London's Aladdin to Open West End Live

Last year Aladdin didn't have much of a presence at West End Live.  This was understandable though as the show had literally just opened earlier in the week.  The fact that we got Trevor Dion Nicholas giving a tease of Friend Like Me was more than enough.

What a difference a year makes.

This year the cast of Aladdin aren't just taking part in West End Live.  They're opening it!

Friend Like Me seems like a natural fit to open the event (especially after Trev's little tease last year) but I'm hoping we get Matthew Croke's rendition of Proud of Your Boy as well.  That's something I'm really looking forward to hearing.

West End Live 2017 will take place on 24th & 25th June with a jam packed schedule showcasing the very best the West End has to offer for free in London's Trafalgar Square.  Kicking off at 11:00 on Saturday (Gates open 10:30) and 12:00 on Sunday (Gates 11:30) make sure you get there early as this is a popular event and I speak from experience when I say the queues can be long (I watched Trev from the queue last year).

But the Aladdin cast's 15 minute opening segment on Saturday isn't the only time the stars of Agrabah will take to the stage next weekend.  On Sunday you can see Aladdin stars past and present in their own solo segments;

16:05 - Trevor Dion Nicolas & Neighbourhood Goliath (West End's incredible Genie & his band)
16:20 - Marisha Wallace (original Broadway cast, currently slaying it in Dreamgirls)
16:35 - Nathan Amzi (original London cast)

I definitely need to try and get back to London for this!

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!

Catch Aladdin's Dean John Wilson in Concert

Dean John Wilson as Aladdin, Photo by Deen Van Meer

If you're in London tonight make sure you stop by The Pheasantry to catch Aladdin himself in concert!

Yes, Dean John Wilson is starring in his first solo concert since taking the magic carpet to Agrabah and he's bringing some of his co-stars with him!  Joining Dean tonight will be Stephen Rahman-Hughes, Nathan Amzi, Marsha Songcome and Ethan Le Phong so you just know there's going to be some amazing voices on display!

Doors open at 6pm and the show begins at 8pm.  There's still a few tickets left (right here) for the incredibly low price of just £20 so make sure you go if you can, it's going to be a fantastic night!

Wish I could be there myself!  Hope you all have fun!!

First Look at London's Aladdin!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words but in this case I think it's 1001! (ok bad joke, sorry!)

Here's our first official look at the new West End production of Disney's Aladdin!

Trevor Dion Nicholas as Genie and the cast of Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

The cast of Aladdin perform Arabian Nights, Photo by Deen van Meer

Jade Ewen as Princess Jasmine with Michelle C Hopewell, Sadie-Jean Shirley & Marsha Songcome, Photo by Deen van Meer

Jade Ewen as Princess Jasmine and the cast of Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

Dean John-Wilson and Jade Ewen as Aladdin and Jasmine, Photo by Deen van Meer

Dean John-Wilson as Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

Trevor Dion Nicholas as Genie, Photo by Deen van Meer

Trevor Dion Nicholas and the cast of Aladdin, Photo by Deen van Meer

Dean John-Wilson as Prince Ali, Photo by Deen van Meer

Dean John-Wilson and Jade Ewen as Aladdin and Jasmine, Photo by Deen van Meer

 

The show looks amazing!  Hopefully this is just the first batch of photos as we still need to see the villainous Don Gallagher and Peter Howe as Jafar and Iago and Stephen Rahman-Hughes, Rachid Sabitri and Nathan Amzi as Kassim, Omar and Babkak!

 

Aladdin is currently in previews and officially opens Wednesday 15th June!  Tickets are available here!



A Star is Born!

Wow!  What an amazing way to start a West End run!

I'm not going to review the show yet (as incredible as Friday's performance was, it was still a first preview and it's not fair to the cast or creative team to review the show whilst they're still working to make it the very best it can be) but as first impressions go Aladdin burst on to the West End in spectacular style!

'Arabian Nights' is still my favourite opening to any Disney show.  When they gather the full cast on stage and Genie joyfully proclaims "Everybody sings!" that wall of music just hits you and it feels amazing.  The energy in this show is insane and the ensemble give everything they've got, especially here and in the show stopping 'Friend Like Me'.  It's no exaggeration to say they make the show what it is.

The cast, from leads Dean John-Wilson and Jade Ewen as Aladdin and Jasmine through to Nathan Amzi, Rachid Sabitri and Stephen Rahman-Hughes as Aladdin's new trio of friends all gave great performances and I'm looking forward to seeing them all again on opening night.  In fact I want to give a special shout out for the trio as 'High Adventure' had me in stitches, easily one of the best songs in the show.

