Make Way for Aladdin the Musical in San Diego

Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher presents Aladdin, the US tour, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin: Clinton Greenspan (Aladdin), Michael James Scott (Genie), Isabelle McCalla (Jasmine), Jerald Vincent (Sultan) directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw

Make way for Aladdin the Musical in San Diego! Broadway San Diego brings Agrabah to the Civic Theater downtown. It’s the perfect performance for families, and a fresh take on the well-known movie.

Aladdin, adapted from the Academy Award®-winning animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical.  Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance.  This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage.

The musical is based on the beloved 1992 Disney animated movie which features the inimitable Robbin Williams as the Genie. Admittedly, I kept hearing Williams’ voice in my head throughout the musical. It’s also the very first movie our son, now 27, ever saw. And, it is one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time, after all.

The Genie in the musical is played by Major Atwood, who does an incredible job of endearing us to him, but more importantly, he makes the part totally fresh and completely his own. When you think you know the next line that’s supposed to come out of Genie’s mouth, what you hear is something more in tune with our times. The fast-talking genie’s lines are full of double meanings and quips to modern times and current events — not even Disney is safe from Genie’s jabs.

Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher presents Aladdin, the US tour, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin, photographed: Clinton Greenspan (Aladdin), Lissa deGuzman (Jasmine), Zach Bencal (Babkak), Jef Feder (Kassim), Philippe Arroyo (Omar), Jonathan Weir (Jafar), Jay Paranada (Iago) directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw

Aladdin, played by Clinton Greenspan, and princess Jasmine, played by Lisa deGuzman, take us back to a time when the only way to secure a successor for the throne was by arranged marriage. As the story goes, princess Jasmine was more progressive and wanted to marry for love and not to please her father, the Sultan. She finds love in a ‘street rat’ and is determined to change things for herself. But first, the evil Jafar, who wants the throne for himself, must be destroyed. With the help of Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine overcome this obstacle and live happily ever after.

The original score is complimented with new songs for Aladdin the Musical. Beautifully integrated into the plot, A Whole New World and Friend Like Me are still the biggest numbers of the play. However, one of the best surprises is the magic carpet ride. You’ll be mesmerized during this number!

Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher presents Aladdin, the new musical, music by Alan Menken, lyrrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto, Canada, starring: Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), James Monroe Iglehart (Genie), Courtney Reed (Jasmine), Brian Gonzales (Babkak), Brandon O’Neill (Kassim), Jonathan Schwartz (Omar), Clifton Davis (Sultan), Don Darryl Rivera (Iago), Merwin Foard (standby Jafar/Sultan), Michael James Scott (standby Genie/Babkak) and Jonathan Freeman (Jafar) directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw

The elaborate sets and ornate costumes are what make this production truly shine. The sheer amount of sequins on stage at any given moment is downright blinding!

Don’t miss seeing this classic story while it’s in San Diego. Aladdin the Musical plays from February 20 to March 3rd. Matinees and evening performances are available.  Get your tickets at BroadwaySD.com

Disclaimer: As a member of the press, I received complimentary tickets to this performance.