Aladdin New Amsterdam Theater, August 2nd 2014

Aladdin, New Amsterdam Theater, August 2nd 2014

Aladdin, New Amsterdam Theater, August 2nd 2014.














I posted the following on my evaluation of "ALADDIN" on the Disney ticket site:


I adore you visual signs for NOT USING CELL PHONES, CAMERAS ETC, but the ushers need to be more vigilant with sneeky patrons.  I had to ask a man to turn off his VERY DISTRACTING CELL PHONE. I reported it at interval to the Theatre Manager and I was SO IMPRESSED they had an usher hover at a appropriate times in Act 2.  This needs to occur prior to Act 1 to stop inappropriate behaviour. Otherwise there will be a law suit.  We have spent a lot of money to come to NYC for a month and to have this behaviour is inappropriate.

Remember that some families have saved for months to see this show.  I spoke up on not on my behalf but every audience member.  Walt Disney would want ALL to have access to enjoyment. Let us stop this obsessive use of electronic media in theatres now!

The musical "Aladdin" is a wonderful family show that has been adapted from the animated Disney film.  The collaborators have restored some of the originally dropped material and re-instated it to create a fresh fun-filled show.

The music and lyrics are by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice while the book and additional lyrics are by Chad Beguelin.  Together they have created a fun-filled adventure that changes the appropriate moods for the various locations and atmospheres.  They have created songs of drama, adventure and romance.  The songs are snappy and memorable.

The scenic design by Bob Crowley is magical and uses clever circular lifts to transport our genie for some grand entrances and exits. 

The costumes by Greg Barnes are superbly realised to transport us into the fabled city of Agrabah. They pay homage to "Kismet" and  to all of the Saturday afternoon adventure films.  The colour palettes chosen for each major scene create a point of difference to heighten our memories of this superb show.

Together with the lighting designer Natasha Katz we have the kaleidoscope of colour for the bazaar, the mauves and blues for "The Palace Walls",  the gold and yellows for the cave,  and the majestic whites and lilacs for the opening of Act Two procession.  Natasha's lighting also allows us to fly with Aladdin and the Princess among the stars.

The direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw is slick, polished and entertaining. He has worked with an incredible production team to create the relationship arcs to take us on a journey of adventure.  This journey pays homage to the Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour from the "On The Road" films. It also pays homage to so much theatrical history from vaudeville to rap music.

The fight direction by J. Allen Suddeth provides us with the dramatic suspense that reminds me of the swash-buckling Errol Flynn adventures.  Even though it is campy and predictable it is choreographed with style, finesse and fun.

All performances by the "Aladdin" cast capture the essence of the Saturday matinee, the vaudeville jokes and of course the Disney animated feature film.

Aladdin played by Adam Jacobs was everyman's underdog and dreamer.  He plays the romantic lead with aplomb.  Jasmine played by Courtney Reed had a pure voice and a charismatic charm that is pure Disney.  The Genie played by James Monroe Iglehart paid homage to Robin Williams with his maniacal pace and effervescent personality.  His entrances alone are worth the price of the ticket.  Pure Disney magical bliss with the use of the scenery and mechanics.

Jafar played by Jonathan Freeman was superbly sinister and the atypical pantomime villain.  He had  originally voiced the role in the Disney animated film.  Historically he is the first voice actor to play a role originated from an animated film to the Broadway musical. Sheer perfection.  His off sider Iago played by Don Darryl Rivera balances Jafar with their slapstick vaudevillian antics.

This musical is not just for children as it has some very sophisticated humour as well as romance.

"Aladdin" is a musical that I could see again for its sheer entertainment value let alone the fine displays of magical illusions.

I totally recommend this production for the holistic experience, save the cell phone issue.