Prince Achmed. You're Not Leaving so Soon, Are You?

Courtney Reed as Princess Jasmine, Photo by Mark Kitaoka


The video of Courtney Reed performing "Call Me a Princess" from Aladdin: The New Stage Musical on New Day Northwest earlier today has finally been posted online by King 5, and it's great to finally hear one of the lost Ashman and Menken songs come to life!

The video includes a short interview with Courtney that gives some context to the song (which I won't repeat here in case anyone is trying to avoid even minor spoilers) and also gives a brief look at some new publicity shots of Courtney as Jasmine, Sean S. Griffin as the Sultan and Adam Jacobs as Aladdin.

I'll admit that I was very surprised and a little nervous (for Jasmine's character) when I heard that this song was being included, but the context it's sung in makes perfect sense and in that context it becomes a really fun number, which is evident in Courtney's performance on the show.

Tomorrow night is Aladdin Spotlight Night, so I hope all those lucky people who are going have a great time, and I can't wait to hear all about it!

Unbelievable Sights, Indescribable Feeling

The teaser commercial is now online at The 5th Avenue Theatre's facebook page!

Sorry for any confusion everyone, I guess things are changing very quickly at the moment.  I was in a rush this morning and only checked my email (which would have been sent before the Tony Awards aired) which did advise that there were currently no plans to put the trailer online, but when I got to work I got a tweet from the 5th advising that the trailer was now online!

Make sure you check it out at the link above, and later today we will see the first public performance from the show when Courtney Reed sings "Call Me a Princess" on New Day Northwest.

Call Me a Princess

Well if you live in the USA I hope you caught the teaser commercial during last night's Tony Awards (though it sounds like it may have been a regional thing as I've been advised by some friends that they watched the entire show and didn't see the teaser).  On the subject of the Tony Awards, congratulations to Casey Nicholaw (and Trey Parker) who won Best Direction of a Musical for The Book of Mormon!

If you missed it, I'm afraid that 5th Avenue have advised that there are currently no plans for the commercial to be available online.  But if you live in the area, make sure you check out New Day Northwest today around 11am PST when Courtney Reed will be performing "Call Me a Princess".  If you don't live in the area, then don't worry as this performance will later be available online.

It wasn't that long ago I said there was no way "Call Me a Princess" would be in the show!  How wrong could I have been!  It'll be interesting to see how much (if at all) the song has changed, and what this means for Jasmine's character arc in the show.

In other news, tomorrow night's Aladdin Spotlight Night is being recorded and 5th Avenue will make selected footage available over the coming weeks in the build up to the show.

I Can Show You the World

If you live in the USA make sure you watch the Tony Awards on CBS tonight and, even more importantly, don't even think about going to get a drink during the commercials as The 5th Avenue Theatre reports that they will be premiering the teaser commercial for Aladdin: The New Stage Musical during the Tony Awards.

Best wishes go out to Casey Nicholaw, the director and choreographer of  Aladdin: The New Stage Musical, who is nominated for Best Direction of a Musical (with Trey Parker) and Best Choreography for The Book of Mormon.  The show itself is nominated for a total of 14 awards, including Best Musical.

And of course I've got my fingers crossed for Alan Menken and Glen Slater who are nominated for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for their work on Sister Act.  The show is nominated for a total of 5 awards, including a Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical nomination for Patina Miller.  I saw the show when it was in London and it really is a fantastic show with a genuine feel good factor, and Patina was incredible.

For those of us who don't live in the USA I'm hoping that The 5th Avenue Theatre will release the trailer online so that we can see it in the next day or so!

What is it that You Want Most?

How about any early preview of the show?

According to The 5th Avenue Theatre's website, there will be a FREE Spotlight Night for Aladdin: The New Stage Musical next Tuesday (14th June);

"Spotlight Nights are entertaining, informative and free. Sponsored by US Bank, this incredibly popular series gives you a behind-the-scenes look at our upcoming shows.

The final Spotlight Night of the 2010–11 season will take you behind the scenes of our world premiere of Aladdin: The New Stage Musical. Hear backstage stories from the creative team about the show’s creation. Then enjoy songs performed by the cast that will hint at the magic to come."

Sorry I missed this earlier, but for anyone in Seattle next Tuesday it would be well worth seeing if there are any tickets left for this event!

Not enough?  Well for those who can't go (or those who can and just want more) here's a promotional photo from the show that's been released by the photographer Mark Kitaoka at his website.


Adam Jacobs as Aladdin and Courtney Reed as Jasmine, Photo by Mark Kitaoka

Don't they look great!  The more I see and hear about this show, the more excited I get!  And I really want the above image as a poster that I can frame on my wall!!

Still not enough?

