen him, Michael's Genie has been crackling with pure energy as he bounds across the stage, dancing, singing and just radiating a joy that makes you want to stand up and join in. Where does he get all that energy? That's probably the real Genie magic. For over 12 years Michael has brought joy and laughter to Aladdin audiences all around the world. His energy is simply infectious and that smile reaches everyone from the front of the orchestra to the back of the balcony. You just can't help but get swept along by the energy of his performance.

This has been the magic carpet ride of a lifetime. Michael, what can I say? Thank you isn't enough. You have absolutely made the Genie your own and you leave a very large lamp to fill. As you start the next chapter of your journey, on stage and on screen, I wish you all the best and every happiness. Thank you for making so many wishes some true. It has been truly magical and I hope your final show today is everything you could wish for. Happy trails.

The Magic is Back! Aladdin Reopens on Broadway!

 

Michael Maliakel & Shoba Narayan as Aladdin & Jasmine., Photo by Matthew Murphy

"Come on down, come on in, let the magic begin..."

Tonight the magic begins again! After almost eighteen months Disney's Aladdin returns to Broadway, bringing with it that joyful energy that the world needs so much at the moment. Tonight, the historic New Amsterdam Theatre will once again be filled with an audience who loves theatre, with music, laughter, and applause. It will be one of the most exhilarating night's in the show's and the theatre's history.

I just want to wish everyone there tonight the very best of luck for this historic reopening. Whether it's your Broadway debut or if you've been with the show from the beginning. From the ushers and backstage crew to the orchestra and stars on stage. You've all earned this. This is your moment. Enjoy it, savor it, and, most importantly, have fun with it and let your joy radiate from that stage tonight. You deserve every success and I hope your reopening night audience is absolutely wild!

I wish we could be there, supporting you in person, but we are one hundred percent there in spirit and I can't wait to see you all in person in November. I'll make sure to give Friend Like Me a standing ovation when I watch the TikTok live stream tonight!

Make some magic everyone, and may all your wishes come true!

Michael Maliakel as Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Shoba Narayan as Jasmine, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Michael James Scott (Genie), Michael Maliakel (Aladdin) and the Broadway ensemble of Aladdin, Photo by Matthew Murphy

The Road Back to Broadway

 

Last night the new cast of Aladdin performed in front of a full audience for the first time at their invited dress rehearsal. Tomorrow night the show will officially reopen and after almost eighteen months Broadway's most magical musical will be back! So I thought today would be the perfect time to look back on some of this year's road back to Broadway.

It began this summer, when Disney officially returned to Broadway with Live at the New Am, relighting the marquee of the New Amsterdam Theatre for an incredible concert benefiting The Actors Fund. For four nights from July 22-25, Disney Theatrical stars Michael James Scott (Aladdin), Ashley Brown (Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins), Josh Strickland (Tarzan), and Kissy Simmons (Frozen) brought the magic of Disney music back to the Broadway stage with hits from Disney Theatrical's entire catalog over the last two and a half decades.

The show opened with Hercules's 'A Star is Born' (hopefully a hint that Disney plans a Broadway run for the show in the future)

And then went on to feature this incredible impromptu moment as two Genie's shared the New Amsterdam spotlight for the first time since Aladdin's 5th anniversary!

The audience lost it and I know I would have been crying tears of joy to have witnessed that incredible moment! Broadway was back!

And this month things really heated up as Broadway began reopening. First, Michael Maliakel and Michael James Scott took part in Bloomingdale's Celebrates Broadway on September 9th. It was Michael Maliakel's first public performance representing Aladdin and it's safe to say he did the show proud. I've not been able to find a full video of the event but this video features some highlights from the event (Aladdin starts at 6:58)

Next was Playbill's Curtain Up event on September 19 where Michael and Shoba Narayan performed 'A Whole New World' together for the first time and it sounded just as beautiful as you'd hope.

And finally, on September 23rd Jacob Dickey took to the stage at Broadway in Bryant Park (so happy that's back!!) to perform 'Proud of Your Boy'.

Now, the wait is finally over as tomorrow the magic returns! And Disney Theatrical are live streaming the always incredible 'Friend Like Me' so that fans around the world can share in the joy as Aladdin returns to its rightful home in the New Amsterdam Theatre. Your Broadway wish is, finally, granted.

