Adi Roy as Aladdin performing "Proud of Your Boy." Photo by: Deen van Meer.
The Aladdin national tour cast keeps the magic of the childhood classic at the center of the story while adding modern choreography and poignant themes. Adi Roy portrays Aladdin’s eagerness, naivete, and charisma effortlessly in “One Jump Ahead” as he dodges angry vendors.
Although Aladdin’s jokester attitude is apparent throughout many parts of the musical, his vulnerability is just as endearing. A standout moment for me was Roy’s rendition of “Proud of Your Boy,” one of the additional songs composed by Alan Menken specifically for the musical. Roy conveys Aladdin’s longing to make his mother proud and to change his circumstances.
Senzel Ahmady as Princess Jasmine visits Agrabah's marketplace. Photo by Deen van Meer.
While the animated film focuses on Aladdin’s emotional journey, the musical also showcases Jasmine’s strong will and character. During the song, “These Palace Walls,” Princess Jasmine, portrayed by Senzel Ahmady, confides in her ladies in waiting that she wants to venture out in the world. Ahmady embodies Jasmine’s elegance and her vocals are stunning. She perfectly captures Jasmine’s strong resolve to stick to her beliefs and you want to cheer for her whenever she does so.
Through the breathtaking set design done by Bob Crowley, we are introduced to Aladdin’s humble home, Jasmine’s intimidating palace and see the contrast of their realities. The scenery is very much another character in the musical. The Cave of Wonders looks as if pulled from the animated film with a variety of jewels, gold, and of course, the iconic genie lamp.
Marcus M. Martin as the Genie performing "Friend Like Me." Photo by Deen van Meer.
Marcus M. Martin shines as the Genie due to his amazing vocal range and personable interaction with the audience. Within the” Friend Like Me” sequence, Martin bridges the traditional storyline with contemporary jokes and current references to shows like Dancing with the Stars and even a Disney medley.
The medley is a tribute to Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s Disney classics from “Tale as Old as Time” to “Under the Sea.” Martin makes the experience of the biggest production number an intimate one and you are instantly captivated by the Genie’s charm.
In the musical rendition of the story, there are familiar characters like the sultan Jafar and his loyal accomplice, Iago who is a dutiful parrot in the animated film. While they are the main villains plotting Aladdin’s downfall, they also have humorous moments as a clumsy sidekick and exasperated boss.
The musical also features new characters like Babkak, Omar and Kassim. Babkak is portrayed by Jake Letts, Omar is played by Ben Chavez, and Colt Prattes is Kassim. Hijinks and hilarity ensue whenever Letts, Chavez, and Prattes are on stage. Along with being his best friends, in many ways Omar, Babkak, and Kassim represent Aladdin's family. They have his back, call him out when he forgets his humble beginnings, and risk their lives to save him.
Orchestra seats are recommended if you want to view the 337 dazzling costumes up close designed by Greg Barnes. In fact in "Friend Like Me," each gold finale costume has 8,644 Swarovkski according to the Kravis Center. Creating Disney magic is certainly not a feat accomplished alone as 205 people in 18 different shops worked on the construction of costumes for Aladdin.
From the Genie granting Aladdin’s first wish to “A Whole New World” with a flying carpet and glittering sky, the musical is filled with show stopping moments for first time theatergoers and lifetime Disney fans alike.
Aladdin the musical is playing through December 23. Tickets are available for upcoming performances at the Kravis Center Box Office and online at kravis.org.
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