Aladdin, the classic 1992 Disney animated film, was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2014. The musical features the beloved songs from the movie, as well as new material written specifically for the stage. Aladdin opened at the New Amsterdam Theater in New York City to much fanfare, earning critical praise and commercial success. But is the Broadway musical worth seeing? Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of seeing Aladdin on Broadway.
The Story and Characters
The musical follows the familiar story of the street urchin Aladdin who wins the heart of Princess Jasmine after finding a magic lamp containing a wish-granting Genie. The principal characters and general plot from the movie are retained, including fan favorites like the Genie, Jafar, Iago, and the Magic Carpet. However, the musical expands upon the film’s story and character development. There are two major additions – the characters of Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, three friends of Aladdin’s who provide comic relief, and Jasmine’s handmaiden Dalia who adds a secondary love story. The musical gives more focus on developing Aladdin and Jasmine’s relationship while keeping the humor and magic of the animated original.
Pros
- Faithful adaptation of beloved animated film
- Expanded story and character development
- Great portrayals of classic characters like Genie and Jafar
Cons
- Sticks close to movie plot, not very original
- New characters like Babkak, Omar and Kassim are underdeveloped
Music and Songs
One of the biggest appeals of the Aladdin musical is getting to hear the Academy Award-winning music of the movie performed live. All the iconic songs from the film are included like “Friend Like Me,” “Prince Ali,” and “A Whole New World.” Composer Alan Menken wrote an additional 11 songs for the stage musical as well, including expanded numbers for Jasmine such as “These Palace Walls.” The Broadway cast recording reached number one on the Billboard chart, demonstrating the popularity of the musical’s music.
Pros
- Features all the classic songs from the movie
- Great new Menken-written songs added for musical
- Spectacular live performances of songs like “A Friend Like Me”
Cons
- Some new songs not as strong as originals
Set Design and Special Effects
As a stage spectacle, Aladdin contains impressive scenery, costumes, and special effects. There are ornate sets depicting locations like the Cave of Wonders, the Sultan’s palace, and the streets of Agrabah. Genie’s magic allows for moments like having Aladdin and Jasmine fly on the Magic Carpet over the audience. Babkak, Omar and Kassim add humor through puppets and costumes. While it may not have the same dazzling computer animation as the movie, the stage design and effects create theatrical magic.
Pros
- Elaborate scenic and costume design
- Creative use of stage effects for Genie’s magic
- Minimal use of screens/projections helps stagecraft shine
Cons
- Can’t match visual scale and effects of film
Performances
The cast of Aladdin brings energy and enthusiasm to their performances. Many actors establish their roles well, like Jonathan Freeman reprising his original role as the villainous Jafar. Major roles like Aladdin and Genie require singing, dancing, and comedic abilities – recent stars like Ainsley Melham as Aladdin and Michael James Scott as Genie have excelled in those departments. The strength of the cast can elevate the material through their commitment to the animated style of acting and performing.
Pros
- Cast members capture the spirit of beloved animated characters
- Leads have great singing and dancing talent
- High-energy performances fit the tone of the movie
Cons
- Some performances more like exaggerated impressions
- Big shoes to fill with roles like Genie and Aladdin
Audience Appeal
Given the worldwide popularity of the Aladdin movie, the musical has very wide audience appeal. It is an ideal show for families and Disney fans of all ages eager to see live versions of favorite characters. The story remains engaging for children, while adults can appreciate the expanded plot and character relationships. People who loved the original music will enjoy hearing the songs performed live. Television exposure from performances on shows like The Tony Awards also keeps Aladdin circulating as a popular, mainstream stage production.
Pros
- Family-friendly appeal
- Caters to widespread Disney/Aladdin fanbase
- Entertaining for both kids and adults
Cons
- Might be too juvenile for some adult theatergoers
- Very familiar to those who have seen the movie
The Broadway Experience
For theater fans, seeing the Disney movie brought to life on stage in a Broadway production is a unique experience. The lavish musical numbers and familiar story come across differently when performed live by the talented cast. Experiencing moments like the Cave of Wonders and flying carpet scenes in-person carries excitement. The Broadway version expands upon the material while retaining the spirit of the animated classic. Even with the high ticket prices, seeing Aladdin on Broadway offers a memorable theatrical experience for Disney and Broadway fans.
Pros
- Special experience of seeing popular Disney film adapted for stage
- Classic songs and scenes gain new life when performed live
- Broadway production values enhance animated source material
Cons
- High ticket prices, especially for premium seats
- May not live up to expectations for some die-hard Aladdin fans
Is Aladdin on Broadway Worth the Price of Admission?
Here is a summary of average ticket prices to see Aladdin on Broadway:
Seat Type | Average Price |
---|---|
Rear Mezzanine | $100 |
Mid Mezzanine | $150 |
Prime Orchestra/Front Mezzanine | $250 |
Given the strength of the source material and Broadway production, Aladdin is a worthwhile show for most Disney fans and theatergoers. The musical numbers and performances bring great energy. While the story sticks close to the movie, the expanded characters and songs offer enough fresh material. The production captures the design, costumes, music, and magical elements that made the animated film so popular. For those who grew up with the movie, seeing the characters come to life on stage is magical. The ticket prices are typical of a Broadway show, but worth it for a fun theatrical experience for families, couples, or Disney fans of any age.
Conclusion
Aladdin on Broadway succeeds in adapting the classic Disney film for the stage. While the story remains familiar, the musical numbers, expanded characters, lively performances, and theatrical design elements make it an entertaining Broadway spectacle. For fans of the movie who want to experience Agrabah brought to life or see favorite characters on stage, Aladdin satisfies as a Broadway show. The general verdict is that while the high ticket prices are typical of Broadway, Aladdin provides a worthwhile theatrical experience that captures the spirit of the beloved animated film. Millions of Aladdin fans around the world will likely enjoy seeing the story performed live in a full Broadway production.