When Disney first arrived on Broadway, the theatrical community held its collective breath. Slow to gain recognition, the mouse’s first entry, Beauty and the Beast, won only one Tony Award (for costumes) despite receiving seven nominations. Out of nine Drama Desk nominations, it won none. But Beauty was a winner indeed, playing more than 5,000 performances over 15 years. Disney Theatrical has produced critical and popular successes like The Lion King and tangled missteps like Tarzan, as well as middling successes like Newsies The Musical. But Disney has landed its magic carpet triumphantly with Aladdin, a non-stop entertainment for the whole family.
Good Teamwork
So why is Aladdin so good? Simply put, everyone on stage is terrific and the creative team has given the performers everything they need to animate their characters. Let’s start at the top with a show-stopping performance by James Monroe Iglehart as the Genie. Robin Williams was a tough act to follow but, in his Broadway debut, Iglehart doesn’t so much top Williams as create a parallel universe that tickles and enchants while astonishing us with his versatility. Intended or not, he’s almost the central character. Somehow we know things are going to turn out all right for Aladdin, but if the evil Jafar (wonderfully played by Jonathan Freeman who was Jafar’s voice in the film) prevails, the Genie may remain stuck in that lamp forever. His eventual freedom is our joy.
Other Elements
In terms of production values, Aladdin doesn’t quite measure up to The Lion King. Its visual field is more two-dimensional. But like Beauty, the sets and costumes are colorful and inventive, with a few special effects that dazzle. (Try to figure out how the carpet flies.) The director and choreographer, Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon and Elf) provides the dancers with every step imaginable, and some that aren’t. It’s part of what helps the production move along at a brisk pace.
Alan Menken and Howard Ashman were the Rodgers & Hammerstein of Disney film scores. Together they wrote memorable songs for Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. (Ashman died and Menken completed the score with lyricist Tim Rice). This stage version builds upon their work with additional music by Menkin and lyrics by Chad Bequelin, who also adapted the story for the stage.
I’ve mentioned the actors who play the Genie and Jafar. The love couple — Aladdin and Jasmine — are played by Adam Jacobs (very Arabic) and Courtney Reed. They sing sweetly in the duet, “A Whole New World,” while floating on that very magic carpet. Clifton Davis is appropriately regal as the Sultan. Don Darryl Rivera plays Jafar’s companion Iago.
While I came expecting something more from the long-awaited production, I left extremely satisfied with this first-class entertainment that spreads fun and good karma even after you leave. Recommended for 6 and up.
George A. Wachtel is president of Audience Research & Analysis, A New York City-based market research firm specializing in arts and entertainment.
Disney Aladdin
New Amsterdam Theatre
214 West 42nd Street, NY
www.aladdinthemusical.com
