The cast of Aladdin performing 'Arabian Nights' / Photo Credit: Deen Van Meer
Disney's Aladdin
New Amsterdam Theatre
Reviewed on Saturday 5th April 2014 (evening)
Please visit www.aladdinthemusical.com for further information and tickets.
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| Adam Jacobs as Aladdin Photo Credit: Cylla von Tiedemann |
Aladdin is the latest Disney musical to open on Broadway and there has certainly been no expense spared. It's a huge Broadway show with a talented cast and vibrant design.
The stage production is very similar to Disney's 1992 film. It's quite remarkable to see an animated movie adapted into a live stage show. Growing up I had the movie on repeat, but it's been years since I last saw the film (of course I've seen countless pantomime productions of the show).
From the moment Aladdin began the movie came flooding back as the show is as identical as it could possibly be. This is the main problem with this stage adaptation, it's too close to the film and is severely lacking in originality. It's a nice family show but isn't consistently fresh and exciting.
James Monroe Iglehart steals the show as Genie. His performance triumphs because he brings something fresh and new to to character. Iglehart's performance is the only unpredictable element to the show, he commands the entire audiences attention and puts his absolute all into every moment.
The Genie's big production number 'Friend Like Me' is the highlight. It is probably the biggest production number I have ever seen, showcasing Casey Nicholaw (the production's Director/Choreographer who recently won an Olivier for choreographing The Book of Mormon) at his very best. I can't begin to imagine how hectic the backstage area becomes during the number as the ensemble quite literally sprint on and off stage in various costumes dazzling the audience.
The number brought many to their feet and it felt like the applause was never going to end. It's a great shame this standard of creativity is not consistent throughout the rest of the piece, although you certainty get your money's worth throughout the seven minutes! If the production does find its way to the West End it would be wonderful to see Iglehart reprise his performance, he would be sure to take the West End by storm!
James Monroe Iglehart as the Genie / Photo Credit: Cylla von Tiedemann
The casting team clearly spend hours searching for character look-a-likes, and they certainly found them! A strong vocal performance comes from Adam Jacobs in the title role. Aladdin is a demanding part to play but Jacobs nails it, performing with charm and ease whilst effortlessly jumping around the stage. His rendition of 'Proud of Your Boy' at the end of act one is a particularly heart warming moment.
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| Courtney Reed as Jasmine Photo Credit: Cylla von Tiedemann |
The other star of the show is the magic carpet which, unlike the film, doesn't make an appearance until the second act during 'A Whole New World'. I can honestly admit to having absolutely no idea how it works, but thankfully I was able to stop thinking 'How are they doing that?!' and sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacularly beautiful moment.
The song also brought many to their feet while others sat there in utter disbelief. Illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer is a very clever man! Jacobs and Courtney Reed (Jasmine) do the song great justice.
Aladdin provides the ultimate Broadway experience for families, but it's frustrating as it could be so much more than just a family show! It's far too safe, I wish more risks were taken.
It's not every day you see audience members brought to their feet during a performance once, let alone twice - so Aladdin is certainly doing something right. I am sure the creative team and Iglehart will have awards coming out their ears!
Those who love the film will be blown away to see how the story translates on stage and I will certainly struggle to sit through another pantomime performance of Aladdin after seeing this multi-million dollar Broadway monster of a show!
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Please visit www.aladdinthemusical.com for further information and tickets.
Follow @West_End_Frame
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