Trevor Dion Nicholas as Genie

A year ago I was fortunate enough to see Trevor Dion Nicholas play Genie on Broadway.  It was only after the show that I learnt it was his first night.  I never would have guessed.  I wrote back then that Trev "gave a phenomenal performance ... he didn't have easy shoes to fill but he rose to the challenge and gave the audience everything they could wish for in a Genie."

On Friday night he proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was born to play this role.  I saw a star being born on that stage and I wasn't alone.  I've never seen a mid show standing ovation in the UK before (heck, I've been to shows where they don't even get an ovation at the curtain call) but Trevor, along with Dean and the incredible ensemble, brought the audience to their feet for a well deserved ovation after the tour de force that is 'Friend Like Me'.  If there is any justice in the world this will do for Trevor what it did for James Monroe Iglehart in America.  Put his name on the Olivier Award now!

There's been some minor changes to localise the show for the UK.  Some of them worked great (I loved Genie's "No, I'm from New York!" and the Bruce Forsyth reference had the crowd howling), others felt a little like change just for the sake of change (I preferred the old Pyramid joke to the Ibiza reference) but that mostly just comes down to personal preference.

With this being a first preview there were one or two minor issues.  The microphone levels seemed to be slightly off during 'These Palace Walls' and in the finale I could see something that I shouldn't have been able to (and never have before even from the front row at the New Amsterdam).  I'd also love just a little more energy from 'Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim' as, whilst a great performance, it didn't quite capture that "I want to get up and join in" feeling that it has on Broadway.  I know that's not a fair comparison and it seems like an insane ask from a cast that is already giving so much but I know they have it in them, they proved it many times over on that stage on Friday.  And I'll be honest, I know that these (and any other issues) will be long sorted by opening night.  In fact, they probably have been already!

If Friday night is any indication Aladdin is going to be the biggest thing to hit the West End this year.  The audience loved every second and the show received two well deserved standing ovations.  My hands were still raw the next day from clapping so much.  As we were driving home on Saturday all I kept thinking was "I wish we'd bought tickets for tonight, I don't want to wait another two weeks to see it again."  This show isn't a diamond in the rough, it's shining, shimmering, splendid and I can't wait for everyone to see it!

Disney's Aladdin in Rehearsal!

Dean John-Wilson & Trevor Dion Nicholas rehearse "Somebody's Got Your Back" with Stephen Rahman-Hughes, Rachid Sabitri & Nathan Amzi, Photo by Johan Persson

In just 9 days time Disney's Aladdin will begin previews in the West End and today Disney Theatrical lifted that incredible show curtain just a little bit to give London a hint at what's in store!

First up, our three incredible stars!

Dean John-Wilson

Photo by Johan Perrson

Jade Ewen

Photo by Johan Perrson

 Trevor Dion-Nicholas

Photo by Johan Perrson

Next come three lovable rogues!  Aladdin's friends Babkak (Nathan Amzi), Omar (Rachid Sabitri) and Kassim (Stephen Rahman-Hughes).  Cut from the film and finding new life on stage these three join Aladdin on his magical high adventure!

Stephen Rahman-Hughes, Nathan Amzi & Rachid Sabitri, Photo by Johan Perrson

And last but certainly not least!  Aladdin's incredible ensemble!!

"Arabian Nights" Photo by Johan Perrson

"Prince Ali" Photo by Johan Persson

"Finale" Photo by Johan Perrson

But the cast aren't the only ones who've been working hard!  Whilst they've been making magic in the rehearsal studio, the crew over at the Prince Edward Theatre were just as busy transforming their new home into the mystical land of Agrabah;

The magic begins next Friday, 27th May, with the show officially opening on Wednesday 15th June.  Tickets (including limited availability for opening night!) are on sale now!

Cast Announced for London's Aladdin



Dean John-Wilson and Jade Ewen, Photo by Helen Maybanks

Big news!!  Disney Theatrical last night officially announced the cast for the West End premiere of Aladdin!!


Trevor Dion Nicholas as Genie, Photo by Disney

 Already announced is Trevor Dion Nicholas (Aladdin, Big River, The Wiz) as Genie!  Trevor made his Broadway debut earlier this year in Aladdin where he's currently making magic as Stand By for both Genie and Babkak, next year he'll be making the role his own as he makes his West End debut!  When he's not making magic on stage Trevor is making music with his indie soul band Neighborhood Goliath (and you can read more about them right here).

Joining him are;

Dean John-Wilson in the title role as Aladdin!  Dean got his break in 2008 when he reached the semi finals of Britain's Got Talent.  Since then he has starred in Tim Rice's From Here to Eternity, the critically acclaimed Here Lies Love and in the UK national tour of Alan Menken's Sister Act.

 

Joining Dean on the magic carpet is Jade Ewen as Princess Jasmine.  Jade is definitely no stranger to Disney having made her West End debut as Young Nala in The Lion King.  Best known for representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest, performing Andrew Lloyd Webber's "It's My Time", and as a member of the pop group Sugababes, Jade has returned to the West End in recent years and starred in several productions including In The Heights, Porgy and Bess and Whistle Down the Wind.

