Aladdin – Kimmel Center

"Friend Like Me". Photo by Deen van Meer.

By Amanda VanNostrand.

Tales of rags to riches are always appealing, and when a rags to riches performance can encompass the basic storyline and integrate progressive themes and a diverse group of actors, the tale becomes even better. Aladdin is showing at The Kimmel Center’s Academy of Music until Sunday, July 1st, and this production does just that – it presents this classic tale while enchanting the audience with its messages and talent.  A timely, enjoyable performance that should not be missed!

Aladdin is based on the 1992 Disney film and includes much of the same appeal as the movie – the music, story, lines, costumes, and colors are reminiscent of the 90s film while remaining all the more appealing as the performance is played out before the audience (by human beings!). Aladdin is a young man living on the street and he accidentally encounters Princess Jasmine, a Palace escapee out for a Roman Holiday-esque adventure to escape the royal ways for a while. The two hit it off but are separated by their natural places in the world – he a member of lower class society and she the highest society there is. While they are separated against their will, Aladdin is tricked by Jafar, the Royal Vizier, and enters the Cave of Wonders to retrieve a lamp. Aladdin meets the Genie within the lamp and the two form a bond while Genie grants Aladdin wishes that submerge him into a world of dishonesty (while he gets just what he wants). Princess Jasmine must decide whom to marry (her stances about women’s rights are real crowd pleasers!), Jafar will stop at nothing to recover his lamp, and Genie wonders if his destiny lies within his lamp. A beautiful story full of intrigue and magic.

It should be noted that the show was paused twice due to technical difficulties. The overall wait time was less than half an hour, but when the production ensued both times the actors did not miss a beat and the show seemed flawless. This is the beginning of this round of performances so one would hope that these uncharacteristic snags have been recovered and the show will go on without interruptions such as these in future performances.

The cast of Aladdin is pure talent – they make each second of every scene impossible to look away from. And this is a diverse cast. Every child in the audience can all look up and see someone who looks like them. Philadelphia should have more casts like this.

The first actor in this show, and likely first on everyone’s list of favorites is Michael James Scott, who plays the part of Genie. His personality is fantastic. He brings the Genie to life and gives him a flare all of his own while keeping the audience engaged, laughing, and hoping for more and more of his scenes. He is a (no, the) pristine choice for this role and leaves large shoes to fill for whomever is next up for this part. Isabelle McCalla and Clinton Greenspan play Jasmine and Aladdin and the two are absolutely beautiful. They bring the two characters to life in their individual and coinciding scenes and take “A Whole New World” to another level. (They also maintain positive senses of humor when their scenes abruptly and unexpectedly end!)

The scenic and costume design (Bob Crowley and Gregg Barnes) compliment one another at every instance of this performance, creating scenes after scenes that are stunningly colorful and creatively placed before the lucky audience. From the streets of Agrabah to the Cave of Wonders, Jasmine’s bedroom, and the stunning night sky where the magic carpet ride takes place, every scene is more appealing and beautifully done than the next. The costumes are perhaps more colorful and intricate than the designs surrounding the actors. Barnes includes the shiniest of sequins on select costumes, giving the sense that the actors are sparkling. Between these visually appealing and brilliant choices, there are further extras such as strobe lighting, smoke, fog, and streamer cannons. Just when the performance doesn’t seem like it can get better, it does. (Aside from the technical difficulties.)

The music and dancing (Dance Music Arrangements by Glen Kelly and Music Director/Conductor, Brent-Alan Huffman) take the show to another level as well. The cast is able to mesh extremely well together creating fantastic numbers with the entire Ensemble. One such number is a tap dance that leaves one wishing for an encore – excellence!

This show is full of laughter, hope, and pure talent. Do not miss it!

Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher presents Aladdin, the US tour, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin: Clinton Greenspan (Aladdin), Michael James Scott (Genie), Isabelle McCalla (Jasmine), Jerald Vincent (Sultan) directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw

Advisory: Strobe lighting is used in this performance.
Running Time: Two and a half hours with one 18-minute intermission
Aladdin will be playing at The Kimmel Center, The Academy of Music until July 1st. The theater is located at 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. For tickets contact the box office at (215) 893-1999 or click here.
“Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher presents Aladdin, the US tour, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin: Clinton Greenspan (Aladdin), Michael James Scott (Genie), Isabelle McCalla (Jasmine), Jerald Vincent (Sultan) directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.”