![]() ![]() The staging and robust production number of Friend Like Me not only gives Scott a grand introduction as the Genie but injects a jolt of energy into the musical, giving it an electrifying personality and flash that Robin Williams brought in the screen version. They light up the stage with their crystalline voices, but it is definitely Scott as the Genie that steals the show. As the two main characters, Jacobs and McCalla are fully realized in-the-flesh versions of the iconic Disney characters, pumping joy and delight into their roles. The Academy Award-winning song is the centerpiece of the production as the stage is transformed into a night sky gorgeously lit by the moon and stars with Aladdin and Jasmine flying on a “how did they do that?” magic carpet up down and all around the stage. Because let’s face it, everyone is there to hear A Whole New World. More original songs like Proud to Be Your Boy and A Million Miles Away occupy real estate in the musical to fulfill the Broadway runtime and although they are great additions to an already strong soundtrack, you won’t necessarily be singing them when you leave the theater. There are memorable tunes in the jazzy soundtrack that make a return to the musical including One Jump Ahead, Friend Like Me and Prince Ali. He uses this opportunity to win the heart of Jasmine, take down Jafar, and in true Disney fashion, learn a moral that teaches him that if he can be himself, his life would be much easier. Upon rubbing the lamp he unleashes the all-powerful Genie (played by original Broadway cast member Michael James Scott), who grants him three wishes. Things shift when the Sultan’s evil Grand Vizier Jafar (Jonathan Weir) uses Aladdin to get a magical lamp, it backfires and Aladdin ends up with the treasured item. For tickets and information, call 56 or visit two meet on the street, but Aladdin realizes that the two can’t become an item because she’s a princess and he’s just a street rat. 23, at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. If you have three wishes this holiday season, using one of them to see “Aladdin” would be a wish well spent. Thanks to them, and the talents of Roy and Ahmady, the “A Whole New World” scene is pure romance. Daniel Brodie’s projections are crisp and intricate.īravo to special effects designer Jeremy Chernick, as well as Jim Steinmeyer and Rob Lake, credited for their illusion design, and whoever else was involved in making that magic carpet fly. The costumes, by Gregg Barnes, are vibrant and full of sparkle - Jasmine’s attire make her look like a life-size, dazzling jewel. Lighting designer Natasha Katz saturates the stage with rich, sultry colors. In some musicals, the scenic design feels like just a backdrop for the story, but in “Aladdin,” it’s a main character. “Aladdin” may be a fairy tale for children but there are plenty of references only grownups will get. Beguelin’s book is full of humor and anachronisms, especially with the Genie’s dialogue. The lyrics, by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin, are clever and fun. Aaron Choi embodies Jafar’s toady sidekick Iago.Īlan Menken’s score is pure Broadway, with a swing-meets-Middle-East flavor. Flamboyant, charismatic and hilarious, Martin steals every scene he’s in, and his big number with Roy, “Friend Like Me” is a glittery, gloriously over-the-top showstopper.Īnand Nagraj plays Jafar with evil panache and possesses a great villainous voice and laugh. Martin uses his deep, resonant voice to great effect and is a marvel as Genie. The beloved ballad comes to life, with the staging illustrating the lyrics in an enchanting spectacle. ![]() Their best scene is their duet of “A Whole New World” performed while soaring above the stage on a magic carpet. Roy and Ahmady have terrific chemistry and both get a big solo in the first act that showcases their vocal prowess and explains their personal plight. Martin), he uses his three wishes to win over Jasmine. But when Aladdin comes into possession of a magic lamp containing a powerful Genie (Marcus M. They meet at the marketplace and share an adventure, though their budding relationship is forbidden because Aladdin is not a prince. Jasmine (Senzel Ahmady) is an intelligent, headstrong princess determined to marry for love and rule the kingdom as her husband’s equal, even though custom dictates women be subservient to men. It's the perfect treat for the holiday season.īased on Disney’s 1992 animated film, and set in the ancient city of Agrabah, the titular hero, Aladdin (Adi Roy), is a clever, big-hearted thief trying to change his life. Disney’s “Aladdin,” now on stage at Kravis Center, is a magical fairy tale that comes to life, an extravaganza full of glitz and glam sure to captivate the entire family. ![]()
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