A hero is only as good as his villain and bringing Jafar to life will be Don Gallagher.  Don's extensive West End credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Producers, Sweeney Todd and Les Miserables as well as a large body of work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, including Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, Painter of Dishonour, Richard III and The Winter's Tale.  In addition to his stage credits Don has appeared on screen in the film adaptation of London Road and in various television dramas.

Supporting Jafar in his villainous deeds will be Peter Howe as Iago.  Peter has previously originated the roles of Michael Wormwood in the Olivier Award winning musical, Matilda, and Sam Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings.  His other theatre credits include The Captain of Kopenick, Holes and Hansel and Gretel.

Nathan Amzi

Stephen Rahman-Hughes

Rachid Sabitri

In new roles created for the musical Nathan Amzi, Stephen Rahman-Hughes and Rachid Sabitri will be helping our hero as Aladdin's friends Babkak, Kassim and Omar.  Nathan's recent theatre credits include In The Heights, Urinetown, Rock of Ages, The Rocky Horror Show (UK tour) and Miss Saigon (UK tour).  He also appeared on the third season of BBC's The Voice.  Stephen's recent theatre credits include the lead role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Bombay Dreams, Puteri Gunung Ledang and the UK tour of West Side Story.  On TV he has appeared in several shows, including a leading role on Dream Team, and he is a founding member of the vocal group TEATRO and the concert show West End Men.  Rounding out the trio, Rachid's recent theatre credits include I Call My Brothers, Romeo and Juliet, Rafta Rafta, Beyond Midnight, Beautiful Thing and Bloodtide and Tangier Tattoo but his television credits include roles on shows including Criminal Minds, Doctor Who, Homeland, Madame Secretary and Casualty.

 

 

Bringing the Sultan to life is Irvine Iqbal.  Irvine recently starred in Bend it Like Beckham and his previous stage credits include Bombay Dreams, Wuthering Heights, The Mahabharata and The Far Pavilions.  In addition to his stage credits, Irvine has appeared on screen in the films The Cook, The Pinocchio Effect and Infinite Justice as well as in various UK television series.

 

Completing the cast in what will arguably be the hardest working ensemble in the West End are Arran Anzani-Jones, Miles Barrow, Albey Brookes, Lauren Chia, Bianca Cordice, Leon Craig, Daniel de Bourg, Seng Henk Goh, Melanie Elizabeth, Kade Ferraiolo, Michelle Chantelle Hopewell, Fred Johanson, Mitch Leow, Oliver Lidert, Thierry Picaut, Alex Pinder, Briony Scarlett, Kyle Seeley, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Ricardo Spriggs, Katie Singh, Dawnita Smith, Marsha Songcome, Kayleigh Thadani and Jermaine Woods.

I just want to say a massive congratulations to everyone cast!  I can't wait to see you all next year!!!

Speaking about the cast, Disney Theatrical's Thomas Schumacher said "As we cast this exceptional company, I was impressed again - as I have been many times in the last two decades - by the vast, deep pool of musical theatre talent in London and throughout Britain.  And how gratifying that talent is a microcosm of the country in all its diversity and distinction.  I'm so proud this beautiful cast reflects that."

Behind the scenes Aladdin will be brought to life by the same creative dream team that brought the show to Broadway.  The music by Tony, Olivier and Academy Award winner Alan Menken expands on the Oscar winning score of Disney's animated classic.  Aladdin features all the classic songs from the film, featuring lyrics by Olivier and Academy Award winner Howard Ashman and Tony, Olivier and Academy Award winner Tim Rice, and restores several of the lost Ashman/Menken songs along with new songs featuring lyrics by four-time Tony nominee Chad Beguelin, who also provides the book for the show, and Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw returns as Director and Choreographer for this new production.

Scenic Design is provided by Tony Award winner Bob Crowley with lighting design from Tony Award winner Natasha Katz and illusions by Jim Steinmeyer.  Aladdin's beautiful costumes are created by Tony Award winner Gregg Barnes with hair designs by Josh Marquette and makeup by Milagros Medina-Cerdeira.  Sound Design is by Ken Travis, and Michael Kosarin heads up the music team as music supervisor and director along with orchestrator Danny Troob and dance music arranger Glen Kelly.

Aladdin is cast in the UK by Jill Green CDG.

Tickets for Aladdin are now on sale!  Aladdin begins previews at London's Prince Edward Theatre on Friday 27th May 2016 with an official Opening Night set for Wednesday 15th June 2016.  Tickets are currently booking through to 1st October 2016 so grab yours today to make sure you don't miss out on this magical adventure!