Aladdin's Broadway Return to Stream 'Friend Like Me' Live on TikTok!

 

Michael James Scott and the cast of Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

Tomorrow night Aladdin returns to Broadway and you can be in the virtual audience as Disney Theatrical will be taking fans back stage during the show before live streaming the pulse pounding extravaganza that is 'Friend Like Me' for everyone enjoy as the magic finally returns to the stage!

This incredible live performance and look behind the scenes will take place on Disney Theatrical's official TikTok page and follows on from the roaring success of The Lion King's 'Circle of Life' live stream when the show returned on September 14th.

According to Broadway World the live stream will begin at 8pm ET/5pm PT when "Aladdin will bring followers backstage during intermission on their reopening night at the New Amsterdam Theatre, culminating in a live performance of 'Friend Like Me'."

I'm assuming the "during intermission" is just an error as 'Friend Like Me' comes during Act One of the show and tomorrow night's reopening performance is scheduled to begin at 7pm so the timing fits perfectly for about half an hour of behind the scenes followed by the live performance.

Since international travel has reopened too late for so many, myself included, to be there in person, I am so grateful that Disney Theatrical are sharing part of this historic night with fans all around the world. The magic is ready to return!

Cast Announced for Aladdin's Broadway Return!

 

The wait is almost over! After 18 months the magic is finally coming home to Broadway and today Disney Theatrical announced the cast who will be bringing Aladdin to life when the show reopens at the historic New Amsterdam Theatre next month!

First up is our brand new Aladdin, Michael Maliakel (The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary Tour) who will be making his Broadway debut as everyone's favourite street rat! Joining him on the magic carpet is Shoba Narayan (Wicked, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812) as Broadway's new Jasmine!

Returning to grant more wishes is, of course, Agrabah's fiercest Genie, and the only man to play the role in every English language production of the show, Michael James Scott!

Also returning is everyone's favourite villainous duo - Jonathan Freeman and Don Darryl Rivera as Jafar and Iago! Jonathan and DDR have been with the show since the very beginning, all the way back to the world premiere in Seattle, so I'm delighted to see them returning to these iconic roles!

JC Montgomery returns as the Sultan, a role he originated for the US Tour before taking over on Broadway in 2018.

Milo Alosi and Brad Weinstock are returning as Kassim and Omar, and joining them for some high adventures is Zach Bencal as Babkak! Zach originated the role for the US Tour so I'm incredibly excited for him to make his Broadway debut in the role when the show reopens next month.

Also transferring from the Tour to Broadway is Frank Viveros as standby for Genie, Sultan, and Babkak. He will be joining returning standbys Dennis Stowe (Jafar/Sultan) and Juwan Crawley (Genie/Sultan).

Aladdin's incredible ensemble will feature Tia Altinay (who has been with the show since the world premiere in Seattle), Mary Antonini, Netanel Bellaishe, Michael Callahan, Mike Cannon, Matthew deGuzman, Jacob Dickey, Mark DiConzo, Olivia Donalson, Josh Drake, Samantha Farrow, Jacob Gutierrez, Heather Makalani, Stanley Martin, Paul HeeSang Miller, April Holloway, Amber Owens, Jaime Kasey Patterson, Bobby Pestka, Ariel Reid, Tyler Roberts, Jaz Sealey, Charles South, Angelo Soriano, and Katie Terza.

It's an exciting mix of new and familiar faces, and I can't wait to see them all bringing that joyous energy back to the New Amsterdam stage! So please join me in wishing them all a very warm welcome/welcome back, and a massive congratulations to all of the new members of the Aladdin family, especially those making their Broadway debut during this historic return!

One of the best parts about new castings is seeing those joining the cast sharing their reactions to the news. So here's our new Aladdin, Jasmine, and Babkak in their own words!

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A post shared by Michael Maliakel (@michaelmaliakel)

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A post shared by Shoba Narayan (@shoba_narayan)

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A post shared by Zach Bencal (@zbencal)

Aladdin will begin granting wishes once more on September 28th. Tickets are on sale now.

Bigger. Stronger. Fiercer. Michael James Scott is Back as Broadway's Genie!

 

Whilst we'll have to wait a little longer for the full cast announcement, Good Morning America revealed this morning that Michael James Scott will be returning once more as the Genie when Aladdin reopens on Broadway this September!

