Original cast members of Aladdin extend to 2016
It has been announced that the original lead cast members of Disney Theatrical's Broadway musical of Aladdin have extended their contracts to 2016 at the New Amsterdam Theatre.
Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), Jonathan Freeman (Jafar), James Monroe Iglehart (Genie) and Courtney Reed (Jasmine) will now remain in the production until 21 February 2016. This new musical, based on the Academy Award winning 1992 animated film, officially opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on 20 March 2014, following previews from 26 February 2014.
The show opened to generally positive reviews, with many critics praising the central performances as well as the staging by director Casey Nicholaw: "This is a wonderful adaptation filled with color, charm and loads of theatrical magic" (NY1); "The magic carpet flies smoothly and so does the rest of Aladdin" (Newsroom Jersey); "the show's ebullient comic spirit should make it a popular hit" (Hollywood Reporter).
The production went on to be nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Musical, with James Monroe Iglehart taking home the award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.
Also continuing in their principal roles are original cast members Brian Gonzales and Jonathan Schwartz as Aladdin's sidekicks 'Babkak' and 'Omar', Clifton Davis as 'Sultan', Don Darryl Rivera as 'Iago', Merwin Foard as the standby for 'Jafar/Sultan' and Steel Burkhardt, who recently joined the production as 'Kassim'.
Aladdin features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin with a book by Beguelin. Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs.
The musical is adapted from the 1992 Disney film of the same name and follows street urchin Aladdin who meets and falls in love with Princess Jasmine. Whilst Jasmine can only marry a prince, all is not lost as Aladdin owns a magic lamp, and with the help of its Genie sets out to win the hand of his princess in marriage.
The animated film Aladdin was released by Disney in 1992 and was a critical and box office smash, grossing over $500 million worldwide (not adjusted for inflation) and became the highest-grossing film of the year.
Aladdin is designed by six-time Tony winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, three-time Tony winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, two-time Tony winning costume designer Gregg Barnes and sound designer Ken Travis.
The production team also includes illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer and hair designer Josh Marquette. The music team is headed by music supervisor and music director Michael Kosarin, who will also create the vocal and incidental music arrangements, joined by orchestrator Danny Troob and dance music arranger Glen Kelly.
Adam Jacobs as Aladdin More production photosFrequently asked questions
What is Aladdin about?
Based on the beloved animated Disney movie, the Aladdin musical features romance and adventure as a Genie helps Aladdin win Princess Jasmine's affection. Don't miss this energetic, dazzling spectacle that will delight audiences of all ages. Rekindle the magic and travel to a whole new world when you get tickets to this Tony-nominated musical.
Where is Aladdin playing?
Aladdin is playing at New Amsterdam Theatre. The theatre is located at 214 West 42nd Street (between 7th and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.
How long is Aladdin?
The running time of Aladdin is 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 intermission.
What's the age requirement for Aladdin?
The recommended age for Aladdin is Ages 6+..
How do you book tickets for Aladdin?
Book tickets for Aladdin on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote Aladdin on Broadway?
Chad Beguelin wrote the script for the Aladdin musical, adapted from the 1992 movie's screenplay by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio. Alan Menken composed the score for both the film and the musical, and lyrics for the various songs are by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Beguelin.
What songs are in Aladdin on Broadway?
Aladdin on Broadway has 18 musical numbers. These include songs from the film, like "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me"; songs cut from the film, like "Proud of Your Boy"; and songs written for the musical, like "Diamond in the Rough."
Is Aladdin on Broadway appropriate for kids?
Aladdin is appropriate for kids of all ages, just like the Disney movie the show is based on. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
Does the Aladdin musical change anything from the Disney movie?
Aladdin added more songs that weren't in the original movie, and Aladdin has a trio of friends as his sidekicks instead of the monkey Abu. Otherwise, the plot and characters from the movie are mostly the same.
Who directed Aladdin on Broadway?
Two-time Tony Award winner directed and choreographed Aladdin. He earned a Tony nomination for Aladdin and has won for Some Like It Hot and The Book of Mormon.
When did Aladdin open on Broadway?
Aladdin opened on Broadway in February 2014 and is now the 17th-longest-running Broadway show of all time with more than 3,000 performances.
Is the Aladdin musical good?
New York Theatre Guide's four-star review praised Aladdin as "extremely impressive" and "the most vibrantly colourful of all Disney Theatrical's offerings to date." The show's staying power and appeal to all ages is clear, making Aladdin a great family-friendly show.
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