Disney knows how to package its products for the masses. Based on the 1992 animated film of the same name, “Aladdin” is a faithful stage adaptation with extra theatrical flair. The Broadway tour has colorful sets, costumes and projections that light up every corner of the theater for an energetic evening of spectacle.
This stage adaptation succeeds in many ways that the 2019 live-action film did not. Whereas the live-action film attempted to fit a Will Smith-sized peg into a Robin Williams-shaped hole, the stage adaptation (this tour featuring Marcus M. Martin) takes the beloved Genie character and creates a new version fitted to this medium.
Martin’s performance as the Genie is spectacular. His humor, energy and powerful belt absolutely steal the show every minute he’s on stage (and he’ll even let you know). The highlight of the entire evening is “Friend Like Me,” the big band number that takes place amongst the glittering gold set of the Cave of Wonders, complete with projections and shimmer from floor to ceiling. The updated script has taken liberty with current-day pop culture references that only add to the unique version of the character special to the stage production.
Adi Roy as Aladdin and Senzel Ahmady as Princess Jasmine pay homage to the animated film with a flirty and earnest romance that culminates with the classic song, “A Whole New World,” including the impressive magic flying carpet.
The show’s one setback is the humor. It is customary and appropriate for the Genie to break the fourth wall and make references that only we will understand; he is all-seeing and magical so he sees beyond the world within the show. This makes it a little confusing when other characters scattered throughout the story do the same kind of fourth-wall breaking that’s so unique to the Genie. It doesn’t take away from the Genie’s jokes and one-liners; every joke elicited uproars of laughter from the audience. Having the other characters use this form of humor just made it even more obvious that nobody else could really pull it off.
This particular Disney production felt a little more “plastic” than their other stage shows. It’s not fair to compare it with “The Lion King,” the highest-grossing Broadway show of all time, but there still could have been some artistic liberty taken to make it feel like someone’s vision. It was also very apparent which music came from the original film and which songs were written for the stage; the new music felt slightly out of place amongst the classics.
Overall, the show is an enjoyable musical that suits children of all ages and Millennials looking to tap into their Disney Renaissance-filled childhood. It’s a fun and lighthearted night at the theatre that will leave a smile on your face.
(Photo credit: Deen van Meer)
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