Appearing in GMA's first in person interview since the pandemic began (!) Michael and The Lion King's L. Steven Taylor discussed how they felt learning Broadway was coming back, what it means for them, Disney's Double the Magic offer, and bringing the light of Broadway back to NYC.

‘GMA3' exclusive: @aladdin and @TheLionKing stars @iamMJScott and L. Steven Taylor share some big news about a Broadway return! #GMA3 pic.twitter.com/xoU5wPN9si

— GMA3: What You Need To Know (@ABCGMA3) May 11, 2021

The magic is back everyone!!

Disney Family Singalong, Disney on Broadway 25th Anniversary Concert and More Bring Joy Amdist Ongoing Lockdowns

As the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak sees much of the world remain on lockdown, the theatrical community has pulled together to provide some light and joy in these dark times. From Instagram live chats and concerts to dance choreography lessons and even full shows, the theatrical community has shown that the show will always go on as they keep a song in our hearts.

As part of ABC's "Day of Hope" last week, Disney Theatrical stars past and present, including Aladdin's James Monroe Iglehart and Michael James Scott, joined together to perform Alan Menken and David Zippel's Go The Distance in honour of all of those on the frontlines of the pandemic.

Tonight, James Monroe Iglehart will reunite with the cast of Broadway's Aladdin to lead them in the show stopping Friend Like Me as part of ABC's Disney Family Singalong at 8pm Eastern. They will be joined by an all star celebrity line up singing some of the most beloved songs in the Disney canon to bring the magic of music into your homes.

Then, tomorrow night, Broadway Cares will be presenting a special presentation of last year's 25th anniversary concert. Recorded live last November, the concert celebrated 25 years of Disney on Broadway with songs and stars from every production from Beauty and the Beast to Frozen. Now, Broadway Cares will be streaming the concert to help all of those in the Broadway community affected by the current crisis. The live stream will be hosted by Ryan McCarton and begins at 7pm Eastern. And from 6pm make sure you check out the Broadway Cares Facebook Live where Syndee Winters will be hosting a Q&A with some of the nights stars including Aladdin's Adam Jacobs and Marisha Wallace. The concert will be available to watch for one week.

On Saturday, April 18th, Adam and Arielle Jacobs will take part in Rising Talent Magazine's Instagram Live Concert where stars will appear for five to fifteen minutes to sing a song and take a few questions to help raise money for The Actors Fund. Adam's set is scheduled for 12:30 EST, I'm not sure on Arielle's time yet but will add it here if it's announced ahead of time.

And there's so much more.

Aladdin's Dance Captain Nikki Long joins with Jennifer Rias and Donald Jones to teach some of the dance choreography for Arabian Nights:

Matt Croke shared this fantastic video of his final performance of Proud of Your Boy that was taken last year;

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#WorldTheatreDay What a difference a year makes! Thinking back to a time when people could enjoy theatre all over the world. Never did I not feel like the luckiest guy in the world to perform this iconic song every night in @aladdinlondon. The positive thing is this crazy uncertain time will pass and Theatre will open again and all the shows that had to sadly close will reopen and our amazing industry will be back better than ever!!!! (Thank you to the person in the audience that sent me this video. It was actually taken on my very last performance in Aladdin - 24th Aug 2019.) Extremely grateful to have this on film.

A post shared by ᴍᴀᴛᴛʜᴇᴡ ᴄʀᴏᴋᴇ (@mattcroke) on Mar 27, 2020 at 9:35am PDT

An incredible performance of Go The Distance;

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Singing a bit of #Disney always brightens your day! Sung by - Me Piano - my old pal @alanwilliamsmd Cello - @hornbergercello Violin - @kathjames Alto flute - @mikeydavis.flute

A post shared by ᴍᴀᴛᴛʜᴇᴡ ᴄʀᴏᴋᴇ (@mattcroke) on Apr 4, 2020 at 9:26am PDT

And a beautiful duet of A Whole New World with none other than Courtney Reed!

