Aladdin is a sensational stage production of the Disney animated classic. It is wildly entertaining, vibrant, and very funny. The characters and scenes that had filled us with joy and wonder are still here. It is the perfect show for the whole family!
We are familiar with the story. The street urchin Aladdin who is tricked into getting a genie’s lamp for an evil vizier. The Genie befriends Aladdin and helps him to impress Princess Jasmine. Of course, nothing goes to plan. The fabulous songs are all here- “Friend Like Me”, “Prince Ali”- all performed with perfection. Especially “A Whole New World” a moving and soaring (no pun intended) duet with Aladdin and Jasmine flying on the Magic Carpet. Wow!
The entire cast is incredible and they all have strong chemistry with each other, especially Adi Roy (Aladdin), Marcus M. Martin (Genie), and Senzel Ahmady (Jasmine). Mr. Roy and Ms. Ahmady have a sweetness between them that makes Aladdin and Jasmine’s romance warm and real. Mr. Martin is the showstopper. He brings his own style, humour, and delightful energy to Genie, making the character lovable and exciting. As the vizier Jafar, Anand Nagraj is deliciously wicked and has the perfect villan’s voice.
The sets are marvelous: full of brilliant colours and nice details. The scene in the Cave of Wonders, where Aladdin finds the lamp, is jaw-droppingly spectacular! The effects are mesmerizing and some of the choreography makes references to other Broadway classics, like A Chorus Line. The show is not subtle and that is to be celebrated. The costumes are beautiful, over-the-top, and glorious.
Aladdin is magical storytelling that we all need right now. It is a must-see!
Photo credit: Deen van Meer
Aladdin presented by evenko and Broadway Across Canada. Show runs until April 2, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts, 175 Ste.-Catherine Street West, Montreal. For tickets call the box office at 514-842-2112 (or 1-866-842-2112) or go to www.placedesarts.com