If you live near the theatre, be sure to run down there and take a look at the new marquee which 5th Avenue have revealed on their facebook page, it gives a better look at Courtney Reed's Jasmine's costume and a first look at Sean S. Griffin as the Sultan;

Adam Jacobs as Aladdin, Courtney Reed as Jasmine and Sean S. Griffin as the Sultan, Image by Mark Kitaoka

And finally a quick shout out to the Agrabah Live Journal where they've found a really nice behind the scenes picture of the show, make sure you check it out!

There's So Much More To Me

When Adam Jacobs was first announced as Aladdin in the upcoming Aladdin: The New Stage Musical in Seattle, I contacted him to congratulate him and also to ask if he would be willing to do an interview for this blog.  To my great surprise and delight, he graciously accepted, so now I am honored to be able to present an interview with Adam Jacobs;

Hi Adam,

Firstly just let me say thanks again for agreeing to do this interview, I really appreciate you taking the time to interact with the fans in this way.

Obviously with the show still being in rehearsals, there are a lot of things you can’t talk about yet, so I’ll try and keep the questions from asking for any specific details about the plot and the new songs!

When you agreed to the interview you said that this show is a childhood passion for you, and (if my math is right!) your move from being a young concert pianist to performing in community theatre occurred around the same time as Disney’s musical renaissance period. Did the Disney musicals influence your desire to perform, or was it your passion for musical theatre that attracted you to the classic Disney musicals?

I was always a huge fan of the Disney movies of Aladdin, The Lion King, The Jungle Book, etc.  I also have a sister who is four years younger than me and she just loved The Little Mermaid and Cinderella growing up, so I got a heavy dose of Disney early on.  I'm sure on some deep unconscious level the movies pointed me towards the world of musical theater.  The movies are inherently theatrical anyway, and the animation is so imaginative that they're hard to resist.  

Did you have a favorite Disney film growing up? Has that changed as you got older, or is your childhood favorite still your favorite today? It’s ok, you don’t have to say Aladdin ;)

I remember loving the character of Mowgli in Jungle Book, probably because I was such a scrawny looking kid at that age and he looked like me.  I watched that one over and over. And then when I saw Aladdin, I thought he was the coolest character in all of the Disney films. To this day he has always been my favorite Disney hero.  

How did you come to be involved in the initial readings/workshops and what did they involve?

I did a reading of Aladdin in NYC back in November of last year.  At the time I had no idea it was in the works, and when I heard they specifically wanted to use me for the role of Aladdin, I was very excited and felt honored just to get the call.  So Disney pulled me from the Lion King tour in order to do the week long reading, and then flew me back out to the tour after it was done. They originally told us it was going to be just an informal table read for the people at the Disney office, but it ended up turning into quite a little production complete with body microphones and live musicians.  It was quite nerve wracking seeing Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's family sitting there along with the heads of Disney Theatricals!

Having already played the role in the workshop, what was the audition process like for the Seattle production?

I had to fly back in again from the LK tour to audition for the Seattle production mainly because Casey Nicholaw had not seen the reading and as the director, he needed to sign off on me.  Luckily he liked my audition and I was given the role.

How did you learn that you had got the part and what was your reaction?

I was ecstatic when my agent gave me the news.  It was one of those things where you want it so bad that you have to work really hard to put it out of your mind.  (I purposely try to forget about auditions once they're over as sort of a coping mechanism in case I don't get it.  Once it's out of my hands, I like to move on to the next thing)  So even though I was trying to concentrate on doing my job back on the road as Simba, I was still hoping that it would work out with Aladdin.  So upon hearing the news, it was a combination of excitement and relief that I wouldn't have to feel the extreme disappointment of not getting it!

Adam Jacobs as Aladdin, Photo by Mark Kitaoka

 

How are the rehearsals going? The first official picture of you as Aladdin has been released (and I have to say the costume looks fantastic), so are you doing dress rehearsals now?

Yeah doesn't the costume look cool?  I just love the new patch work on the vest.  We still have a month of rehearsals.  We're through the first act and hope to run through it tomorrow.  Rehearsals are going very well.  It's going to be tough to have Casey gone for a bunch of days next week for the Tony Awards (which I think he'll win for Book of Mormon!) but we'll survive somehow :)

The cast is made up of people with a wide variety of backgrounds, from an original film cast member to Seattle stage regulars and Broadway stars, what’s it like working with such a diverse group of talented performers?

I feel very lucky to be a part of this cast.  Hearing Jonathan Freeman's voice still gives me chills during rehearsals.  I saw Brandon O'Neill, who's playing Kassim, rock it out last week as Sky Masterson in 5th Ave's Guys and Dolls. The ensemble in this show is especially strong and they are dancing their butts off!  Get ready for some spectacular dance numbers!

