Rodney Ingram, Ainsley Melham & Marina Pires

Upcoming Broadway cast changes for Disney's Aladdin

The smash hit Disney musical approaches its sixth anniversary at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre.

Tom Millward
Tom Millward

Shining, shimmering, splendid news! Disney Theatrical has released details of upcoming principal cast changes for its smash hit Broadway musical Aladdin, as the show approaches its sixth anniversary at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

Ainsley Melham, star of the original Australian production of Aladdin, is set to return to the titular role on Broadway in March (with an exact date to be confirmed shortly). Current star Clinton Greenspan is scheduled to play his final performance as Aladdin on February 16, with Rodney Ingram re-joining the Broadway company for the interim period from February 17 until Melham's return.

In addition, Marina Pires is scheduled to make her Broadway debut, when she assumes the role of Jasmine from March 24 through May 31, 2020. Current star Arielle Jacobs is therefore set for her final performance in the role on March 22.

As previously reportedMichael James Scott, also an original star of the Australian production, will return as Genie from February 28.

The principal cast of Disney's Aladdin on Broadway currently includes Clinton Greenspan (as Aladdin), Arielle Jacobs (as Princess Jasmine), Major Attaway (as Genie), Tony Award nominee 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 NicholawAladdin features a book by 6-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.

Synopsis: "The musical comedy tells the story of Aladdin, a street urchin who meets and falls in love with Princess Jasmine. However, Jasmine can only marry a prince, but 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."

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 August 9, 2020.

(Photos courtesy of Disney Theatrical)

 

Frequently 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.

Originally published on

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