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Happy Easter everyone. Another fun one with pal @alanwilliamsmd and this time extra special to sing with my #princessjasmine @rhodesreed By @alanmenken and #timrice Vocals - @rhodesreed and Me Keys - @alanwilliamsmd Cello - @hornbergercello Flute - @mikeydavis.flute Harp - @interestingharpalex @aladdin @aladdinlondon Created by @acapellaapp #aladdinlondon #reunion #aladdin #jasmine #originaljasmine #disney #awholenewworld #lockdowndisney #alanmenken #londondonaladdin #westend #broadway #collab #collaboration #lockdown #makingmusic #eastertreat #eastersunday #carpetride #aladdinduet #disneysaladdin #disneyaladdin #waltdisney #magiccarpet #magiccarpetride #threewishes #theshowmustgoonczj #originalprincessjasmine @catherinezetajones

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The princesses may be on lockdown but that didn't stop Courtney, Susan Egan and Laura Osnes from working some magic with their fairy godfairy for this fun little twist on Go The Distance;

James Monroe Iglehart performed a Disney medley on Good Morning America

And I've already posted the 5th Avenue's long distance master class on theatrical comedy with Don Darryl Rivera!

Alan Menken himself has been singing from his legendary songbook on The Rosie O'Donnell Show in aid of The Actors Fund (and confirms that yes they are still working on the stage adaptation of Hercules!)

Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre shared some of Gregg Barnes' original costume concepts for Aladdin's Pilot Production back in 2011.

There's even some Zoom backgrounds available to make you feel like you're right in the heart of magical Agrabah!

Just remember, somebody always has your back, as James, Michael, Telly Leung and Arielle Jacobs proved when they answered Trevor Noah's call to recreate the hopeful singing that was heard in Italy.

Yo @Trevornoah! The #Broadway & @aladdin family has got your back bruh! @iamMJScott @ArielleJacobs @tellyleung #AWholeNewWorld #SingYourHeartOut #TrevorNoahNewDisneyPrince pic.twitter.com/qo8aowIsfy

— james m. iglehart (@jamesmiglehart) March 23, 2020

And there's so much more. Make sure you keep you eyes on Michael James Scott and the official Disney Broadway Instagram as Agrabah's fierce Genie has been hosting frequent Instagram Take Overs with his fabulous friends.

Stay at home. Stay safe. There will be a whole new world waiting for you to return to when this is over.

Michael James Scott Instagram Take Over TODAY!

Who's up for an Instagram take over? Aladdin's resident Genie, Michael James Scott is hosting a fierce take over of Disney Theatrical's official Instagram account TODAY!

Taking place at 4:30PM EST, Michael will be going live with special guest Ciara Renee (Hunchback of Notre Dame's Esmeralda and Broadway's new Elsa). In these dark times this is bound to be a bright spot of Disney magic so don't miss it!

Cast Changes for Broadway's Aladdin

Ainsley Melham, Michael James Scott, and the Australian Cast of Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

It's about to be all change in Agrabah as Broadway's Aladdin bids salaam to three principal actors and welcomes some new and some familiar faces.

First up, Clinton Greenspan will take his final bow as Aladdin this Sunday! Clinton, who took over the title role last September, will pass the fez back to Rodney Ingram for a limited run starting on Monday, February 17th. Rodney of course is a familiar face at the New Amsterdam Theatre, having made his Broadway debut in Aladdin and being one of the original understudies for the role.

Rodney's limited run will last roughly a month before another familiar face returns to Agrabah in March. The date is still to be confirmed but Ainsley Melham will once again be bringing Aladdin to life on the Broadway stage. Ainsley of course originated the role in the Australian production before joining the Broadway production for a six month run last year.

Broadway's Genie, Major Attaway, is also taking his final bow this month, bringing his three year run to a close on Thursday, February 27th. Taking over as Genie (again!) will be another familiar face as Michael James Scott returns once more to Agrabah! Michael originally ended his international run on Broadway last year, but even before he took that final bow a brief encore was already planned for his home town of Florida earlier this month. And now he's heading back to Broadway! You just can't keep that man away from the lamp!

And finally, Arielle Jacobs will fly beyond these palace walls as she takes her final bow as Princess Jasmine on Sunday, March 22nd. Depending on the date of Ainsley's return it's extremely likely that Arielle will get to take her final bow alongside her original Aladdin and Genie which is really nice to see.

Making her Broadway debut Marina Pires (On Your Feet! national tour) will take over as Princess Jasmine from March 23rd through May 31st. Playbill notes that a permanent successor for the role will be announced at a later date.

Welcome (back) to Agrabah everyone! And congratulations on your fantastic runs to all those preparing to take their final high adventures!