Ok, complete fan question now! What’s it like to work with Alan Menken, given that he’s something of a living Disney legend?

Alan, like Casey, is full of energy and just fun to be around.  They both make the creative process feel like play time.  I was really nervous at first, but I think I've gotten a hold of it now.

What’s it like hearing the previously unreleased Howard Ashman songs brought to life, and how does to feel to be responsible for bringing them to life?

(I know you can’t comment but this is the part where I have to say I really hope Proud of Your Boy is in the show!)  

Without giving too much away, I'm "proud" to say that I get to sing some pretty great songs in the show...  I'm actually a part of 11 different numbers (with only a line or two in about half of them).  Good luck trying to figure that one out!  

There’s been a lot of talk about this show going back to Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s original vision of Aladdin being a like a Hope and Crosby road movie with a jazz-cabaret tone. How much of a difference is there between the original classic and this production? Are the overall character arcs and motivations the same, or are we in for some surprises next month?

You are correct in that the character arcs and motivations are the same, with a few extra layers in my case.  The surprises will come in the form, function and overall tone.  I can't really say too much more on this, but I think the audience will be in for a treat.

With the changes, how much freedom have you been given in creating the character of Aladdin for stage?

Because it's a new show, I've been given a lot of freedom.  Lines, bits and blocking are changing all the time, and we're still making discoveries as we go.  It's very gratifying to have all the creatives there and the feeling of working together to find what works best.

Adam Jacobs as Simba, Photo by Joan Marcus

 

How does the experience of originating a role differ from taking over an established role, such as Simba in The Lion King?

Like I said above, it's extremely gratifying to be in a production from the ground up.  You're attributed a lot of freedom to create and really make something your own.   If something isn't working, there's a good chance it can be changed. 

How do you prepare before a show? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you do before you go on stage each night?

Each routine for a show is different for me.  With Simba, I had 30 minutes in the make up chair during Act I to sort of meditate and get into character, followed by a set warm up routine which I had to tailor to that particular show.  Once we open this show, I'll discover what I need to do get ready for it.  I'm not terribly superstitious, but I don't like to press my luck either. You won't find me whistling backstage or anything like that.  Nobody wants to tempt fate to drop a sandbag on your head, right?

 Ok, total long shot but worth asking; do you know if there’s any chance of Disney/5th Avenue releasing a Cast Recording of this production?

I would love it, but I find it highly doubtful.  I had Cameron Mackintosh tell me once after opening night of Les Miserables on Broadway when I presented him with the same question that,  "cast albums and recordings just don't make the money they used to."   If Aladdin ever goes to Broadway then I think they would do it (and I hope I get to do it!)

And finally, looking back over your career so far, do any moments or performances really stand out as something truly special that you’ll always remember?

On my website bio (shameless plug- www.AdamLJacobs.com) I talk about a show that greatly impacted me as a young adult.  I had the privilege of playing "Young Harvey" in San Francisco's documentary opera of Harvey Milk when I was 17.  I was shown how theater not only has the power to entertain and bring joy, but also to make you question and give you a different perspective on life.  That show in particular made me want to continue to work in the theater.    And of course, getting my Broadway debut in Les Miserables, and feeling that excitement coursing through my veins at the downbeat of the overture, will always be an experience I will never forget.  

Adam, thank you again for your time, it’s been a pleasure.

Oh, Ye People of Agrabah

Ok, I know it's not a direct film quote like all the other titles, but it is from the "lost" lyrics of "Prince Ali" and this article is about the new cast who are going to be bringing many of those "lost" lyrics back to life in Seattle in just a few short weeks, so it felt appropriate.

Yesterday Disney/The 5th Avenue Theatre announced the full cast for Aladdin: The New Stage Musical, I wasn't able to do a full post this morning, so this post is going to look at the cast's credits and contain photos that I missed earlier.

Adam Jacobs is Aladdin


Adam Jacobs as Aladdin, Photo by Mark Kitaoka

Adam comes to the role of Aladdin fresh from portraying another Disney favorite, Simba, in the National Tour of The Lion King (a role he will reprise on Broadway in August).  Adam first performed in a musical when he was 13, and played the role of the 13th apostle (or "wanna-be apostle" as his website biography says) in a local production of Jesus Christ Superstar.  Since then he has trained extensively and gone on to star in the National Tour and Broadway Revival of Les Miserables (as Marius), the National Tour of Mamma Mia (as Sky), and a wide variety of regional productions including his Equit debut as Nanki-Poo in Hot Mikado and the title role in Jospeh and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Courtney Reed is Princess Jasmine


 Courtney recently finished a successful run as Carla in the Broadway production of Into the Heights (where she has also played the role of Vanessa and understudied as Nina), before which she appeared in Broadway's Mamma Mia  where she understudied as both Ali and Lisa.  Courtney has also appeared in several regional productions and has an extensive background in a variety of dance styles.

