Genie-us Entertainment: Disney’s Aladdin Lights up the Theater
Imagine being granted a wish to be whisked away on a highly entertaining, magic carpet ride. The hit Broadway musical Disney’s Aladdin has arrived at the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco. The show is based on the 1992 animated film and I found myself immediately immersed in this fantastically choreographed spectacle.
Marcus M. Martin as Genie and Company Photo: Deen van Meer © Disney
Aladdin, played by Adi Roy, is an impoverished boy who dares to fall in love with a princess. Jasmine played by Senzel Ahmady is a princess yearning to see and be more than a pawn of men (like we do). A wicked vizier, a genie and a hapless sultan take turns to complicate and twist the plot in delightful ways. Alan Menken adapted the original score to the stage with some new songs. Lyricists Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and the show’s book-writer Chad Beguelin created lighthearted works designed to coax laughter from the audience.
Senzel Ahmady as Jasmine and Adi Roy as Aladdin. Photo: Deen van Meer © Disney
The Genie, cleverly played by Marcus M. Martin, is an all-singing, all-dancing, rapturous ball of energy. He invited the audience right into his own private party with the show’s most impressive number, Friend Like Me. Waiters swirled about the stage in brightly fez-topped, manic glee. The genie (and the costumes) seemed to grow in stature and brilliance as the performance went on, until suddenly the cast broke into an improbable tap dance. It was over the top fun, and we were willing and ready to go wherever the genie wanted to lead.
Jafar, played by a sneering Anand Nagraj, along with Aaron Choi as Iago, brought the right touch of humorous villainy. The show designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, seven-time Tony-winning lighting designer, is a feel-good jewel.
Senzel Ahmady as Jasmine and Company. Photo: Deen van Meer © Disney
Aladdin will play at the Orpheum through Sunday, August 13th. Tickets are on sale now at broadwaysf.com. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 888-746-1799, option 3 (M-F between 10 a.m. –5 p.m. PT) or by emailing groupsales@broadwaysf.com.
Aladdin Tickets here
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