By Katherine Falzon
Hop on your magic carpet and experience a “whole new world” in the Broadway musical rendition of the 1992 Disney film “Aladdin” at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Tony-award winning director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw is the real “genie-us” behind the play, and has done a spectacular job staging the show and bringing the streets of Agrabah to life. The ensemble cast’s extravagant costumes are glittery and eye-catching as they dance across the stage, thanks to their talented costume designer, Gregg Barnes. The beautiful clothing is rich in color and decorated with jewels, sparkles and feathers galore. The exotic music (composed by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice) and scenic landscape will transport audience members to the Middle East as they follow along in this adventurous tale.
The story of Aladdin, originally written by Chad Beguelin, is told in the same way, coming to life right before your very eyes. The handsome and charming Aladdin (Adam Jacobs) still finds a magic lamp with a Genie inside that grants him three wishes, which he uses to win the heart of Princess Jasmine (Courtney Reed). The beautiful Jasmine continues to stand as an important figure of girls’ empowerment because she stands up for herself and makes her own decisions. Although her father, the Sultan (Clifton Davis) is determined to find her a well-suited husband, she asserts her freedom to choose who she wants to marry.
However, it is clear that some changes have been made to the original Disney picture. Many animal characters that were seen in the Disney movie are transformed into human form. Aladdin now has a trio of friends named Babkak, Omar and Kassim (Brian Gonzales, Johnathan Schwartz and Brandon O’Neill) in place of his monkey companion Aboo. The boys make comical remarks and joke with one another as they roam the streets of Agrabah, struggling together in poverty. Villain Jafar (Johnathan Freeman, who also voices the character in the film) no longer has a talking parrot, but is instead accompanied by a sinister human sidekick, Iago (Don Darryl Rivera). It is hard not to notice Iago’s bold facial expressions and bulging eyeballs as he deviously schemes with Jafar. Their loud, wicked laughs echo throughout the theatre. The duo make the perfect evil team.
Although Aladdin is the main character, the Genie, played by James Monroe Iglehart, steals the show with his magnificent energy and clever wit. Iglehart’s Tony Award in 2014 for his stellar performance as the Genie proves that he was born to play this role. He surely wins audience members over, as evidenced by the crowd’s roaring applause and standing ovation, especially after his hit number “Friend Like Me.”
The romance and passion between Aladdin and Jasmine is intensified as they belt out the famous ballad “A Whole New World” during their iconic magic carpet ride scene. The flying carpet appears to float effortlessly above the stage without any visible assistance, almost as if it were magic. The beautiful starry sky staging is mesmerizing and out of this world. Audience members will surely fall in love with the enchantment of it all.
“Aladdin” is the perfect show for anyone—kids, adults, couples and families. As a Fordham student, take advantage of the opportunity to receive a discount on your next ticket purchase offered at the Student Services Office. You do not want to miss out on one of the best Disney shows on Broadway right now.
