The Plot: Aladdin is a poor guy who steals to eat and who
falls in love with Princess Jasmine. One day he is used by the evil Jafar and
soon finds himself with a magic lamp whose Genie can grant him three wishes.
The Cast: In the title role, Dean John-Wilson doesn’t
have a very strong presence on stage and although he has a nice singing voice,
he is no match for Broadway’s original Aladdin. I couldn’t stop thinking that
Stephen Rahman-Hughes, as one of this friends, was more suitable for the role.
On the other hand, Jade Ewen pleasantly surprised me as Jasmine; revealing a
beautiful singing voice and demanding our attention. As the bad guys, neither
Don Gallagher or Peter Howe get pass the caricature, but I guess that’s not
their fault. Everyone disappears of our radar as soon as Trevor Dion Nicholas
is on stage. His Genie is bigger than life and he owns every inch of the stage.
He is absolutely fabulous and literally stops the show with “Friend Like Me”
and deserves the standing ovation he gets.
The Score: Composer Alan Menken was in an inspired mood
when he wrote the songs for the movie and the new ones are as good as those.
Menken is one of the few contemporary composers who really knows how to write a
good theatre song, like the ones of Broadway’s golden age. There’s a joy to his
songs that’s completely contagious and his pop ballads are always magically
melodies; “Friend Like Me” and “A Million Miles Away” are two excellent
examples of both types. I believe all the movie songs are here, including one
of my favorites, “One Jump Ahead”. But a “Friend Like Me” and “Prince Ali” work
even better on stage. Of the new songs, my favorite is the very Broadwayish
“Somebody’s Got Your Back” and the beautiful ballad “Proud of Your Boy”.
The Show: Remember the old technicolor MGM movie
musicals? Now imagine one of those made on stage with all the money in the
world and a team of stage magicians. That’s what this musical is, an
unforgettable feast to all our senses! It’s true, it isn’t a deep show and the
characters are little more than stereotypes, specially the wicked ones. There’s
no doubt the target audience is kids of all ages and I felt like a child when I
saw the magic carpet flying. How did they do it? It’s truly magical! Visually
this is one of the strongest shows I have ever seen on stage. I guess costume
designer Gregg Barnes must have used all the sequins in the world, set designer
Bob Crowley was in a truly inspired mode and lightning designer Natasha Katz
had a full day. Director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw keeps the action
flowing and the dancing entertaining. The show may be childish, but the
emotions are real and I couldn’t resist its enchantments. This is a perfect
oiled show and probably Disney’s best stage production ever!
Cast: Dean John-Wilson,
Trevor Dion Nicholas, Jade Ewen, Don Gallagher, Peter Howe, Nathan Amzi, Rachid
Sabitri, Stephen Rahman-Hughes, Irvine Iqbal
Creative Team: Music by Alan
Menken • Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice & Chad Beguelin • Book by Chad
Beguelin • Choreography by Casey Nicholaw • Directed by Casey Nicholaw
Photos: Deen Van Meer, Matthew Crockett, Johan Persson
My Rate: 8 (from 1 to 10)
I got my wish... I saw ALADDIN!
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