Ainsley Melham assumes the title role in Disney's Aladdin on Broadway

Melham joins new Genie Michael James Scott in the hit Broadway musical at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

Proud of Your Boy! Disney's hit Broadway musical Aladdin welcomes original Australian company member Ainsley Melham to the Broadway production at the New Amsterdam Theatre tonight, as scheduled, marking his Broadway and North American stage debut. He assumes the title role from Broadway favorite Telly Leung, who played his final performance in the musical on February 17, 2019.

Melham joins new Broadway cast member Michael James Scott, who also originated the role of Genie in the Australian premiere and who also served as the original stand-by for the role on Broadway and has starred in the show's National Tour. His other Broadway credits include Something Rotten!, The Book of Mormon, Elf, Hair, The Pirate Queen, Tarzan, All Shook Up, and Mamma Mia! Scott began performances on February 15, 2019, replacing Major Attaway, who exited the Broadway production on February 14 to star in the National Tour, but is set to return to Broadway following Scott's departure in September.

In addition, Mike Longo assumes the role of Kassim from previous company member Steel Burkhardt tonight. Mr. Longo has previously played the role in the National Tour and has also appeared in the National Tour of Kinky Boots and the Broadway production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

The principal cast of Disney's Aladdin on Broadway currently includes Ainsley Melham (as Aladdin), Arielle Jacobs (as Princess Jasmine), Michael James Scott (as Genie), Jonathan Freeman (as Jafar), Don Darryl Rivera (as Iago), JC Montgomery (as Sultan), Brian Gonzales (as Babkak), Brad Weinstock (as Omar) and Mike Longo (as Kassim).

Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw, Aladdin features a book by 4-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin, music by Tony Award winner Alan Menken, and lyrics by the late 3-time Tony Award nominee Howard Ashman, 3-time Tony Award winner Tim Rice and Mr. Beguelin.

Based on the Academy Award-winning 1992 animated film, Aladdin officially opened on March 20, 2014, following previews from February 26.

The production went on to be nominated for five Tony Awards including "Best Musical," with original cast member James Monroe Iglehart taking home the award for "Best Featured Actor in a Musical" for his performance as Genie.

The creative team behind Aladdin features scenic design by Bob Crowley, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Natasha Katz, and sound design by Ken Travis.

​Aladdin is produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions.

Disney's Aladdin Tickets are available now for performances through to August 11, 2019.

^{(Photos by Deen van Meer)}