James Monroe Iglehart is Genie

James has been performing ever since he joined his high school show choir.  He originated the role of "Big Love" Bobby in Memphis the Musical back in 2004, and the show has stuck with him!  Whilst he has played other roles on and off Broadway, including Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the Lion in The Wiz, Memphis keeps calling him home.  He returned to the role of Bobby for short pre-Broadway runs in both San Diego and Seattle, and finally took the show to Broadway in 2009.

Jonathan Freeman is Jafar

Best known as the voice of the villainous Jafar in Disney's animated classic Aladdin, Jonathan Freeman is an extremely versatile and accomplished actor.  Though he has extensive film and television credits, outside of Aladdin, Jonathan is best know for his work on stage in musical theatre, where he has played an incredible range of roles both on and off Broadway, and in regional theatre, including his Tony Award nominated performance in She Loves Me.  Since voicing Jafar in Aladdin (as well as in the sequel The Return of Jafar and many other cartoon and video game appearances), Jonathan has appeared in several Disney Theatrical productions; Beauty and the Beast (as Cogsworth), Mary Poppins (as Admiral Boom and the Bank Chairman) and he originated the role of Grimsby in The Little Mermaid.

Don Darryl Rivera is Iago

An native of Seattle Don Darryl has been performing since he was 9 years old and entered an all city karaoke contest.  His performance led to him becoming the youngest member of an "all-star" karaoke team that toured Washington state.  He discovered his love of musical theatre when he performed in the spring musical at Bishop Blanchet High School.  He went on to attain his Bachelor of the Arts Degree from the Cornish College of the Arts in 2006 and began his internship with the Seattle Shakespeare Company in same year.  He has been performing ever since and has a wide variety of regional theatre credits ranging from Much Ado About Nothing (Verges) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Francis Flute) to Disney's High School Musical (Ryan Evans) and The Wizard of Oz (Mayor of Munchkinland).

Sean G. Griffin as the Sultan

A veteran of the Seattle Stage, Sean was born in Ireland and moved to America with his parents in 1956.  He studied at the University of Notre Dame and has now been an actor for more than four decades, appearing on film, television, Broadway (Dancing at Lughnasa, The Queen and the Rebels, Ned and Jack, and The National Health) and most prominently in regional theatres.  His Seattle credits alone include works as varied as The Taming Shrew, The Devil and Daniel Webster, The Secret Garden, Yankee Doodle Dandy, My Fair Lady, and many more!  He is also a painter.

Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Omar

Andrew has recently appeared as Robertson Ay both on Broadway and in the National Tour of Mary Poppins.  Proving he is no stranger to Disney musicals, he has also starred as Chip in Beauty and the Beast, provided the singing voice of Chip in the animated movie Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas, and read the role of Crutchy in the Newsies workshop.  He also read the role of Omar at the original workshop for Aladdin: The New Stage Musical last year.  His other credits include Jojo in Seussical on Broadway, The Little Boy in the National Tour of Ragtime, and Torchy in the regional production of It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman! at the Dallas Theatre Centre.

Brian Gonzales as Babkak

Brian recently appeared on Broadway and in the National Tour of Shrek: The Musical in a variety of roles and as the understudy Shrek.  He also appeared in the Broadway production and National Tour of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in the roles of Barfee, Panch and Coneybear.  He has performed in many regional productions, including Lyric Stage's Fiorello!, Water Tower Theatre's Laughter on the 23rd Floor, and in Plano's PFamily Arts production of I Do!  I Do!

Brandon O'Neill as Kassim

Brandon O'Neill is a regular at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, where his numerous credits include Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Asher), Cabaret (Helmut), Buddy (Ritchie Valens) and Miss Saigon (Thuy).  He has also appeared in several other regional productions and on film, including 2011's The Hit List.

That completes the core cast, but just as important are the ensemble of Tia Altinay, Kristin Culp, Nick DeSantis, Ronald Duncan, C.J. Eldred, Daisy Hobbs, David Janett, Kenway Hon Wai K. Kua, Nikki Long, Stanley Martin, Creighton Oliver, Shanna Marie Palmer, Bobby Pestka, Connor Russell, Manuel Santos, Allysa Shorte, Daniel J. Watts and Matt Wolfe, without whom this production would not be possible.  I'm sure many of them will go on to leading roles themselves in the near future.

Music is by the legendary Alan Menken, with lyrics by the late Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.  Additional lyrics are by Alan Menken and Chad Beguelin.

Aladdin: The New Stage Musical is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw from a book by Chad Beguelin.  Production designers include  designer Anna Louizos, costume designer Greg Barnes, lighting designer Natasha Katz and musical supervisor Michael Kosarin.