Brad Weinstock to join the Broadway company of Aladdin

It has been announced that Brad Weinstock will join the Broadway company of Disney Theatrical's Broadway musical Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre in the role of 'Omar' tonight. He succeeds original cast member Jonathan Schwartz.

Brad Weinstock makes his Broadway debut in the role. He has previously appeared in the National Tours of 'Wicked' and 'Jersey Boys.' Other stage credits include 'Sweeney Todd,' 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,' and 'Hero.'

The principal cast of Aladdin includes Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), Courtney ReedJames Monroe Iglehart (Genie), Jonathan Freeman (Jafar), Don Darryl Rivera (Iago), Clifton Davis (Sultan), Brian Gonzales (Babkak), Brad Weinstock (Omar) and Steel Burkhardt (Kassim).

Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, Aladdin features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin with a book by Beguelin.

Aladdin, 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. It is currently booking to 14 August 2016.

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."

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.

Disney Theatrical are launching a West End production at London's Prince Edward Theatre, which is scheduled to begin previews on 27 May, before an official opening on 15 June 2016.

- by Tom Millward