Photo by Deen Van Meer

For everyone who loved the 1992 animated film, which deservedly picked up two Oscars along the way for 'Best Original Score' and 'Best Original Song' (for "A Whole New World"), you will be pleased to hear that the stage adaptation has remained faithful to its original source, with only a few alterations. The comic relief-providing animal characters of Abu (Aladdin's monkey sidekick) and Iago (evil parrot mascot of the villainous Jafar) have been replaced by human characters with the same function of drawing a few laughs from the audience. Aladdin is now accompanied by his three bosom buddies Babkak, Omar and Kassim (an all-singing and dancing Brian Gonzales, Brad Weinstock and Steel Burkhardt), whilst Iago is now personified in pygmy form by the hilariously gifted Don Darryl Riverra. Rajah, Princess Jasmine's faithful tiger companion, has also bit the Arabian dust in favour of three ladies-in-waiting characters. Apart from these human alterations, the essence of the movie has been preserved beautifully with the lavish use of bright colours, from costume design to scenic and lighting design. Indeed, the entire production is a visual feast for the eyes. As we all know, Disney Theatrical spares no expense when it comes to delivering some of the highest quality costumes and set pieces on Broadway.

One of the main draws for this production is, of course, that magical score composed by Tony and eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken. The 1992 score is perhaps my all-time favourite, when it comes to the movies, and it has only been enriched through the extended two and a half hour stage adaptation. Menken has added a number of beautiful ballads such as "Proud of Your Boy" (which was cut from the original movie), "These Palace Walls" and my personal favourite "A Million Miles Away." Aladdin's new pals also increase the pace with a couple of new up-tempo numbers like their introductory number "Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim" and again later on with "High Adventure." But the three main musical number attractions of the night come from recognised songs. "A Whole New World" showcases Disney magic extraordinaire with the magic carpet ride, which even leaves the adults in the audience in awe. Has the mouse house actually invented invisible wires??? Two other show-stopping numbers come from the hands of the real, show-stealing cast member - James Monroe Iglehart. His Tony Award-winning performance as Genie and his renditions of "Prince Ali" and especially "Friend Like Me" never fail to blow the roof off Disney's New Amsterdam Theatre. If he isn't out of breath by the end of each song himself, the audience certainly is, just by watching him. He oozes charisma out of every pour and is surprisingly light on his feet. He is the heart, soul and spine of this show - a real gem in the Disney Theatrical crown.

Click HERE to read our exclusive interview with James Monroe Iglehart.

With performances either entirely or almost sold out every day, it certainly pays to book ahead for Disney's Aladdin. The show appeals not just to children and those who grew up during the Disney Renaissance era of the 1990s, but also to older couples and grandparents, who just want to leave the realities of this turbulent, real world behind for an evening and discover the wonders of this whole new world. Disney Theatrical President Thomas Schumacher must surely be proud of his boy!

Click here for tickets to Disney's Aladdin for performances through to 20 November 2016 at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre.

- by Tom Millward