Image by: Deenvan Meer Disney
In 1992 Disney’s Aladdin captured the imagination of an entire generation. The 2019 Live Action film introduced a new generation of families. Since 2011 Aladdin has been a stage musical, which finally explodes from the lamp in Calgary until July 23rd at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
A sold out opening night mixed kids and adults who stared in wide-eyed wonder at the spectacle that unfolded onstage. The sets are spectacular, the cast brings such joy and energy to the show that it captures the audience, who cheered loudly after familiar songs and appearances by iconic characters.
It is huge Genie shoes to step into following Robin Williams and Wil Smith. Marcus M. Martin is phenomenal in the role. From the moment he appears as if by magic on stage, the audience laughed at the quips and enjoying every second. Jokes have been updated, and Martin makes the Genie his own while keeping aspects of the original as tribute.
Adi Roy’s Aladdin and Senzel Ahmandy’s Jasmine have chemistry together. Watching them ride the magic carpet while dueting on A Whole New World will give chills to anyone who has ever loved the film.
Also a standout is Colt Prattes as Kassim. He looked incredibly familiar – he will be recognized from playing Johnny in the 2017 Dirty Dancing remake and his iconic pairing with P!nk for her Try video and 2012 American Music Awards performance. In addition to great dancing, he has an excellent voice and a charisma that draws the audience’s attention without taking it away from the show.
There are a lot of changes from the film. Gone are parrots, tigers, and monkeys. Instead, Jafar’s (Anand Nagraj) evil sidekick Iago is a human (Aaron Choi.) Instead of Abu, Aladdin’s sidekicks are Omar, Kassim and Babkak – which was the original plan for the film. There are 7 additional songs, taking the 90-minute film to a 2.5 hour show including intermission.
Regardless of age, Aladdin will enchant and entertain. It’s well worth seeking out seeing this whole new world.
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Contributor Jason Clevett |
Locale Calgary |
Topic Broadway Across Canada | Theatre |
