Based on the beloved Disney film, Aladdin is a thrilling musical that is taking North America, and Montreal’s Place des Arts by storm with its thrilling theatrical adaptation of the beloved animated classic.
Featuring all the cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning score and a few more written especially for the stage, this musical whisks audiences on a daring adventure filled with classic comedy, and timeless romance.
Out of all the Disney Broadway shows I’ve seen over the years, Aladdin definitely takes the cake as one of my absolute favorites. The set changes and swift costume changes were mind-blowing; visually, it was a feast for the eyes, especially the Cave of Wonders scene and the Magic Carpet ride love scene.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around how they pulled it off so seamlessly…must be Disney Magic !
PHOTO: DEEN VAN MEER, DISNEY PRODUCTIONS
The creative team behind Aladdin is a star-studded group of Broadway veterans who have collectively won an impressive 22 Tony Awards. This includes director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw, music composer Alan Menken, lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book writer Chad Beguelin, scenic designer Bob Crowley, lighting designer Natasha Katz, and costume designer Gregg Barnes.
The physical production of Aladdin is a feast for the senses, with lush and spectacular scenic designs by Bob Crowley and jaw-dropping illusions executed with subtle sophistication.
The show features an outstanding score that includes all five songs from the original animated film , for example fan favorites like `Friend Like Me, A Whole New World and Arabian Nights to name a few. The musical added in a few new numbers some of which will be stuck in your head for days like `Somebody’s Got Your Back` as well as ‘Proud of your boy’ .
The show also includes new characters such as Jasmine’s female servants and Aladdin’s trio of thief friends: Omar, Babkak and Kassim, who replace Abu, Alladin’s kleptomaniacal monkey in the animated film.
The North American Tour of Aladdin boasts over 200 custom-made costumes, featuring over 2,000 fabrics and trims sourced from around the world, and designed by Tony Award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes. The show’s technical aspects are equally impressive, with over 150 lights used throughout the show, and more than 15 tons of scenery and lighting suspended above the stage.
With its incredible creative team, unparalleled stagecraft from Disney, and stunning physical production, Aladdin is a must-see show that is sure to delight audiences wherever it goes. For more information, visit AladdinTheMusical.com/tour or follow the show on Instagram (@aladdin) and Facebook.
FUN FACTS :
North American Tour Costumes
Aladdin’s exquisite costumes are designed by Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes. It took Barnes eight hours to draw and paint each costume sketch.
All costumes worn in Aladdin are custom made, by hand, specifically for the show.
205 people in 18 different shops worked on the construction of the costumes for Aladdin.
Aladdin’s spectacular costumes feature 2,039 fabrics and trims from Morocco, Turkey, India, Uzbekistan, China, Tahiti, Japan, Guatemala, Mexico, France, Italy, England and Germany.
There are 236 costumes in the show
There are 77 pairs of custom made shoes in the show.
During one performance, 38 costume changes take place in under one minute.
There are 8,644 crystal rhinestones on EACH gold finale costume in “Friend Like Me.”
Jasmine’s wedding dress weighs 18 lbs. because of all the crystal beading.
INTERVIEW WITH SENZEL AHMADY ( PRINCESS JASMINE )
What do you think makes Aladdin such an enduring story and how has the audience reaction to the show evolved over time?
Aladdin is a story that we have all grown up with and I think it’s a beautiful thing that it has stuck with us to this day. It’s such an enduring story because of all the magic and imagination that’s comes with it, but also the real life aspects of love, friendship and coming of age. I think that due to the live action film that was released a couple years ago, audience reactions have become greater because a younger generation has now learned the story of Aladdin and older generations have been reminded of the familiarity that’s comes with it.
How do you maintain the energy and enthusiasm required for each performance?
I think reminding myself that it’s (mostly) everyone’s first time watching Aladdin that keeps my energy up. Also due to the fact that we are a tour, it’s more likely that a lot of children are getting to see their first musical and being able to be a part of that moment is both a responsibility and a blessing.
What can audiences expect from the Broadway production of Aladdin that they might not get from the movie or other adaptations?
In our story we don’t get Aladdin’s monkey Abu or have an actual parrot portray Jafar’s bird Iago, but I like to think our new characters add more depth to the story. There are also a lot of new songs that you haven’t heard in the film that are beautiful ! Some were actually written for the movie, but weren’t used so it’s cool to hear some songs that could’ve been in the movie initially.
– Can you speak to the importance of diversity and representation in the theatre industry, and how Aladdin is contributing to this movement? How is the production inclusive and respectful to all cultures and backgrounds represented in the story?
When it comes to stories like Aladdin, it’s so important to represent the many cultures that the story is derived from. Although it took a few years, I’m so glad Disney is now taking the action to hire POC and MENASA actors to be in our show. Seeing people of color actually represents characters who are meant to be people of color is so important, especially when it comes to shows that are on Broadway and/or are touring the country because they are the face of the theater industry.
– Any tips for those aspiring to enter the musical theatre industry ?
Work hard and get yourself in those auditions rooms! Despite my nervousness, I auditioned for Aladdin while I was still in college to get a feel for what auditions for professional shows are like and it led me here! If you keeping working hard and putting yourself out there, the opportunities will come.
*** I would like to thank Senzel Ahmady for her time to answer my questions as well as to congratulate her for her performance in the production.
PHOTO: DEEN VAN MEER, DISNEY PRODUCTIONS
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Disney’s ALADDIN – Broadway musical
SALLE WILFRID-PELLETIER – From March 28th To April 2nd, 2023
Producer / Presenter : Evenko
Venue : Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Language : English only
Duration : 2h20 with intermission
Performance schedule in Montreal:
- Tuesday, March 28 at 8 p.m. (opening night)
- Wednesday, March 29 at 8 p.m.
- Thursday, March 30 at 8 p.m.
- Friday, March 31st at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, April 1st at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Sunday, April 2nd at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Age restriction : Disney on Broadway performances are recommended for a general audience. As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, Disney recommends its productions for ages 6 and up.
* All persons entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket : babes in arms ticket prices are tied to the lowest regular ticket price charged in initial pricing.
Cast : subject to change without notice
For more information and tickets , please visit :