25 Years of Disney on Broadway

Tonight, Disney Theatrical celebrates 25 magical years on Broadway with a special concert at Aladdin's New Amsterdam Theatre! The special one night only event is being held in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and features stars from all of Disney's Broadway productions from Beauty and the Beast to Frozen.

The star studded evening will the see the reunion of Broadway's original Aladdin and Genie as Adam Jacobs and James Monroe Iglehart return to the New Amsterdam stage! Also appearing from Aladdin will be Michael James Scott, who recently finished his around the world run as Genie, Lauryn Ciardullo, April Holloway, and Katie Terza.

Broadway's original Belle will be present as Susan Egan returns to the tale as old as time that launched Disney on Broadway, Beauty and the Beast, along fellow Belle, Kerry Butler.

Alton Fitzgerald White, Kissy Simmons, Rema Webb, Bradley Gibson, and Syndee Winters return to the Pride Lands of The Lion King.

Elton John and Tim Rice's second Disney Theatrical production, Aida, is represented by Adam Pascal and Sherie Rene Scott.

Tarzan swings back on to Broadway with Josh Strickland and Merle Dandridge.

Broadway's original Mary Poppins (and former Belle and On The Record star) Ashley Brown is of course part of the evening. No Disney Theatrical concert could be complete without her. And joining her from the practically perfect musical are Gavin Creel and Christian Borle

Three The Little Mermaid originals are reunited as Sierra Boggess, Sherie Rene Scott and Norm Lewis head back under the sea (and yes, I know I've listed Sherie twice now but she was a lead in both!)

It's a Newsies reunion with Kara Lindsay, Joshua Michael Burrage, Kyle Coffman, Nico Dejesus, Michael Fatica, JP Ferreri, Garrett Hawe, Evan Kasprzak, Jess LeProtto, Devin Lewis, Jack Sippel, Ryan Steele, Andrew Wilson, and Iain Young.

Freaky Friday is represented on Broadway for the first time by star (and former Ursula) Heidi Blickenstaff.

Surprisingly no Elsa or Anna from Disney's latest Broadway spectacular Frozen, but Broadway's Kristoff, Jelani Alladin will be representing Arendelle, along with Nina Lafarga (also Aida).

And Alladin was recently the star of another Disney production! Krysta Rodriguez joins Alladin and Iglehart to reunite the lead trio of The Public Works' Hercules along with fellow cast members Ramona Keller and Tamika Lawrence.

In addition to the Disney Theatrical stars, the line up includes Whoopi Goldberg, Beth Leavel, Ashley Park, Mandy Gonzales, Andrew Barth Feldman, and the Broadway Inspirational Voices Choir.

What a line up! And you can still buy tickets to the magical evening right here. I hope everyone going has an incredible time.

Broadway in Bryant Park 2019

Disney on Broadway at Broadway in Bryant Park 2019, Photo by Broadway World

Last month Disney Theatrical put on quite a show at the 20th annual Broadway in Bryant Park as the casts of Aladdin (Arielle Jacobs, Michael James Scott, Brian Gonzales, Brad Weinstock, Mike Longo, and Jacob Gutierrez), The Lion King (Bradley Gibson, Tshidi Manye, Grant Braddock, John Benthal, and Pearl Khwenzi) and Frozen (Ryann Redmond, Aisha Jackson, Alyssa Fox, Jacob Smith, Jake David Smith, Lauren Nicole Chapman, Nicholas Ward, and Nina Lafarga) came together for a musical tour de force celebrating 25 years of Disney on Broadway!

And you can enjoy the full half hour performance right here!

From Beauty and the Beast to Frozen, that 25th anniversary finale is epic!!

Michael James Scott - Life In The Lamp

Michael James Scott as Genie, Photo by Deen Van Meer

After traveling with Genie around the world, Michael James Scott is back home on Broadway. And this summer Broadway's Genie took fans behind the scenes at the New Amsterdam Theatre as he hosted Life in the Lamp for Broadway.com.

And now you can relive all of the behind the scenes action from Broadway's most magical musical with every episode;

Episode 1 - Welcome

Episode 2 - Happy Pride

Episode 3 - Holiday Week

Episode 4 - B'Way Friends

Episode 5 - Disney Love!

I love this series! Thank you Michael for sharing part of your Genie life with us all!