Aladdin is one of the most famous stories Disney ever told. Even now there are millennial adults who have no issues sitting down to pop in the old VHS version if the mood should strike. Of those new age parents who love the original film, there are surely an ample amount of them who have passed the story onto their children. That’s just the movie though. Now, there’s a chance for old fans and newcomers to see the famed fable live on stage. The best part is it’s accessible to anyone with a TV or laptop, and an internet connection.
Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular is much like the animated film especially when concerning the musical numbers
This particular production was staged in 2016 at the Hyperion Theatre at Disney California Adventure. This show is perfect for families who may be interested in watching something a little different. Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular is much like the animated film especially when concerning the musical numbers. That said, it’s also been updated to play to more modern audiences with plenty of hilarious references to things the youth of today will recognize. Same story, same songs, but definitely a different feel. As in the original story, Aladdin is a petty thief who lives on the streets. When he stumbles across a magic lamp, he’s met by a genie who informs him he is entitled to three wishes. His life could be about to change forever.
Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular actually ran for about thirteen years starting in 2003, so there was fresh casting over the time it was staged. One thing that isn’t in doubt is the talent Disney hired. Some of the musical numbers are far superior in quality to the animated film, with some of the actors exceeding expectations in the vocal department. The actors act as well as they sing, throwing out the occasional adlib and doing their upmost to make the audience apart of the show. Disney certainly didn’t under-budget with the set design either, as everything is built to last and was created to replicate the world of the story as close as could be managed. The lighting, tech, and staging is a testament of why the show was able to run as long as it did. The show is directed somewhat using a slight of hand technique, drawing attention where necessary so as to make other transitions flow easier. Much of this won’t be caught by the average viewer, but it should be mentioned nonetheless.
The story of Aladdin is a classic fairy tale and not one easy to bring to life in a live setting, but somehow Disney managed to pull it off. It has all of the fun from the film with a touch of present day influence and even a newly composed song not featured in the original. This also isn’t just for kids. Adults can have just as much fun with this, especially those who have children at home. What better way to get the younger crowd interested in live performances? Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular is a good place to start.
